security centre not recognising avg

I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my security centre
was recognising AVG anti-virus.

Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may not have
an anti-virus program installed.

I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would appreciate if
someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.

Thank you for your time.
Monica

monny2 wrote:
> I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my
> security centre was recognising AVG anti-virus.
>
> Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may
> not have an anti-virus program installed.
>
> I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would
> appreciate if someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.

Remove AVG.
Reboot.
Download the latest AVG.
Install AVG fresh.

That work?

If not...

Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan (separately) with the
following two applications (freeware versions are the ones to use for this):

SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/

MalwareBytes
http://www.malwarebytes.com/

After performing a full scan with one and then the other and removing
whatever they both find completely, you may uninstall these products,
if you wish.

Reboot...

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

"monny2" wrote:

> I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my security centre
> was recognising AVG anti-virus.
>
> Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may not have
> an anti-virus program installed.
>
> I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would appreciate if
> someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.
>
> Thank you for your time.
> Monica

This has happened many times to me. Ifirst un installed AVG And re installed
from AVG web site. Afetr 6 months I switched to Free Avast..never had a
problem since! Good Luck!!

Hi

I tried to go the sites you recommended but both times my IE7 says that
there is a problem loading the page, this also occurs with avg.com and
windows update. I am running Windows XP SP3. Can you think of any reason why
your links dont work with my IE7?

Regards
Roy

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> monny2 wrote:
> > I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my
> > security centre was recognising AVG anti-virus.
> >
> > Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may
> > not have an anti-virus program installed.
> >
> > I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would
> > appreciate if someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.
>
> Remove AVG.
> Reboot.
> Download the latest AVG.
> Install AVG fresh.
>
> That work?
>
> If not...
>
> Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan (separately) with the
> following two applications (freeware versions are the ones to use for this):
>
> SuperAntiSpyware
> http://www.superantispyware.com/
>
> MalwareBytes
> http://www.malwarebytes.com/
>
> After performing a full scan with one and then the other and removing
> whatever they both find completely, you may uninstall these products,
> if you wish.
>
> Reboot...
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
>
>

Roybo wrote:

> Hi
>
> I tried to go the sites you recommended but both times my IE7 says that
> there is a problem loading the page, this also occurs with avg.com and
> windows update. I am running Windows XP SP3. Can you think of any reason
> why your links dont work with my IE7?

Are you the original poster? If not, next time please make your own post
because your issues, while sounding similar to the original poster's, may
be completely different.

In the meantime, the usual reason for being unable to reach antivirus
websites and Windows Update is infection by viruses and/or non-viral
malware. Make sure your computer is clean:

Go through these general malware removal steps systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

If you can't do the work yourself (and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea), take the machine to a professional computer repair
shop (not your local equivalent of BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). Please be
aware that not all local shops are skilled at removing malware and even if
they are, your computer may be so infested that Windows will need to be
clean-installed. If possible, have all your data backed up before you take
the machine into a shop.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

AVG 7.5 or AVG 8.0? Free or paid?

monny2 wrote:
> I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my security
> centre
> was recognising AVG anti-virus.
>
> Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may not have
> an anti-virus program installed.
>
> I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would appreciate if
> someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.
>
> Thank you for your time.
> Monica

Hi,
Thank you so much for taking an interest in my problem. I really appreciated
your links.

I have followed the procedure you advised & find that things are still the
same. I didn't mention at the time that I am using the free edition of AVG 8;
do you think this could be the problem? Maybe I need to purchase it.

If you have any other ideas I would love to hear them.
Thanks again.
--
Monica


"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> monny2 wrote:
> > I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my
> > security centre was recognising AVG anti-virus.
> >
> > Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may
> > not have an anti-virus program installed.
> >
> > I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would
> > appreciate if someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.
>
> Remove AVG.
> Reboot.
> Download the latest AVG.
> Install AVG fresh.
>
> That work?
>
> If not...
>
> Download, install, run, update and perform a full scan (separately) with the
> following two applications (freeware versions are the ones to use for this):
>
> SuperAntiSpyware
> http://www.superantispyware.com/
>
> MalwareBytes
> http://www.malwarebytes.com/
>
> After performing a full scan with one and then the other and removing
> whatever they both find completely, you may uninstall these products,
> if you wish.
>
> Reboot...
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
>
>

Hi,
Thank you so much for your response. I am going to do as you suggest this
evening, so will get back to you tomorrow to let you know the outcome. I
really appreciate your suggestion.
--
Monica


"Michael" wrote:

>
>
> "monny2" wrote:
>
> > I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my security centre
> > was recognising AVG anti-virus.
> >
> > Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may not have
> > an anti-virus program installed.
> >
> > I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would appreciate if
> > someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.
> >
> > Thank you for your time.
> > Monica
>
> This has happened many times to me. Ifirst un installed AVG And re installed
> from AVG web site. Afetr 6 months I switched to Free Avast..never had a
> problem since! Good Luck!!

