WD auto-start alert for MS Broadband Networking.lnk

[Guest]

On every system restart WD beta 2 reminds me that Microsoft Broadband
Networking has an autostart link in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start
Menu\Programs\Startup\Microsoft Broadband Networking.lnk that is not
digitally signed and the publisher and product name are shown as "not
available".

Come on Microsoft, it's your product (MN700 AP)- update the software so it's
compatible with WD. I'm tired of clicking "allow". Unless the updates have
been posted very recently, I have not seen them.

Kind readers, please vote so this issue is addressed.

Rob

 

[Bill Sanderson MVP]

Microsoft got out of the wireless networking business several years ago, I
believe. I think that attempting to exclude these items from scanning via
tools, options, (scroll down). advanced options, add--is probably the way to
go.

 

[Guest]

Bill,
Thank you for your response. Funny thing is that my version of the tool
does not have the options as you describe them. I just ran a check from
within the tool to make sure it had the latest engine and signature and it
says it does:

Windows Defender Version: 1.1.1051.0
Engine Version: 1.1.1372.0
Signature Version: 1.14.1452.3

When I click on Tools, I see Quarantined items, Allowed items, Software
Explorer, and Windows Defender website. If I choose Software Explorer
(there's no advanced option within), Category: Startup Programs, I see the
Microsoft Broadband Networking Software under the Microsoft Corp items. The
choices when I select it are Remove or Disable. The issue is that WD forgets
that I've "Allowed" it between reboots. I don't yet see a way around that.

Any further thoughts?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Guest]

Bill,
I did find an Advanced Options item by choosing Tools:General Settings and
finding this item at the bottom of the window. It is preceded by the text:
"Do not scan the following files or paths:"

This may accomplish almost the same goal, although now that code is
unprotected (if it ever was previously, since it isn't digitally signed...).

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Bill Sanderson MVP]

That's the setting area I was speaking of. They've changed "general
settings" to "options" in the current 1347 build. You can update to the new
build by doing a fresh download via www.microsoft.com and just running the
download. It will upgrade your current version. In the process, it will
change your Spynet membership level to basic or less, so re-checking that
and the other settings is in order.

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[Guest]

Thanks, Bill. That was the difference. Strange that the regular update
process didn't pick up the engine update. Everything has its quirks :=), and
I guess that's why it's beta.

Rob

 

[Bill Sanderson MVP]

Engine updates, meaning updates to the code that detects and removes
spyware--are automatic--there have been several over the course of the beta.
That's the middle number in help, about.

I believe the first number (updates of which are not automatic) relates to
the UI code. The way this works is intentional. As I understand it, there
will eventually be notice of some sort provided to users of the older code,
but they want to be sure the bugs are out first.

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