Unable to turn Windows Defender on

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silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#139470 10-Feb-2014 15:53

I have Windows 8 and had McAfee antivirus installed. They're now wanting money to I've uninstalled it, but am unable to turn Windows Defender on.

I follow instructions to access it, by typing Defender in the search box, but keep getting the dialogue box telling me it's not activated. I just can't open it.

Any help appreciated thanks.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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#983468 10-Feb-2014 17:20

Have you tried downloading and running the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool?

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#983570 10-Feb-2014 19:27

No but the McAfee seems to have gone.

Now I get the Defender dialogue, and have run a scan, but it times out every time I try to turn on real time protection.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

insane

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#983573 10-Feb-2014 19:32

silverbirch: No but the McAfee seems to have gone.

Now I get the Defender dialogue, and have run a scan, but it times out every time I try to turn on real time protection.

I had the same problem with the built in Norton that came with my laptop, had to use their specific removal tool. Then head into the Control Panel\System and Security\Action Center, enable defender and it should start.

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#983577 10-Feb-2014 19:36

Hmm - I don't even remember installing McAfee, so no idea what password is.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

freitasm

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#983578 10-Feb-2014 19:38

Don't worry about the password thing. It is only if you want to remove the registration to use in another PC.

Keep reading the link I provided and you will find step 2 is to download the uninstall tool. Download it and run the program.

Coil

6614 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#983580 10-Feb-2014 19:42

Have had similar issues myself. Generally the AV program wouldnt have uninstalled right and left components. Those usually entries that disable the windows firewall and MSE. As above there is an uninstall tool and if that doesnt work could have been disabled under features inside programs and applications area in control panel.

1.
Click the Start button

of the Start button, click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Turn Windows features on or off

. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

2.

To turn a Windows feature on, select the check box next to the feature. To turn a Windows feature off, clear the check box. Click OK.

Picture of the Windows Features dialog boxFolders can contain both checked and unchecked features

Some Windows features are grouped together in folders, and some folders contain subfolders with additional features. If a check box is partially checked or is dimmed, then some of the items inside the folder are turned on and some are turned off. To view the contents of a folder, double-click it.

silverbirch

275 posts

Ultimate Geek

#983582 10-Feb-2014 19:43

Thanks so much - ran the removal tool, and Defender was turned on when I rebooted.

Thanks again. I assume it's as good a tool as any.

"Dance among the moonbeams, feel the magic in the air".

Registered Linux user #386597 http://counter.li.org/

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Coil

6614 posts

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#983589 10-Feb-2014 19:48

silverbirch: Thanks so much - ran the removal tool, and Defender was turned on when I rebooted.

Thanks again. I assume it's as good a tool as any.

Good to know its fixed. :)