Windows Defender Errors
Background
In 2006, Microsoft debuted their "Windows Defender" as a "pre-release" or "beta" product via Windows Update. This pre-release version expired on December 31st, 2006 and will now produce errors on login if it's still installed.
The Error
Some people are simply receiving an error message that the product has expired along with a link to download the latest version. Others are receiving the following error message:
Application failed to initialize: 0x800106ba. A problem caused Windows Defender Service to stop. To start the service, restart your computer or search Help and Support on how to start a service manually.
The Solution
The solution is to install the latest version of Windows Defender. To do this:
- Print this page for reference.
- Using Internet Explorer, go to the Windows Defender website (off-site link)
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
- Click the orange "Download it here" link
- On the following page, click the "Continue" link in the orange bar (next to where it says Validation Required)
- Internet Explorer may ask if you wish to install "Windows Genuine Advantage" published by Microsoft Corporation. Click Install
- Internet Explorer will aski if you wish to run or save the file "WindowsDefender.msi". Click Run.
- Finally, Internet Explorer will ask if you wish to run "Windows Defender" published by Microsoft Corporation. Click Run
- The installation wizard for Windows Defender will launch. At this point, you should close Internet Explorer.
- Click Next to continue.
- Click Validate when prompted to validate your copy of Windows.
- The license agreement will be displayed. To continue, you need to select the option that you agree to the license and then click Next
- The next screen will display 3 options: Use recommended settings, Install definition updates only, and Ask me later. Select the middle option (Install definition updates only), then click Next.
- For "Setup Type", make sure Complete Install is selected and then click Next.
- If you have other applications open at this point, including Internet Explorer, close them so just the Windows Defender installer is open.
- Click Install to begin the installation.
- You should eventually get a message that installation has been completed and it asks you if you wish to check for updates and run a scan now. If you wish to do it at this time, you can, otherwise you can uncheck the box. Click Finish.
- Once the update and scan is complete, you can close the window and resume using your computer.
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