The long awaited beta 2 of Windows Defender, formerly Windows AntiSpyware has now been released.
 
The new versions sports a new user interface similar to what is found in Windows Vista. The UI has been redesigned to make normal tasks easy, a better warning system and to be less intrusive.
 
Real time protection and monitoring has been enhanced to monitor more points of weakness in the Windows operating system.
 
The latest version now supports x64 operating systems and will run on users machines with or without administrator rights, something that was always an issue with Beta 1.
 
Microsoft's Windows Defender is one of if not the best solution against spyware and adware on Windows machines to date.
 


There are 140 additional comments
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(2 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #1 Posted by Sierra Sonic on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:13
Awesome, love this proggy!


Edit:
WTF WHERE THEY THINKING ABOUT THE ICON!

>.> Yes the new icon sucks.

Last edited by Sierra Sonic on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:19
Quote this comment #1.1 Posted by denzilla on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:41
I know the icon doesn't matter, but what happened to the nice high-tech looking tray icon from the initial screengrabs of Defender? Ugly ass choice, period! Nice update otherwise
Quote this comment #1.2 Posted by Randall_Lind on 17 Feb 2006 - 10:28
I think it is crap MS anti-spyware was 100% better why did MS have to screw it up? The hijacker tool is gone, doesn't run in the background any more.

Windows defender is now grabage. MS anti-spyware rocked. it ran 24/7 and would auto alert you to spyware etc. Why does MS do this take good software and ruin it?
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #2 Posted by kravex on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:22
I wonder how many annoying programs have been removed from this after threatening MS in the courts now.

MS can't say their EULA that you click on is legally binding but other peoples aren't, by the time this is official it won’t remove half of what you want it to.

Quote this comment #2.1 Posted by Ideas Man on 15 Feb 2006 - 14:49
Where's your proof? Have you even tried it? It removes more than ad-aware and spybot for me, that's just some anti-Microsoft crap, gawwd, neowin is turning more and more into this every day, it ain't for Windows, it's for Anti-Windows.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #3 Posted by armis on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:44
http://download.microsoft.com/download/e/d...owsDefender.msi

Great, will try it out
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #4 Posted by RedMike on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:47
have been waiting for this ... nice, one thing, it won't update
0x8024002b

Mike
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #5 Posted by nitronix on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:49
Who cares about a stupid icon? a small picture that has absolutley no impact on how the program works, or what it does? come on get real. If you havent noticed half of the system icons in Windows XP are ripped from as far back as Windows 95!

Anyway, this beta of defender will only work on machines that pass the WGA as its built into the installer. So makes sure you have a proper version of windows installed.
Quote this comment #5.1 Posted by Sierra Sonic on 15 Feb 2006 - 00:14
Well if you cannot tell, it was my ONLY complaint about the program, so I tried to make it seem as big as can be... god appreciate the humor once in a while.
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #6 Posted by Smigit on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:55
Yeah poor icon, the previous one wasnt too bad but I set the program to always be hidden anyway.

Great program but, scanning now and ill play with the new UI when it's done. I certainly prefer it over the alternatives, although for safetys sake i will run ad-aware occasionally.
Quote this comment #6.1 Posted by Smigit on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:59
Ok just did a scan. Everythings a bit sparse, the default info on the home page isnt all that helpful and not as niocely presented as in the previous version. Also the lask of a taskbar icon, while neat means you have to navigate into the start menu to do a manual scan and may get some people thinking it's running when the program isnt.

The options arent as good for advanced users too. Regardless I still think it's an invaluable tool. The ui could do some work but besides that it's progressing alright.
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #7 Posted by em3 on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:56
I can't even install this even though I'm logged in as admin.
"Error 1609. An error occurred while applying security settings..."
Quote this comment #7.1 Posted by jkolonko on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:50
This is an installer bug if you are not running non-English Windows version. This is my workaround:
1. (Start -> Run...) net localgroup Users /add
2. Install WindowsDefender.msi.
3. (Start -> Run...) net localgroup Users /delete
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #8 Posted by leesmithg on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:57
Was this a.k.a. as windows antispyware?
Quote this comment #8.1 Posted by travisowens on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:57
You are correct, Windows Defender is the final name for the app, and they've also added protection from the major viruses too iirc.
(2 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #9 Posted by State Of The Art on 14 Feb 2006 - 10:58
yeah it was

Got the same error as u em3 =/ - any idea how to solve it? - i have a proper version of windows xp.
Quote this comment #9.1 Posted by leesmithg on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:00
Thanks, 30 seconds after writing, went to geeks and it said it also.

