Windows defender no longer works

The best option would be to run the installer over the top. It should allow you to access a repair option. Thanks for the reply Shane. The failure of my Windows Defender has happened in the month of November , I have just now discovered this community is only now that I wrote my post. The idea to re-install Windows Defender on Windows Vista is not feasible, I could only fully restore Windows Vista with the recovery CDs but that would mean the loss of about 3 years of WinVista Update and the need to reinstall all my software!!!

Under these conditions, I agree to remain without Windows Defender? What do you think? Sorry for may bad English!!! You can re-install Windows Defender separately to Windows Vista. You should also try running the System File Checking tool sfc. Directions for doing this can be found in this support article.

Thanks for the suggestions Shane but, as I said in my last post you can not reinstall Windows Defender only because, being integrated in Win Vista, the operating system does not allow it.

At this point I do not know what to do, do you have any other suggestions for me? Thank you. Thanks also to dvdbane for the suggestions. Name required :. Mail will not be published required :. Avast and Prevx have proven extremely reliable and compatible with everything I have thrown at them.

Microsoft Security Essentials and Prevx have also proven to be very reliable and compatible. Double Click Blue icon - details next to OK. Also get Malwarebytes - free - use as scanner only. If you ever suspect malware, and that would be unsual with Avast and Prevx running except for an occasional low level cookie no big deal , UPDATE it and then run it as a scanner.

I have many scanners and they never find anything of note since I started using this setup. Ok where do I start This thread is locked. You can follow the question or vote as helpful, but you cannot reply to this thread. I have the same question Report abuse. Details required :. Cancel Submit. SpiritX Volunteer Moderator. In reply to yakuza61's post on September 20, How satisfied are you with this reply?

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