Do I *NEED* to run Windows Defender?

Discussion in 'other anti-malware software' started by bellgamin, Jul 15, 2006.

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  1. bellgamin

    bellgamin Registered Member

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    I recently installed WinXP. It seems that Windows Defender is included in the package, & is on the autostart list. I am considering whether to stop Win Defender from loading & running. Concerning which, I have two questions...

    #1- Am I correct in assuming that msmpeng.exe is the Win Defender exe file?

    #2- Do I really REALLY need to run Win Defender? (Seeing as how I have a-squared, DrWeb, OnlineArmor, Kerio, a router, HOSTS, ScriptDefender, MJRegWatcher)
     
    bellgamin, Jul 15, 2006
    #1
  2. lordpake

    lordpake Registered Member

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    For #1 I can't say right now, as I don't have access to family laptop right now which has Defender running, but for #2 I'd say you don't need it running in background with that setup.
     
    lordpake, Jul 16, 2006
    #2
  3. aigle

    aigle Registered Member

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    I think It is part of defender and other exe is MSASCui.exe( user interface of defender).
    Dependes, if u like to add a free real time singnarure based antispyware in ur set up and u still have resources in ur system, u can. I ilke that it tells about addition of new start up enteries, services and drivers etc).
     
    aigle, Jul 16, 2006
    #3
  4. bellgamin

    bellgamin Registered Member

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    I notice that SSM is running on your system. Won't SSM tell you about new start up entries?
     
    bellgamin, Jul 16, 2006
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  5. aigle

    aigle Registered Member

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    It will but it has no signatures.
     
    aigle, Jul 17, 2006
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  6. Peter2150

    Peter2150 Global Moderator

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    Why would it need signatures for that. SSM like Regdefend, just intercepts calls to those keys and alerts you something is trying to change.
     
    Peter2150, Jul 17, 2006
    #6
  7. bellgamin

    bellgamin Registered Member

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    @Peter- Yup, SSM gives more than adequate protection in that respect.
     
    bellgamin, Jul 17, 2006
    #7
  8. aigle

    aigle Registered Member

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    I mean the signature based protection of windows defenfer but I don,t know whether it extendes to addition of new run keys or not?
     
    aigle, Jul 18, 2006
    #8
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