BleepingComputer.com: Hi! I'm New Here

Hello everyone!
I've read a little in this forum and I decided to join since I am in need of a little assistance. I'm looking for a little help with the security center in Windows Vista. My problem is that security center is telling me that I do not have antivirus installed or windows defender activated, but I do. I am running the latest free version of AVG antivirus from Grisoft(8.0), and I let Windows Defender run every night. Recently, the windows security center is telling me that neither is functional. I've tried updating the definitions of both and running full scans, but that does not seem to change anything. I ran a Hijack this report, but I don't really know what I'm looking for. I'm going to look around here and see what I can find here. If anyone has had similar issues, or can help with interpreting the hijackthis report, I would appreciate the help.

Thanks in advance,
Tim

Mod Edit: Topic moved to more appropriate forum~ TMacK

Welcome to BC LSUZ28

FAQs Windows Security Center

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It is the responsibility of the anti-virus or firewall vendor to design their software so that it will be recognized by the Windows Security Center. The vendor also must submit the information to Microsoft so the Windows operating system catalog can be updated with the software signature addition.

Sometimes, the Security Center stops recognizing an antivirus or firewall program. Here is one possible solution that may work:

• Click on Start > Run and type: services.msc
  
• Press OK.
  
• Click the "Extended tab" at the bottom to view all the info on your services.
  
• Scroll down the list and find the service called Windows Managament Instrumentation.
  
• When you find the service, double-click on it or right-click and choose "Properties".
  
• In the Properties Window > General Tab that opens, click the "Stop" button.
  
• From the drop-down menu next to "Startup Type", make sure its set to "Automatic".
  
• Exit and return to your desktop.
  
• Right click Start and choose Explore.
  
• Navigate to C:\Windows\system32\wbem\repository
  
• Delete or rename this subdirectory ONLY.
  
• Close Windows Explorer when done and reboot your computer.

This will rebuild the deleted folder and the database. Once restarted, Windows Security Center should show the correct information and antivirus/firewall should be recognized.

If that does not resolve the problem, see:
"How to Disable Antivirus Alerts When Security Center Does Not Detect Installed Anti-virus["

Note: Some Anti-virus programs will disable the Windows Security Center in order to take care of things themselves. For example, when the McAfee Security Center is selected as the default security center, it turns off alerts within the Windows Security Center so that the Windows Security Center will no longer notify you if your firewall and/or antivirus are disabled.

Thanks! I'll give that a try when I get home tonight.

quietman7, on Apr 30 2008, 10:27 AM, said:

I followed the steps above and everything seems to be back to normal. Thanks quietman7! I appreciate your help.

You're welcome.