AVG has disappeared!

[Gordon Biggar]

I am running a Vista 64-bit platform with a VMware guest, using Vista
32-bit. Although I have Windows Defender running in the guest system, I
have not had any anti-virus software (I use McAfee on the host system).
Last night, I downloaded and installed the AVG-free anti-virus software for
the guest system. It was working as intended when I shut down the computer.

This morning, in booting to the guest system, there is no AVG software in
sight. The downloadable program from AVG is not even found in the Downloads
folder! Windows Defender is still operable, and telling me that I do not
have an anti-virus program installed.

I wish I could make my IRS returns disappear like that. Does anyone have a
clue as to what transpired?

Gordon Biggar
Houston, Texas

 

[Jon]

I am running a Vista 64-bit platform with a VMware guest, using Vista
32-bit. Although I have Windows Defender running in the guest system, I
have not had any anti-virus software (I use McAfee on the host system).
Last night, I downloaded and installed the AVG-free anti-virus software for
the guest system. It was working as intended when I shut down the
computer.

This morning, in booting to the guest system, there is no AVG software in
sight. The downloadable program from AVG is not even found in the
Downloads folder! Windows Defender is still operable, and telling me that
I do not have an anti-virus program installed.

I wish I could make my IRS returns disappear like that. Does anyone have
a clue as to what transpired?

Gordon Biggar
Houston, Texas

I think there's a setting in VMWare somewhere to remove any changes made to
the system, once you shut it down. You've perhaps got that option checked..

 

[Kevin John Panzke]

YOU SHOULD NOT BE USING MCAFEE, NORTON AND/OR AVG AS THEY ARE A
HORRIBLE ANTI-VIRUS SUITES ACCORDING 2 SEVERAL MICROSOFT MVP'S IN XP
GENERAL! USE MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS INSTEAD!

 

[Gordon Biggar]

I reloaded AVG last night; shut the guest system down and re-booted several
times without a problem. And, the software is still there this am. All
very strange. I will check on the VMware option, however.

How does Windows Defender stack up in terms of security protection? I
thought that I had read on this forum that AVG was more than ample for
anti-virus, but it was some time ago, and it may not have been an MVP.
McAfee came with the Dell, so I am awaiting its expiration. I am not
familiar with Microsoft Security Essentials, but will check into it.

Thanks for the responses.

Gordon

 

[Richard in AZ]

AVG 9 will disable Windows Defender. Not much you can do about according to AVG.

 

[smlunatick]

I reloaded AVG last night; shut the guest system down and re-booted several
times without a problem.  And, the software is still there this am.  All
very strange.  I will check on the VMware option, however.

How does Windows Defender stack up in terms of security protection?  I
thought that I had read on this forum that AVG was more than ample for
anti-virus, but it was some time ago, and it may not have been an MVP.
McAfee came with the Dell, so I am awaiting its expiration.  I am not
familiar with Microsoft Security Essentials, but will check into it.

Thanks for the responses.

Gordon

MS Defender will only detect and remove a "limited" number of
"malwares." It is not a complete AV or anti-malware utility. It is
not that good and most "respectable" AV programs will turn it off.

 

[Gordon Biggar]

Appreciate your thoughts. Since the McAfee that was packaged with my laptop
will expire soon, do you have a strong recommendation on a replacement.

GB

 

[Michael]

Gordon. Microsoft Security Essentials does the trick. Un-intrusive and has
caught everything that's been thrown at it. (I tested it thoroughly)
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

[Gordon Biggar]

Sir Michael --

Now that's a strong rec! Appreciate the link, too. Since I've been using
AVG in my guest environment, I will go ahead and install it there, while I
await the expiration of my McAfee subscription that is being used on the
host.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Gordon

Gordon. Microsoft Security Essentials does the trick. Un-intrusive and
has caught everything that's been thrown at it. (I tested it thoroughly)
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

[Michael]

Just make sure you use CrapAfee's uninstall program before you give MSE a
try.

http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Sir Michael --

Now that's a strong rec! Appreciate the link, too. Since I've been using
AVG in my guest environment, I will go ahead and install it there, while I
await the expiration of my McAfee subscription that is being used on the
host.

My view is somewhat different from his. Here's my view:

1. McAfee is a very poor product. Don't wait to dump it, but do it
immediately, and replace it with a better anti-virus product *now*.

2. If you are willing to spend money for a better anti-virus program,
get eSet NOD32. If you want freeware, get either Avira or Avast.

 

[Gordon Biggar]

Sir Kenneth --

Now you've got me! I actually have Computer Associates on an older desktop.
It was recommended to me years ago by an MVP on the Windows 2000 Forum when
I was running Windows 2000 (and the software was free then, believe it or
not). When the company went to a sales-only service, I stuck with it. I do
not have the technical expertise, however, to tell how it contrasts with its
competitors.

I am not familiar with any of the three recommendations that you put forth
(but, this is not my field). Can you contrast then briefly with the
Microsoft Security Essentials. Or, maybe I'm better off sticking with CA,
and replacing my McAfee with it?

Appreciate your inputs, regardless.

Gordon

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Sir Kenneth --

Now you've got me! I actually have Computer Associates on an older desktop.
It was recommended to me years ago by an MVP on the Windows 2000 Forum when

Not all MVPs have the same set of opinions. We are all different.

I was running Windows 2000 (and the software was free then, believe it or
not). When the company went to a sales-only service, I stuck with it. I do
not have the technical expertise, however, to tell how it contrasts with its
competitors.

I am not familiar with any of the three recommendations that you put forth
(but, this is not my field). Can you contrast then briefly with the
Microsoft Security Essentials.

I have no personal experience with Microsoft Security Essentials, but
I've heard good things about it from others I respect. Nevertheless, I
don't think it's the equal of NOD32, Avira, or Avast. So although I
don't think MSE is a terrible choice, I believe that NOD32, Avira, or
Avast would be a better choice.

Or, maybe I'm better off sticking with CA,
and replacing my McAfee with it?

My personal view is not to use CA. If it's better than McAfee, I don't
think it's much better.

Appreciate your inputs, regardless.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

 

[Gordon Biggar]

Thanks for taking the time to input your thoughts. I find these comments
helpful. For the time being, I have placed Windows Security Essentials on a
guest system, and AVG on a Windows XP desktop system. This forum has
convinced me to dump the McAfee, and I now have a number of software
selections with which to experiment, thanks to you folks.

Over the last ten years, I have had serious computer failures on several
occasions -- all of which were hard drive failures. However, my first virus
attack (on a Windows 95 system) was equally as devastating, and I've vowed
never to repeat that sequence again.

Many thanks.

Gordon