Win Defender & Installations

[Guest]

I've got Win Defender 1.1.1593 and Win XP Pro installed. My question is
whether I should/need to exit Win Defender (from Notification Area in Win
Toolbar) whenever I install new software (i.e. Support, Games, etc.); as I
always do with any Started Task/Software running prior to starting a new
installation.

I have Win Defender running in Real-time mode. Whereinas, it picks up that
an installation has transpired after I restart my system. However, it rarely
prompts me as to whether I should Permit whatever has transpired; basically
only when the software has been flagged as "Not yet classified". I'm
concerned whether leaving Defender running during an installation will screw
up the installation and/or my system. However, I am also concerned whether
I'm leaving myself open if I don't leave it running.

Any thoughts on what's the best practice, and/or any known issues?

 

[Dave M]

Ron, the only time I've ever shut down Defender during installs is when I'm
testing another real-time Anti-Virus
or Anti-Spyware security program as that could potentially conflict with
Defender as a running security program.

Also, I think it's beneficial to do any necessary permits or denials right
as the installation is taking place so you are completely aware of where
the alert is coming from rather than waiting until the next re-boot to get
an alert out of the "blue".

The common recommendation from 3rd party installations is to turn off
security... I think that's nonsense. Why would you want to?

 

[Bill Sanderson MVP]

I never turn Windows Defender off unless, like Dave, I am running some other
antimalware--maybe a rootkit detection app--or reinstalling, or something.
Not on any routine basis.

I've had the luck not to have antivirus apps interfere with app
installs--but I know that does happen--I've seen recent evidence of it with
a beta product I've tested.

I have had situations, I think, where the time lag involved in Defender
flagging something, me noticing that the symbol has turned blue (probably
I've asked to be notified about "unknowns")--and approving the change
involved--has caused some minor problem with an install--maybe requiring me
to retry it, or something. Never anything that caused any significant
problem.

 

[Robinb]

the only time i turn off WD is when i do a full backup of the computer.
When WD is running in realtime i wind up with a backup of all WD error msgs
in the backup log.
I found if i shut off WD Realtime when i backup, I get no error msges in the
log.

Also when I defrag the computer I turn off WD realtime protection and when
done put it back on.

robin