Microsoft Security Essentials not getting definition updates in a timely manner

3460 Views 15 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Exid0r, Jan 1, 2011

Jake

Discussion Starter · Dec 31, 2010

I have Windows updates downloaded automatically (but not installed). Once I see the flashing alert on the task bar I browse and install the ones I want. I decided to run IE and go to the Update website manually to browse the optional downloads. There was an optional update alright. It was for MSE definitions. 1.95.3003.0 to be exact. Not only that but it was 66MB! I opened MSE and according to it all is well and up to date running 1.95.2951.0. What is the point of this post? Well I assumed MSE would be updated (since it is set to automatically install on my PC) and 66MB is pretty hefty no? And why is it "optional". I can understand if you don't use MSE but those that do should get it ASAP no? Does anyone know if MSE checks at the same time as WU?

I assume this is left hand (of Microsoft) not knowing what the right hand is doing.

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hugh

· #2 · Dec 31, 2010

I'm confused. Is this a software update or a virus definition update?

I assume that virus definitions are updated daily and are automatic but software updates would be checked less frequently and are not automatic since you may not want a 66MB download over your 3G connection.

Jake

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 31, 2010

It was for MSE definitions

Definitions only. Perhaps it is a software update rolled into one. But it does not indicate that.

Like you I assumed MSE ran more frequently than WU. That does not appear to be the case. Just for fun I am going to leave MSE alone to see how long before it checks for an update.

hugh

· #4 · Dec 31, 2010

Definitions are definitely not 66MB hence why I asked. I think its a mislabeled update

scrooloose

· #5 · Dec 31, 2010

Microsoft probably allows the software to be up-to-date based on when it last checked for updates. Mine checks at least once a day, perhaps more, but it's probable they release updates more frequently than that. Essentials may check for updates outside of Windows Update too, so the two may not be in sync.

-Mike

hugh

· #6 · Dec 31, 2010

I checked mine at 11:30am today and it said that I had the virus definitions from last night at 10:50pm. I clicked on update and it updated them to 6:30am this morning.

My guess is the virus updates happen multiple times a day and the system automatically checks maybe once a day. I couldn't see anything in settings that allowed you to alter how often it checks for virus updates.

Jake

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 31, 2010

This is what I have now. I will see what happens later today.

Microsoft Security Essentials Version: 1.0.2498.0
Antimalware Client Version: 2.1.6805.0
Engine Version: 1.1.6402.0
Antivirus definitions: 1.95.2951.0
Antispyware definitions: 1.95.2951.0

Last update was 1:37 30th December. But you would think that launching the app would trigger an update but that does not seem to be the case.

Definition Update for Microsoft Security Essentials - KB972696 (Definition 1.95.3003.0)
Date last published: 12/31/2010
Download size: 66.6 MB
Install this update to revise the definition files that are used to detect viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed.

scrooloose

· #8 · Dec 31, 2010

This is as close as I could find to fact:

http://social.answers.microsoft.com...e/thread/74e507b8-f6da-4eca-8ce7-d1aca7d3f1ba

"The Microsoft Antimalware group deploys updates for MSE (also Forefront and Windows Live OneCare) typically a few times daily."

"Updates are a once per 24 hour check on a schedule determined by MSE. There is no setting within MSE to change the scheduled time or frequency."

"MSE will report that it is up to date and in good status even if the definitions are a few days old on the PC."

-Mike

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KevinK

· #9 · Dec 31, 2010

Not to depress you further but MSE was updated to Version 2.0 on 12/16. It will not update itself, you have to download/install it manually:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...70-9649-4a87-8532-33d813687a7f&DisplayLang=en

I did a manual update just before writing this post and I have:

Security Essentials Version: 2.0.657.0
Antimalware Client Version: 3.0.8107.0
Engine Version: 1.1.6402.0
Antivirus definition: 1.95.3003.0
Antispyware definition: 1.95.3003.0
Network Inspection System Engine Version: 2.0.5854.0
Network Inspection System Definition Version: 9.1.0.0

Prior to that update, the definitions were 1.95.2920.0, dated 12/30.

Looking at my update history, it's pretty much 1 update/day with a couple instances of 2 updates in the same day.

Kevin

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poodigger

· #10 · Dec 31, 2010

On a somewhat related topic, I updated my MSE probably 20 times this week with the most recent about 10 minutes ago. According to my MSE install, my latest virus and spyware definitions are 1.95.3003.0, which is the latest according to microsoft. The problem is that MSE keeps reporting that my definitions are out of date!

Anyone have any ideas?

I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling MSE, and have run a virus scan with MSE and comodo and still nothing.

Cody

Exid0r

· #11 · Dec 31, 2010

"Updates are a once per 24 hour check on a schedule determined by MSE. There is no setting within MSE to change the scheduled time or frequency."

True, however it is possible to change in the registry. I have mine set to check for MSE definition updates hourly.

An alternative is to create a scheduled task to update the MSE definitions.

There are a number of sites offering detailed instructions for the above options.

Jake

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 31, 2010

Thanks Kevin for the heads up on version 2. I have a feeling the 66MB definitions update must contain that version. Why would Microsoft not push this out or publish it via Windows Update?

Nope. The WU did nothing except give me the 1.95.3003.0 definitions.

In fact if you want to update MSE you have to go to the HELP menu (yes you are reading that right) and select update IIRC. However, when I did that it reported it was up to date. Oh well.

classicsat

· #13 · Jan 1, 2011

I have 1.95.3065.0, dated 2011/1/1, 6:27. This compter is usually on 24/7 though

99semaj

· #14 · Jan 1, 2011

I uninstalled MSE on a Win7 machine and reinstalled from the Help tab link but only got 1.95 again. I reinstalled directly from the link @KevinK provided, and although the download page said v2, again i only got 1.95. Also the "optional definition" update was only 62kb for me.

MSE has never felt like a serious effort, but it is good enough for hobby use.

Jake

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 1, 2011

Which of these are you looking at?

Security Essentials Version: 2.0.657.0
Antimalware Client Version: 3.0.8107.0
Engine Version: 1.1.6402.0
Antivirus definition: 1.95.3065.0
Antispyware definition: 1.95.3065.0

Exid0r

· #16 · Jan 1, 2011

On a somewhat related topic, I updated my MSE probably 20 times this week with the most recent about 10 minutes ago. According to my MSE install, my latest virus and spyware definitions are 1.95.3003.0, which is the latest according to microsoft. The problem is that MSE keeps reporting that my definitions are out of date!

The standard first answer from the MSE forums seems to be:

Right click the clock in the system tray. Select Adjust Date and Time.
Verify and correct the month, day, year, hour, minutes and time zone.
Reboot if you changed any of the above.

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