Microsoft Security Essentials - Freezing- Advice Please

Hi guy's

I am currently running Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit , and have no other AV applications installed ( windows defender is disabled ) I am currently running Zone Alarms ( free ) Firewall.

I installed Windows Security Essentials and updated it with out a problem, I then attempted to do a quick scan, the scan sequence started and then the computer just froze , no amount of trying would put things right , so I had to manually switch off and re boot , I again tried the same scan procedure several times , all caused the computer to freeze

So I am at a loss , I would really like to run Windows Security Essentials , can you please advise me where I am going wrong, and what I have to do to be able to run Windows Security Essentials


Thanks

 

Already tried to install the three windows hotfixes to address bugs in MS WPF?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976759
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/979278
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/981889

You need to remove ZA before installing these fixes (otherwise they will not install correctly). You will find latest ZAfree here.

 

That was Quick

Thanks for the reply its appreciated , just one more quick question ..

You need to remove ZA before installing these fixes. You will find latest ZAfree

does that mean I totally remove my current ZA and then re install the latest version after ive sorted out the freezing problem ?

just a thought

Thanks

 

In simple words, MS has inherent problems in the firewall filtering APIs of VISTA and Windows 7, these will create problems to any third party firewall using native MS APIs. Remove ZA, install all hotfixes and reinstall latest ZA. If it was a WPF issue this will be cured

Fax

 

Thanks again-

 

You're welcome!

 

Trust me , what I should have said is ..

I have no other AV installed ( only Windows Security Essentials )

Thanks

 

Yes, sorry I misread your message saying you have no other AVs (message removed, not fast enough!)

 

Is this problem related to ZA firewall only ? I am using MSE only... but have tried it with pctools firewall and never had any kind of freezing or other problems. Are these hotfixes reqired while using other third paty firewalls with MSE?

 

It is related to all third party software using native windows 7 WPF. Many firewall still use old XP protocols (that run perfectly fine on windows 7 or vista) or avoid using it. Don't ask which ones since I don't know.... I know that ZA was the first to fully use MS new WPF platform. It required a full re-writing of the code and obviously can create problems if there are bugs.

The advantage of using native OS calls (rather than emulation) is the level of integration with the system (deeper) as well as the higher degree of stability and less proneness to conflicts.

I would personally recommend these patches to all users with third party firewall software. Otherwise just wait for windows 7 SP1, the above patches will be integrated there.

Fax

 

I know I'm going to sound dumb , but here goes

when I click the .... kb/976759 to get the hotfix I get this option ....

Code:

http://a.imageshack.us/img251/7970/capture976759.jpg 

( sorry can't seem to post a screen shot )

and on this page I cannot see any reference to the..kb/976759

all so it shows sp1 / 3 and I have sp 2

what am I missing


Thanks

 

then skip it... well well... noticing now you are on VISTA and not windows 7.
The fix also apply to VISTA but start doubting its a WPF issue. Its far less common on VISTA...

Anyway... you don't loose anything by trying it.

 

Hi Thanks,

I'll post back how I get on ( if it don't go bang )

Mypenry