What's with Windows Defender?

[madfloridian]

I know it operates as part of Windows Vista. Or thought so. I had reason to check out some files, and there it sat in the control panel. When I clicked on it I was told that it was closed and could not protect me if I did not open it, update and scan. I did that. I checked later, same thing. Says it is closed and must be opened to protect me. And again.

It is set to scan daily, the settings appear correct, and it updates with Vista updates?

I have enough other protection, but I can not figure why it is not operating as it is supposed to?

Anyone?

[Jazzgirl]

1. Madfloridian, I gave up on Windows Defender a long time ago.

I don't use it and use other tools to keep my system clean. I let the files update but the program is deactivated. I use Malwarebytes Antimalware,
Superantispyware and a couple of others. I never have any problems. Windows Defender caused me a couple of issues which is why I quit using it but since I stopped, no problems.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

2. I completely concur

Windows Defender has a number of serious flaws, I'd recommend doing what Jazzgirl said.

Malwarebytes (anti-spyware protection): http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html
Avast (anti-virus software): http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
Spybot (anti-spyware - often gets what Malwarebytes doesn't): http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/
Comodo (firewall): http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Use Comodo if you want to install a good firewall. It has a slightly steeper learning curve than you have with the Windows firewall application, but Comodo actually works.

[madfloridian]

3. It seems deactivated by default.

I do use other firewalls and security. Just wondered why it was just sitting there. It updates with Windows update but is always closed. Seems useless.

[Jazzgirl]

4. I go ahead and let it update with Windows Update.

I have it disabled in my preferences. I just had too many issues which is sad since it is part of the OS.