Windows Defender times out

**RSpring** · 2012-06-30 14:58

Tried to open Windows Defender on my Vista Home Premium computer, but got an error message with error 0x800705b4 and it timed out.

The file probably is bad so I need to download the file again. How do I go about trying to fix this problem.

Thanks,

**Medico** · 2012-06-30 16:13

Is there any chance you have Microsoft Security Essentials installed? If so Windows Defender is disabled because MSE includes the WD functions.

**RSpring** · 2012-06-30 16:25

Yes it is installed.
Also found this at Microsoft Answers

Step 1
If you have any third party antivirus software and firewall disable them temporarily and make sure that the Windows Firewall is turned on. Then check if the issue reappears.
Step 2
1. Open Run, and type in services.msc then press Enter.
2. In services window, locate Windows Defender service in the services list.
3. Verify that the Status is Started. If the Status column is blank,
right click on the service and select Start.
4 If you get error trying to force start the Windows Defender service, try to change the Startup Type to Automatic, and then restart the computer.

Thanks for your help

**Medico** · 2012-06-30 16:39

Glad I was able to answer your question. WD is an anti-malware component. When MS released MSE it includes AV and AM and automatically disables WD which should cause the actions you are seeing.

I believe in order to re-enable WD you would have to disable MSE, and MSE is considered the best app of the 2. The latest version of MSE for Vista and Win 7 is version 4. You might want to check this as well.

**RSpring** · 2012-06-30 17:26

I appreciate the information and speedy response.
Will keep MSE and insure latest version.

Thanks again,

**Medico** · 2012-06-30 17:52

You are welcome.

**bobprimak** · 2012-07-12 12:00

MSE 4 is also current for Windows XP, SP3.

**BillWilson** · 2012-07-14 17:24

How can I find out what version of MSE I am running? I opened it and I don't find any indication there so I clicked on Help on that screen hoping to see the usual Help About but that wasn't anywhere to be seen on the web page that opened up.

Thanks, Bill

**Medico** · 2012-07-14 17:58

Open MSE, Drop down near Help, About MSE

**BillWilson** · 2012-07-14 18:54

Thanks Ted! I didn't stop to think about the dropdown arrow beside "Help". That worked of course and I'm already up to date.

Thanks, Bill

**Medico** · 2012-07-14 19:12

No problem Bill, glad I could help.

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