problem re installing windows defender

S

seeker

hello,
sometime ago I deleted windows defender while i was trying to fix another
problem. now I wanted to install it again.
when I try to install it I get an error message when the operation reaches
starting services:
service windows defender (windefend) failed to start. verify that you have
sufficient privileges to start system services.
nothing happenes when I click retry. Add to this that I am installing as an
administrator.
now when I checked control panel I found an invalid icon there under the
name: software explorers.
after researching this item I found out that it is related to windows
defender.
I tried to create a shortcut on the desktop to locate this item.
the note I got: missing msmpres.dll
I have xp home sp3
help please.
 
S

seeker

I am running avast.
anyway I solved the problem last night through a system restore.
thanks for asking..
 
B

Bill Sanderson

Thanks.

So SR took you back to an earlier point in time, in terms of code on the
system. Any idea what code changed in the interim? You want to watch to
see that this doesn't recur...
Do you run Spybot Search & Destroy and use the resident portion of that
program?
 
S

seeker

yes Bill I run spybot but I don't use the resident portion. what happened is
that I was trying to open one of my softwares but couldn't, so I started
stopping the security programs I have, one by one (I know that the software I
was trying to open is safe). at this point I stopped windows defender and
deleted it from " add or remove programs". Later, after solving my problem I
tried to re install windows defender, but I kept getting that error. when I
looked in control panel I noticed the invalid icon of 'software explorers'
which I wasn't able to activate or remove. Thank god I have the habit of
creating a system restore point every other day. when I restored my system to
an earlier period I saw windows defender icon in "add or remove" list,
although it wasn't listed in my programs. I used windows defender itself to
uninstall it again. this operation removed it from the "add and remove" list
and also removed the invalid icon "software explorer" from control panel. I
think that when i first deleted it - although I stopped it first - some of
its applications were not stopped completely and this is what caused the
problem.
finally, I would like to thank you for following up my case..
have a nice day..
 
B

Bill Sanderson

Excellent--great description--looks to me as though you should be fine.
There are some other ways to get out of that predicament, but you chose the
best one.
 
R

rshepher

I am having the same problem and noticed this post - first time I've used
this site. Actually I'm helping my step-mother with her pc. Anyway we have
the same problem:
* logged in as admin.
* I never have had defened installed.
* Running Windows XP
* Recently de-installed spy-bot
* Anit virus up & running at time of install

Any ideas? Should I have her shut off A/V as a first step?
Thanks!
Richard
 
B

Bill Sanderson

What antivirus is involved?

Yes, I would download Windows defender to some convenient spot--like the
desktop, then disable real-time protection in the antivirus, then attempt
the Defender install.

You should check the A/V vendors recommendation however: If this is a suite
product which includes spyware protections, and the vendors recommendation
is to not run Windows Defender along with their product--I'd go with the
vendors recommendation. Frankly antivirus is more important than
antispyware, and you've chosen to trust your antivirus vendor, so I'd follow
their recommendation. (or consider a different antivirus vendor...)
 

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