Been using AVG Free also, with no problems ...

"virus out there that is called Microsoft Security Essential"

Too !?!? right, it patches itself into the execute stack so that it re-enables itself whenever you run ANY executable. I fixed it by booting off a CD and running AntiMalwareBytes, there's some good advice on the internet.

It calls itself "Microsoft xx Security Essentials yyyy" where XX is your current windows version and yyyy is the year after this one.

It presents a very convincing replica of the normal Windows security page, on the particular version I was eradicating there was one spelling mistake to give the game away.

When online I presume that anything that tells you instantly that your computer has an infection must be malicious - think how long it takes your onboard virus scanner to do the same job!

Thank you John...
That is exactly what I am talking about and Malwarebytes found the MSE copycat (in name only) virus. Between RKillDownload and restoring 6 registry changes, the problem was irradiated.
Eddie

Been using AVG free for many years, never any problems, never any virusses. Just dont let them lure you intoo buying their full product, they keep trying.

Has anyone actually bought the full version? I may just in appreciation for all the years of using the free version.
DonM

I'm using AVG on three computers. Two on Win7 and one XP. AVG on one of the Win7's continually recommends a "restart".
Restarting does not eliminate the recommendation. Otherwise, it appears to work as it is supposed to.
Eddie

I use Avast on three computers, 1 xp and 2 win7. Free, no nag screens and works and updates automatically.

Thanks for all of the info. MSE came on my Laptop. When I run it manually, it says the last time it ran was Sunday at 2AM. I think it runs every Sunday morning at that time. So, it is quitely running in the background.

MSE does seem to take quite a bit longer to do "it's thing" then both Avast and AVG took. I have used both AVG and Avast each for a few years in the past and both worked fine. I quit AVG which was the first one that I used because a few years back I got a notice that said that they "would not be upgrading the free version any more." So, I switched to Avast and ran it for the last couple of years with no trouble.

Some how I got connected with "YOGI" and after seeing they wern't going to get me to subscribe to their service, they offered to help for free. They got me straightened up and then tried to get me to subscribe again. They then told me to delete the malware, spyware, Avast etc and run the Advance System Care, and to turn on MSE. They said MSE was already on my laptop, it was free and was rated as good as any antivirus.

I will stay away from "YOGI" as they are hard to get rid of after they help you.

I use FREE Microsoft Security Essentials on all my computers...
no problems at all.

Me too. The last time my computer guy came in and fixed a problem for me, he recommended MSE and set it all up. No problems at all.

Donny, how did your surgery go? All good, I hope.