are you using xp or windows 7 etc?

did this just recently happen like the past day or so?

I am posting the link to a fixit tool for use with MSE click the blue download button and run the fixit see if that helps let me know

Here is a link that might be useful: fixit tool

I have windows XP. When I used the fixit tool I got MSE is not found on system. I don't know what I did to this computer. I have tried to restore to a earlier date but that did not help. I have gone to microsoft but anything I seem to do does not help. This started on Mon. I just can't remember what I have done. Any help would be appreciated. Please if you tell me what to do I need baby directions as I don't understand anything on here. Thank you

ok this is a newer fixit which should allow you to remove MSE from your pc and fix the problems then you can go back and reinstall a new clean version of MSE. This has occurred to others not just you, in some cases it is due to a malware infection.
If you do not have malwarebytes installed I will want you to do that also and run the full scan. Here are your step by step instructions for the fixit.

Use our FixIt Tool to uninstall Microsoft Security Essentials.

This tool is designed to fix un-installation issues like, MSE registry issues, removes remnants of Microsoft Security Essentials from your computer.

a. To do this run the FixIt tool from the following links.

b. Click the below link and select Run Now button.

http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall
Fix problems with programs that can't be installed or uninstalled

c. After downloading and running for the first time

d. Select Run on small pop-up window and select Run on Internet Explorer-Security Warning Window.

e. Select Detect problems and let me select the files to apply.

f. Select Uninstalling.

g. After detecting problems Select Microsoft Security Client to uninstall and click Next.

h. Repeat the steps from b to f and, this time select Microsoft Antimalware from list to uninstall and click Next.

i. Restart your computer and reinstall Microsoft Security essentials.
Security Essentials 4.2.223 XP
that would be the correct one for xp.

let me know how that goes I will start another reply with the instructions for installing and using malwarebytes to look for an infection.

Hopefully that will be successful and take care of the MSE. Now to install malwarebytes and check for infection. This is very simple, you will download then install the program which is free, do not go for the trial version stick with the free version, once it is installed open it and you will need to update it first, then choose the full scan. Let it run, it will let you know what it finds and ask for you to allow it to fix the problems do that it may have to reboot that is fine. Here are some detailed instructions and the link to download it.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.70 (use this link to download from)
be sure you always watch each screen in the install process to see if any other things are trying to be included with your program such as toolbars if so uncheck any thing other than the actual program.
Instructions with pictures can be found here
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Win) - Detecting and Removing Malware
Let me know how that went and if anything was found

When I went to fix problems, first I want to say I tried this yesterday on something I found on Microsoft I get a error that says we're sorry but the program encountered an error trying to contact the server. Please try again later. Code 80072F8F. Yesterday I tried later & still got the same message. Sorry to be such a pain with this but I do appreciate the help

Ok you tried this latest fixit I just gave you and it gave that same error message? There are many fixit tools not all the same.

When you go to control panel and add remove programs do you see Microsoft Security Essentials listed there? if so select it and try to remove from there and see what happens.

In response to the code you got 80072f8f try this link for the official microsoft response and fix
Windows Update error 80072f8f

I get a error the microsoft security client installation Wizzard can't find files that are necessary to complete the installation. to install please download the installation again. I went to microsoft & when I try to download it tells me I have already have it on the computer. I had done this yesterday too

On the other one my clock is correct

okay go ahead and do the malwarebytes, let's see what we find.

Hi, I did the malwarebytes & I had 8 here they are just in case then are the cause of my problem. 1- Trojan Vundo 2-Trojan Agent 3- Trojan Lames 4-Adware Agent 5-Adware Agent 6- Pup Adware R 7-Pup Spyware 8-Trojan Vundo. I had to shut down the computer after that & I still have the error message.

oh that is bad you have some very serious infections there. Yes that would be your problem for sure.
I am going to give you the link to another forum you will have to go to so we can help you run some other scans to fully clean up your computer, we will take it step by step so don't get worried, just stop and ask if you have any questions ok.
go to this link, register there, you will have to wait for a reply back, then go to this area for Malware removal and start your own post there or if you prefer I can start if for you. I am there on that forum too, we can get you cleaned up just be patient and do not try to use that computer for anything important or purchase or bank related.
Analysis and Malware Removal
Ok I will watch for you there, if you have any problems getting there let me know.

How often do I run the malwarebytes?

Thanks, I will have to do it tomorrow as I don't have the time to do it now. I will be back on around 4:00 PM Central time. I would hope you could start the post for me tomorrow. This is my only computer but I will only use it for this. Again thank you & I will be on tomorrow. Mary

ok I will start the post for you in the Malware removal area I linked to, I will have your name in the title.

If you could go ahead and get registered there now that will be done and you will get your reply and be ready for tomorrow.

This post was edited by ravencajun on Thu, Mar 14, 13 at 20:07

Sorry I did not see your last message before going off the computer. I have registered & got the e-mail, but I don't know what to do now

I started your post for you it is titled post for mary3444 in the malware removal area I linked to. Just go there and post to it and follow directions given there to you on your thread. If you don't understand something or have a question just post there in your thread, you can rest assured that you will be helped at your pace. Please only follow instructions from there now and only ones for you so that there's no confusion or conflicts.

I see you there now, great, take your time.