What is WinDefend?

[Solaris17]

@1nf3rn0x

As you have malware on your system, the only guaranteed way of removing it, plus ensuring that Windows works reliably and properly, is to format your system disc and reinstall from scratch - or just put an image over it instead if you have one, which accomplishes the same thing. Make sure to back up any data first...

And how did it get on your system? The reason is in what you said: manual virus scan every two weeks with a free a/v. You might as well not bother. It's critical to have realtime scans done from a reputable a/v company. Personally, I've used the excellent Kaspersky Internet Security for years and its stopped a few nasties in its time.

but avast is reputable?

 

[1nf3rn0x]

well you said adaware found it. and i gave you the paths. i suppose you could always go look.

Adaware said it found some trojans but didn't give me a path, but during the scan windefend was not running. Yet now it runs. Got skype or something like that?

 

[Red_Machine]

Microsoft Security Essentials has real-time defence, as does AVG Free and any other decent free offering I've tried over the years.

 

[1nf3rn0x]

enable hidden files and folders if you havent already check for windefend.exe in these places.

C:\Documents and Settings\User\Application Data\WinDefend.exe

C:\Windows\System\WinDefend.exe

but first kill the process.

then press windows key+R and type

"msconfig"

go to the startup tab and show me everything in it.

Under the startup processes it is not there. I'm confused if it is actually just a general windows process or a virus

 

[Frick]

And how did it get on your system? The reason is in what you said: manual virus scan every two weeks with a free a/v. You might as well not bother. It's critical to have realtime scans done from a reputable a/v company. Personally, I've used the excellent Kaspersky Internet Security for years and its stopped a few nasties in its time.

There are good free AV software. Some free ones have better protection than paid ones (AVG vs McAffe for instance). IS packs are a different story, but for just AV the free ones are more than enough.

 

[1nf3rn0x]

Fixed. /end

 

[Frick]

Fixed. /end http://images.community.wizards.com...95aadfe16db4581fd07c0fb8dd3e9919.jpg?v=135040

No, now there will be three pages of paid AV vs free. Flaming and trolling will run rampant, infractions will be handed out. Then closing.

 

[brandonwh64]

Did you no try my sugestion and that of the link is sent you. The OP on that thread removed it using adaware. :shadedshu

*EDIT*

Just seen like 6 new posts since I was checking the thread. glad you got rid of it

 

[qubit]

but avast is reputable?

There are good free AV software. Some free ones have better protection than paid ones (AVG vs McAffe for instance). IS packs are a different story, but for just AV the free ones are more than enough.

Yes, Avast is reputable and I don't mean to suggest that it isn't. However, running a manual scan every two weeks is pointless regardless of what you have. You need the realtime protection of any a/v software to have any real protection and even then it's flakey - yes, even with my beloved Kaspersky. The biggest part of the security strategy is using a hardware firewall (found in most routers) and using your computer sensibly, avoiding exposure to any unecessary threats wherever possible.

No, now there will be three pages of paid AV vs free. Flaming and trolling will run rampant, infractions will be handed out. Then closing.

You're just so bad!

I mean I found it hilariously funny, not the other kinda bad.