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Windows Security Alerts thinks my computer might be at risk
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Posted January 17, 2013 at 9:58PM
Hi,
According to my Microsoft Security Essentials, my PC (Windows XP) is ‘Protected’, yet according to my Windows Security Alerts, in a bubble that pops up from my toolbar most of the time I switch on, ‘your computer might be at risk; your anti-virus software might be out of date’.
Should I be concerned, or do the Security Alerts not register Microsoft’s own security system?
If I needn't worry, how could I stop the bubble from delivering its alarminmg message so frequently?
Thanks, Laurence
Likes # 1
Posted January 18, 2013 at 10:16AM
How often do you do Windows update. It may be warning you that the definitions are out of date. New definitions are usually available daily. Can't remember but is there a setting in MSSE to warn you if definitions have not been updated for "X" days
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Posted January 18, 2013 at 12:12PM
Right-click on the MSE icon on the taskbar and choose to Update - just takes a few seconds or so.
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Posted January 18, 2013 at 3:13PM
It may also be that you have not run a scan recently.
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Posted January 19, 2013 at 5:35PM
Thank you for these very helpful answers, Alan, Nontek and John.
My MSE is scheduled to update and scan daily. Right-clicking and updating as Nontek suggests does remove the warning icon, but on my slow old machine it takes more than a few seconds, and as it is another extra little task need I bother, given the daily schedule? If not, can I prevent the balloon from appearing so frequently?
Manks thanks again, Laurence
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Posted January 19, 2013 at 6:37PM
Hi
I was not aware that MSSE was capable of automatic updates but it is quite a while since I last used it so maybe I am out of date
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Posted January 19, 2013 at 10:39PM
MSE does update automatically as a rule, but you will still need to run a Quick Scan occasionally and/or do a Manual update.
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Posted January 20, 2013 at 12:08PM
You can disable these warnings if you wish. Click on the Flag icon and select Action Centre/Security and set it up as you think is right for yourself.
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