There is a new version of opera also today, seems all the programs are coming on patch Tuesday.
Quote this comment #9.2 Posted by XerXis on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:14
i have the same error, so much for beta 2 :p
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #10 Posted by Cutepuppy on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:08
To anyone experiencing the "Error 1609. An error occurred while applying security settings..." solution follows :

1. Go to your computeradministration
2. Go to User administration
3. Select "groups"
4. Right click and select "New group"
5. Call the group "Users"
6. Press create

It should install correctly now
Quote this comment #10.1 Posted by Shadow Dragon on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:09
Worked perfectly. Thanks!
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #11 Posted by b0m8er on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:09
Love the program, hate the icon
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #12 Posted by madnuke on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:18
Does it remove Norton Effectively?
Quote this comment #12.1 Posted by Lare2 on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:31
i hope so, because that's a nasty infection
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #13 Posted by JamesCherrill on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:22
Is there any way to create more than one schedule? Eg: quick scan daily, full scan weekly.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #14 Posted by simeandrews on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:29
The image in the bottom left at the start of the installler is absolutely horrible@ Come on MS, you can do better than that!
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #15 Posted by JOEWARE on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:38
the GUI looks more plain now.. and what is up with the icon? ooh well, ad-aware and spybot will do the job for me...
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #16 Posted by Jorgesarcos on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:45
"Microsoft's Windows Defender is one of if not the best solution against spyware and adware on Windows machines to date."

Yeah right!
Quote this comment #16.1 Posted by Subaru on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:23
I had the exact same thought
(2 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #17 Posted by kryptonate on 14 Feb 2006 - 11:56
Looks like you'll get error 1609 when you don't have the english version of Windows :s
Quote this comment #17.1 Posted by Jugalator on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:06
Yes, because Microsoft's translation teams in utter stupidity also translate the system account group names.

I was wondering when this would bite MS themselves some day, and it seems now it has done.

Of course, since that's how Windows is, the bug is really in Windows Defender here, but it's really something I think should be changed in Windows.
Quote this comment #17.2 Posted by jkolonko on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:57
Juglator, actually the issue is that Windows Defender installer uses names, not SIDs (see KB243330 for details).
kryptonate, workaround for you (and other non-English versions of Windows):
1. (Start -> Run...) net localgroup Users /add
2. Install WindowsDefender.msi.
3. (Start -> Run...) net localgroup Users /delete
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #18 Posted by IBlender on 14 Feb 2006 - 12:20
The icon sucks!

It seems that they have rewritten parts of it (no Visual Basic 6 anymore ).
Quote this comment #18.1 Posted by Blackice on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:24
They've rewritten all of the UI. The only part of Windows Defender that's still GIANT AntiSpyware is the engine.

It sort of feels like it's doing less, though. I don't like the way it feels like they've stripped features.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #19 Posted by lawtai on 14 Feb 2006 - 12:22
Looks like I'll have to try this program again.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #20 Posted by eilegz on 14 Feb 2006 - 12:46
well while it looks faster and simplified, somehow the inteface of the old giant antispyware or beta 1 was better for me (but very slow)
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #21 Posted by barteh on 14 Feb 2006 - 12:59
Comment Removed.

Do not ask about how to install this on a pirated version of Windows.

--matt74441

Last edited by matt74441 on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:15
Quote this comment #21.1 Posted by sphbecker on 14 Feb 2006 - 23:56
Just call MS and explain the situation; they will be glad to send someone over at take a look :p
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #22 Posted by marlow714 on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:07
Very nice! I like the icon!
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #23 Posted by pad on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:10
Where's the icon in the notification bar gone?
(6 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #24 Posted by [DGS] on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:12
Microsoft's Windows Defender is one of if not the best solution against spyware and adware on Windows machines to date.

Is that neowin's opinion?
Quote this comment #24.1 Posted by Zirus1701 on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:19
I hope not... I don't much care for the program. I've used it a couple times, and I had to install it everywhere at my old job. I don't think it does quite a good of a job as webroot spysweeper.

Hopefully it'll be better once its released so I can change my opinion.
Quote this comment #24.2 Posted by tlogank on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:20
yea, a very dumb and biased thing for a site such as this to do or allow...I would edit that, very 'unprofessional'...
Quote this comment #24.3 Posted by Spyder on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:48
check out Neowin's tagline
Quote this comment #24.4 Posted by Jugalator on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:08
I wish the tagline would be about news posted by more or less regular users though, and not about crappy/biased article summaries.
Quote this comment #24.5 Posted by rIaHc3 on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:03
Microsoft's Windows Defender is one of if not the best solution against spyware and adware on Windows machines to date.

