Please Explain Registry Key

[JD]

HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Security Center/Anti-virus
The right panel entry in question is: AntivirusDisableNotify
The value is (1).
What exactly does this mean?
Does it appear to qualify as a "security threat" (so identified by Spybot
S&D)?
Note that while I once had Microsoft Antivirus (beta) installed, it was
uninstalled about six months ago.
Thanks.

 

[Michael Seidner]

Usually caused by a user unchecking an option in the Windows Security Center
or using an antivirus program such as McAfee or Norton that takes over the
function. Having both Security Centers (Windows & Antivirus programs)
giving the same alerts can cause problems.
Spybot can be set to ignore supposed security risks if you wish.

 

[JD]

So do I understand that this does not look like a security threat, and that
the value of (1) means that this function AntivirusDisableNotify is turned
on?
Does that mean that if the MSAV (which has been uninstalled) is disabled, I
will be "notified"?
What "alerts" are being referenced here?

 

[Michael Seidner]

So do I understand that this does not look like a security threat, and
that the value of (1) means that this function AntivirusDisableNotify is
turned on?
Yes


Does that mean that if the MSAV (which has been uninstalled) is disabled,
I will be "notified"?

MSAV? I am not aware of such a program. Do you mean MSAS (Microsoft
AntiSpyware)? There will be no "real time" alerts about spyware, malware,
etc. with it uninstalled. Windows Security Center Alerts will let you know
when there is not an active Antivirus program running or when there is no
firewall active. (if the proper options are turned on). AntiVirus programs
like Norton's and McAfee's can also give these alerts when security levels
are changed.

 

[JD]

Thank you for the clarification. I did mean Microsoft Antispyware. So it
appears that the registry entry is what it should be. I suspect that this
could be a "false flag," such as has occurred before with Spybot.
I don't know what Spybot would have done if I had clicked "Fix," but I don't
think I'll take the chance of finding out.

 

[Michael Seidner]

Probably, your Antivirus software would alert you to the fact that you might
be having two different security centers monitoring the same things and give
you the option of keeping it that way or just having the Antivirus security
center do the alerts.