On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:56:01 -0800, monny2 wrote:

> Hi,
> Thank you so much for taking an interest in my problem. I really appreciated
> your links.
>
> I have followed the procedure you advised & find that things are still the
> same. I didn't mention at the time that I am using the free edition of AVG 8;
> do you think this could be the problem?
> Maybe I need to purchase it.

No, don't pay. The average homeuser can get by with good-quality AV
freeware applications!
BTW, AVG has become bloated - there are better alternatives available.

Hi again,
I uninstalled AVG8, rebooted then did a registry clean & installed Avast.
Rebooted again. Unfortunately nothing changed in the Security Centre so have
reinstalled AVG hoping to see the green shield appear. Needless to say I am
back to square one.

Thank you for your suggestion. I will keep watching with interest to see if
someone has a solution. Have a great day.
--
Monica


"monny2" wrote:

> Hi,
> Thank you so much for your response. I am going to do as you suggest this
> evening, so will get back to you tomorrow to let you know the outcome. I
> really appreciate your suggestion.
> --
> Monica
>
>
> "Michael" wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > "monny2" wrote:
> >
> > > I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my security centre
> > > was recognising AVG anti-virus.
> > >
> > > Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may not have
> > > an anti-virus program installed.
> > >
> > > I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would appreciate if
> > > someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.
> > >
> > > Thank you for your time.
> > > Monica
> >
> > This has happened many times to me. Ifirst un installed AVG And re installed
> > from AVG web site. Afetr 6 months I switched to Free Avast..never had a
> > problem since! Good Luck!!

Hi,
Are you able to recommend any alternatives to me? I have tried Avast as one
person suggested but things remained the same. I will keep watching this link.
--
Monica


"Kayman" wrote:

> On Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:56:01 -0800, monny2 wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> > Thank you so much for taking an interest in my problem. I really appreciated
> > your links.
> >
> > I have followed the procedure you advised & find that things are still the
> > same. I didn't mention at the time that I am using the free edition of AVG 8;
> > do you think this could be the problem?
> > Maybe I need to purchase it.
>
> No, don't pay. The average homeuser can get by with good-quality AV
> freeware applications!
> BTW, AVG has become bloated - there are better alternatives available.
>
>
>

Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection.

1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx

2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

NB: Do not run the Full Service scan!

3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.

PS: Think your Registry needs "cleaning" or "repairing"? Read
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=28099 and draw your own conclusions.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

monny2 wrote:
> Hi again,
> I uninstalled AVG8, rebooted then did a registry clean & installed Avast.
> Rebooted again. Unfortunately nothing changed in the Security Centre so
> have
> reinstalled AVG hoping to see the green shield appear. Needless to say I
> am
> back to square one.
> <SNIP>
>>>> I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my security
>>>> centre was recognising AVG anti-virus.
>>>>
>>>> Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may not
>>>> have an anti-virus program installed.
>>>>
>>>> I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would appreciate
>>>> if
>>>> someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.

Wow, thank you so much. I will get back to you as soon as I have followed as
you've suggested.
--
Monica


"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Chances are that you're seeing the affects of a hijackware infection.
>
> 1. See if you can download/run the MSRT manually:
> http://www.microsoft.com/security/ma...e/default.mspx
>
> 2. Run this online scan (in safe mode w/networking, if need be):
> http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm
>
> NB: Do not run the Full Service scan!
>
> 3. Run additional checks for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
> log to an appropriate forum.
>
> Checking for/Help with Hijackware
> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
> http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>
> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
> conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
> its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
> hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
> http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
> http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
> by an expert in such matters, not here.**
>
> If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
> isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.
>
> PS: Think your Registry needs "cleaning" or "repairing"? Read
> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=28099 and draw your own conclusions.
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
> monny2 wrote:
> > Hi again,
> > I uninstalled AVG8, rebooted then did a registry clean & installed Avast.
> > Rebooted again. Unfortunately nothing changed in the Security Centre so
> > have
> > reinstalled AVG hoping to see the green shield appear. Needless to say I
> > am
> > back to square one.
> > <SNIP>
> >>>> I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my security
> >>>> centre was recognising AVG anti-virus.
> >>>>
> >>>> Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may not
> >>>> have an anti-virus program installed.
> >>>>
> >>>> I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would appreciate
> >>>> if
> >>>> someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.
>
>

On Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:02:04 -0800, monny2 wrote:

> Hi,
> Are you able to recommend any alternatives to me? I have tried Avast as one
> person suggested but things remained the same. I will keep watching this link.