Is that neowin's opinion?



I doubt it; Most of Neowin's news reporters are anti-Microsoft so...
Quote this comment #24.6 Posted by Subaru on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:08
The official Neowin's opinion ?? I REALLY HOPE NOT

I'd like to think people here is more "strict" and really "digs in" into a software package before making any declaration. This seems quite EMO
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #25 Posted by EduardValencia on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:23
well i think windows defender is one IF not the best solution for spyware,it makes my pc look very clean,i can asure you that!
(4 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #26 Posted by srwal on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:24
Anyone else getting a problem trying to update?
Quote this comment #26.1 Posted by meamog on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:28
yeah, mine won't update the definition files at all. weird.
Quote this comment #26.2 Posted by Ideas Man on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:51
It does take a while.
Quote this comment #26.3 Posted by travisowens on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:02
I updated fine & quickly
Quote this comment #26.4 Posted by ghoffman on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:11
i think the update occurs via the windows automatic update feature, which i had turned off. but which windows defender must have turned on. after about 15 minutes of me clicking the update now icon, with nothing apparently happening, a yellow windows update icon appeared in the taskbar notification area, and it claims to be downloading updates. even though windows defender now claims it is already updated.
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #27 Posted by Matt500 on 14 Feb 2006 - 13:26
Has Microsoft started letting some work experience kid design all their new UI designs? The colours are awful, the icon is terrible and it gives a whole look and feel of something freeware which was designed in a day.

Quote this comment #27.1 Posted by travisowens on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:00
Even though I know MS takes serious time testing UIs in user tests, I have to agree, the new icon is boring, and I think the new interface isn't as good as the old interface. I understand removing the popups, but the previous interface looked more candy-like (which is what MS is going for these days) and this one looks a tad drab.
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #28 Posted by Stijn on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:10
for the solution thing.... 1. Go to your computeradministration
2. Go to User administration
3. Select "groups"
4. Right click and select "New group"
5. Call the group "Users"
6. Press create

Whats the computeradministration, and how do i get there???

plz tell me

thnx
Quote this comment #28.1 Posted by zeke009 on 15 Feb 2006 - 14:12
jkolonko posted this earlier... try this instead:

1. (Start -> Run...) net localgroup Users /add
2. Install WindowsDefender.msi.
3. (Start -> Run...) net localgroup Users /delete
(4 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #29 Posted by shirike on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:17
Maybe if some og you spent less time whining and Microsoft-bashing, you'd have more time to read the documentation about Windows Defender and understand that the definition updates come from Windows Update service - either the automatic service in your system tray or, if you have those turned off, via manual update at the website.

I think the UI is fine as it is especially because MS have specificaslly stated they want it to be as unintrusive as possible - they had feedback that all the pop-ups were putting casual PC users off. But I do agree the icon is a bit dubious. It is meant to look like a castle rampart (?) and fit in with the "Defender" theme, I guess...

Last edited by [NFC]Wave on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:15
Quote this comment #29.1 Posted by Smigit on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:25
my poor lil eyes
Quote this comment #29.2 Posted by TRC on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:47
WTF shirike, don't type in bold red fonts like that. It's like trying to read pain itself. Are you that starved for attention?
Quote this comment #29.3 Posted by vet[NFC]Wave on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:16
Fixed. Don't type like that again.
Quote this comment #29.4 Posted by shirike on 14 Feb 2006 - 22:43
If we can't choose our own font and colour why give us the options in the comment box?
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #30 Posted by jphillips59 on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:27
Here is a gallery for those that don't want to install it.

[url=http://windowsconnected.com/photos/windows_defender/default.aspx]http://windowsconnected.com/photos/windows_defender/default.aspx
[/url]
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #31 Posted by jphillips59 on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:28
http://windowsconnected.com/photos/windows...er/default.aspx
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #32 Posted by guardian_uk on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:39
hey, this doesnt have the real time protection or what?
Quote this comment #32.1 Posted by travisowens on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:59
Yes, realtime and it runs as a service so it saves ram in a multi-user enviroment as long as doesn't require local admin privelages to fix system problems.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #33 Posted by guardian_uk on 14 Feb 2006 - 14:43
never mind, found it.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #34 Posted by AnalogKid82 on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:09
This program sucks! It never finds any problems on my system. Not that I want spyware, but programs like Yahoo's Anti-spyware and Ad-Aware always seem to find something during a scan.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #35 Posted by aStRaLgOd on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:14
New icon really stinks
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #36 Posted by cyberfrem on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:14
It won't update - tells me it hasn't been updated for 19 days!
Quote this comment #36.1 Posted by someotherguy582 on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:27
That's what it did for me at first, but then after a couple minutes it said it was up-to-date.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #37 Posted by chorpeac on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:18
Cool, downloading now!
(6 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #38 Posted by Majin GeoDooD on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:34
Okay, I'm trying to install and am getting an error I can't seem to figure out. I'm running Windows 2000 Pro.

