Windows Defender ...started and then stopped... (Windows 7)

[BobH]

I got several viruses on my PC. I successfully removed them, but now I
cannot get Windows Defender to start. I get the following error when I try
to start the service:
Windows Defender service on Local Computer started and stopped. Some
services stop automatically if they are not in use by other services or
programs.

What can I do to fix this problem. Since WD is part of the Windows 7 OS, it
won't just let me uninstal/reinstall it.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[1PW]

I got several viruses on my PC. I successfully removed them, but now I
cannot get Windows Defender to start. I get the following error when I try
to start the service:
Windows Defender service on Local Computer started and stopped. Some
services stop automatically if they are not in use by other services or
programs.

What can I do to fix this problem. Since WD is part of the Windows 7 OS, it
won't just let me uninstall/reinstall it.

Thanks,
Bob

Hello Bob:

It would be helpful to know what malware was found and removed.

It would also be good to know exactly what application you used to remove
the malware as some will turn off Windows Defender by design.

Thank you.