Follow the suggestions already provided in relation to your problem you're
experiencing. If the problem is resolved you may wish to proceed
considering a suitable alternative to AVG AV and improve overall security,
here are my suggestions:

1.Activate and utilize the Win XP built-in Firewall; Uncheck *all* Programs
and Services under the Exception tab.
For the average homeuser, the Windows Firewall in XP does a fantastic job
at its core mission and is really all you need if you have an 'real-time'
anti-virus program, [another firewall on your router or] other edge
protection like SeconfigXP and practise Safe-Hex.
The windows firewall deals with inbound protection and therefore does not
give you a false sense of security. Best of all, it doesn't implement lots
of nonsense like pretending that outbound traffic needs to be monitored.

Windows XP: How to turn on your firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...rewall/xp.mspx

Esucational reading:
Understanding Windows Firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...2_wfintro.mspx

Using Windows Firewall.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...nfirewall.mspx

At Least This Snake Oil Is Free.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...l-is-free.aspx

Deconstructing Common Security Myths.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tec...s/default.aspx
Scroll down to:
"Myth: Host-Based Firewalls Must Filter Outbound Traffic to be Safe."

2.If on dial-up connection utilize Seconfig XP 1.1
http://seconfig.sytes.net/
Seconfig XP is able configure Windows not to use TCP/IP as transport
protocol for NetBIOS, SMB and RPC, thus leaving TCP/UDP ports 135, 137-139
and 445 (the most exploited Windows networking weak point) closed.)

2a.If on high-speed Internet connection use a router as well.
For the average homeuser it is suggested blocking both TCP and UDP ports
135 ~ 139 and 445 on routers which will not do this automatically.
Also, Implement Countermeasures against DNSChanger:
http://extremesecurity.blogspot.com/...-hijacked.html

3.Avira AntiVir® Personal - FREE Antivirus
http://www.free-av.com/
(The free version won't scan your emails.)
Why You Don't Need Your Anti-Virus Program to Scan Your E-Mail
http://thundercloud.net/infoave/tuto...ning/index.htm
Ensure your e-mail program is configured to display e-mail messages in
'Plain Text' only.
You may wish to consider removing the 'AntiVir Nagscreen'
http://www.elitekiller.com/files/dis...ntivir_nag.htm

4.Windows Defender - Free
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx
WD monitors the start-registry and hooks registers/files to prevent spyware
and worms to install to the OS.
Interesting reading:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136195/article.html
"...Windows Defender did excel in behavior-based protection, which detects
changes to key areas of the system without having to know anything about
the actual threat."

5.Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
Hundreds Click on 'Click Here to Get Infected' Ad
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,2132447,00.asp

Useful on-demand scanners:
Malwarebytes© Corporation - Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam/program/mbam-setup.exe
--and--
SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/down...NTISPYWAREFREE

For Win XP the most dependable defenses are:
1. Do not work as Administrator; For day-to-day work routinely use a
Limited User Account (LUA).
2. Secure (Harden) your operating system.
3. Don't expose services to public networks.
4. Keep your operating system (and all software on it) updated/patched.
5. Reconsider the usage of IE and OE.
5a.Secure (Harden) Internet Explorer (if you want to use IE).
6. Review your installed 3rd party software applications/utilities; Remove
clutter, *including* 3rd party software personal (so-called) firewall
application (PFW) - the one which claims:
"It can stop/control malicious outbound traffic".

Good luck :)

I had the same problem. You are going to have to go to microsoft security
center and have them run a security scan for virus' and trojans. It will take
some time for the scan to complete so be patient. It solved my problem.

"monny2" wrote:

> I am using XP Home Edition SP3 & up until a few days ago my security centre
> was recognising AVG anti-virus.
>
> Now for some inexplicable reason I have a red shield saying I may not have
> an anti-virus program installed.
>
> I have checked AVG thoroughly & it is working fine. I would appreciate if
> someone can tell me how to repair the security centre.
>
> Thank you for your time.
> Monica