Avoid Windows Anti-Spyware and Windows Defender

[jntaylor63]

Did an install and update with these two programs and it screwed my system:

1.) IP would not renew

2.) Firewall / ICS could not start

3.) Slow boot-up on a fast machine

Just for starters! Was able to restore and correct.

1st and last time using this stuff from MS!

[Nelson37]

As do many people, you are mistaking Cause and Effect. Unless you can recreate the situation and repeat the results, there is not necessarily a direct link here. You have taken an action, the install and update, and then observed a condition, the problems you have detailed.

I have installed these programs on several Dozen PC's, with ZERO observed ill effects, and several definite, repeatable, repairs of existing problems.

My experience does not PROVE the programs might not cause a problem, though the numbers indicate it is not likely. Your experience does not PROVE the programs did cause a problem, and an instance of one is not very useful.

PC problems occur, often at random times. The last thing done to the unit is often completely unrelated to the problem. Also, the observed problem could be the result of an interaction of unknown quantities, perhaps you have another AV or anit-spy prog that is conflicting, or perhaps the MS prog removed an infected system file that had been replaced by some spyware. Or perhaps they simply do not work well on your particular mix of hardware and software. So be it. But these programs work just fine for dozens in my personal experience, and for hundreds of thousands worldwide. The sky does not seem to be falling for most of them.

[oldandinthe way]

I have it running on XP SP2 with Spybot. and Norton Antivirus with the Norton firewall. No problem.

[guns1inger]

We have it on 500+ laptops (XP SP2) with no incidents as you have described. Not saying it is the greatest piece of software in the world (I use spybot at home), but it is stable, especially for a beta from M$, and does mostly what it says it does.

[Tom Saurus]

I installed Microsoft Anti Spyware and haven't had any problems with it. I think it slows the computer down a teenie bit, but only when you deleting your temperory internet files, or emptying your recent documents folder. There seems to be a slight pause when you do that, other than slight delay, nothing springs to mind as being negative. I put alot of trust in this program and I feel better with it running on my computer. I also have Spybot Search & Destroy, Spyware Blaster and Norton Anti Virus and there seems to be no conflicts between them all. I also have the Windows Firewall that is built into Windows Security Center.

[Faustus]

Same here, zero issues. I've even spoken (online mind you) with one of the guys who works on it. Seems like great software.

[kschang]

No issues with it. I'm running it with Sygate Personal Firewall and Norton Antivirus, along with Spybot and AdAware. No conflict at all.

[DVD_NDN]

like other users, I echo the sentiment - no issues with defender. I am using Avast! antivirus, MS antispyware / defender. Xp(home) SP2.

[edDV]

Defender found (and removed) a nasty one that Ad-Aware SE totally missed.

The reverse is also true.

[guns1inger]

Most studies of anti-spyware I have read seem to indicate that no single product will get everything, and that two good ones are required to cover your bases.

[ROF]

Most studies of anti-spyware I have read seem to indicate that no single product will get everything, and that two good ones are required to cover your bases.

Unless both these "good ones" fail to catch it in which case a third one might be a good idea. Then again, it's been a very long time since I have had any problems with spyware or warnings if issues related to spyware. I guess if you surf safely, install liberally, and don't visit the shady portions of the net you shouldn't need numerous anti-spyware programs bogging down your net experience.

[Sam Ontario]

Defender found (and removed) a nasty one that Ad-Aware SE totally missed.

The reverse is also true.

I am using Ad-Aware SE but I am not aware of any nasty one, pls elaborate what is it, thanks.

[edDV]

Defender found (and removed) a nasty one that Ad-Aware SE totally missed.

The reverse is also true.

I am using Ad-Aware SE but I am not aware of any nasty one, pls elaborate what is it, thanks.

For some update reason, defender history only goes back to April 10.

It found a red priority malware on the general use computer here. The computer was acting up, I ran Ad-Aware SE and it didn't find it. Defender beta found it and removed it.

Adaware finds things that Defender doesn't so I run both.

[Faustus]

There are many things that Ad Aware either doesn't fine or doesn't remove. Spyware has gotten very nasty recently.

I will say this, the guys at MS are being VERY agressive when it comes to definitions and finding new spyware. They just won't reveal any of their processes to the outside.