Windows Defender fails to start services upon Installation

On several Compaq/HP computers with a P4-class CPU (either Intel or
AMD), 2GB RAM, running Windows XP Professional w/SP3, as clients on a
Windows SBS 2008 Domain, Windows Defender refuses to install.

With Local Administrator rights on the client computer, I run the
WindowsDefender.msi program and the installation starts. It goes
through the verification, EULA, etc., and then stops when the status bar
is (my estimate) 85% finished and says: "Status: Starting services".

THen, a popup window comes up and says:
"
Windows Defender Installer Information [x]

[!] Service 'Windows Defender' (WinDefend) failed to
start. Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start
system services.

[Retry] [Cancel]
"

How do I fix this?

Thanks,
Fred
<><

The issue may not be related to the presence of malware on the systems
in question, rather, it may be that security software is the cause.

BTW, there are newsgroups that deal with Windows Defender exclusively:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...r/support.mspx

Instructions for accessing them via NNTP are available on the above page.

Mr. Lifesaver! I have been going nuts with this for a year on various
machines! You have my gratitude!

YOU ARE DA MAN!

Sincere thanks for your post. :)