Error Message at Boot about "Update Definitions"

[wadebarg]

'mInstalled XP SP3 and now get an Error Message at Boot "Could not locate a
valid definitions file. Please go to Program Options and click "update
definitions" to download a definitions file." I cannot locate Program
Options in windows. I sure it's there, but I cannot find. I click OK when I
get this error message, and all appeares to work OK but I assume something
needs to be corrected. Please advise where to find and step by step
directions. Also what does this file do and relate too? Have XP Professional
on a laptop with 1 meg RAM.

 

[Zessler]

This could be related to the antivirus program you are running, try updating
the virus definition files and see if you get the same message.

thanks

 

[wadebarg]

I updated definitions in Norton but the problem was not solved!

 

[Malke]

I updated definitions in Norton but the problem was not solved!

Then the message is coming from a different program. This is not a Windows
message. Only you know what you have installed. Take the time to go through
your installed programs and figure out what you've got that could be
looking for definitions. It will be some sort of security program, perhaps
Windows Defender, and it will be running in the background. Perhaps
examining your Startup will help. Here is how to manage Start; you don't
need to change anything if you just want to look.

Start>Run>msconfig [enter]

This brings up the System Configuration Utility. Look on the Startup tab and
find the probable culprit. Uncheck the box next to its name, Apply and OK
out. You don't need to restart immediately, but the next time you do you'll
get a dialog saying you've used the Utility. Just tick the box that says in
effect, "don't bother me about this again".

Important - Do not use the System Configuration Utility to stop processes.
Instead, use Start>Run>services.msc [enter] and do not stop any services
unless you really, really know what you're doing.

How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP -
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=310560
The free Autoruns program is very useful for managing your Startup -
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/default.mspx - Autoruns

Malke