The error says: "This software requires GDI+. Please load the Windows 2000 Security Software PreRequisite Pack."

I can't find any info on this.
Quote this comment #38.1 Posted by Kalphegor on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:59
Service Pack 4 for Windows 2000 or DirectX 9?
Quote this comment #38.2 Posted by Majin GeoDooD on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:01
If it's what you're asking, I have both SP4 and DX9.
Quote this comment #38.3 Posted by Majin GeoDooD on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:44
I figured out the problem.
Quote this comment #38.4 Posted by caesar on 14 Feb 2006 - 21:52
I just finished installing and updating via WindowsUpdates DirectX 9 on a Windows 2000 SP4 but I still get that message. How did you fixed (if you did) that GeoDooD?
Quote this comment #38.5 Posted by Majin GeoDooD on 14 Feb 2006 - 22:31
Download this:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=en

Unzip it to WINNTsystem32
Quote this comment #38.6 Posted by caesar on 15 Feb 2006 - 18:44
Thanks GeoDooD, worked like a charm!
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #39 Posted by Mudcrutch on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:36
QUESTION:

does this download update Microsoft Antispyware or is this completely seperate?
Quote this comment #39.1 Posted by cyberfrem on 14 Feb 2006 - 15:41
Windows Defender (Beta 2) is the updated Microsoft Antispyware (Beta 1)
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #40 Posted by Croquant on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:17
Anyone got some screenshots of this?
Quote this comment #40.1 Posted by Vomer on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:25
http://windowsconnected.com/photos/windows...er/default.aspx

(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #41 Posted by capeche on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:20
Am I really much safer now than with MS Antispyware?
Quote this comment #41.1 Posted by sphbecker on 14 Feb 2006 - 23:59
Well, it runs as a service, which means it will work with non-admin accounts as well, and it has beter real-time protection, so I would say so.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #42 Posted by Lee69 on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:25
thanks
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #43 Posted by Vomer on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:31
New Icon :

IPB Image

Not really the best one...I like the round one better.
(2 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #44 Posted by TRC on 14 Feb 2006 - 16:44
I'm seeing a bad trend where they are using Vista buttons and program designs for XP programs. It just does not look good in XP, especially with the classic theme. As for the ugly icons I'm sure it's just a place holder until they have a better one; this is just a beta after all. One thing I noticed when using this is that it got around my firewall when I updated it. I didn't get the usual warning that a program was trying to go outbound, how did they do that?
Quote this comment #44.1 Posted by shirike on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:26
Here's my log of the event according to TCPViiew

svchost.exe:1236 TCP heavymes-31a97d:1192 212.73.245.62:http ESTABLISHED
Quote this comment #44.2 Posted by TRC on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:39
Thanks, I allowed svchost through my firewall a long time ago so that explains it.
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #45 Posted by lcohen999 on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:15
I miss the system inoculation / tracks eraser and secure file shredder from the original giant version.

As long as they keep doing updates, I see no reason to change to a less featured version
Quote this comment #45.1 Posted by MrCobra on 14 Feb 2006 - 19:57
I still use the GIANT version along with a couple others.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #46 Posted by Stunna on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:19
is it eay to go back to the normal Microsoft anti spyware if needed?
(6 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #47 Posted by xUnix on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:22
So no more tray icon for this one.
Quote this comment #47.1 Posted by pad on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:40
This irks me considerably - I want it back NOW
Quote this comment #47.2 Posted by Jack 0Neill on 14 Feb 2006 - 18:38
Tray icon is still there.
Quote this comment #47.3 Posted by TRC on 14 Feb 2006 - 19:01
Only when the program is open.
Quote this comment #47.4 Posted by pad on 14 Feb 2006 - 19:19
For me it's not there at all, irrespective of whether it's open.
Quote this comment #47.5 Posted by Spyder on 14 Feb 2006 - 19:49
The tray icon only appears when it finds a problem. Otherwise it is hidden.
Quote this comment #47.6 Posted by vet[NFC]Wave on 14 Feb 2006 - 22:20
^ don't really like that addition to be honest.
(2 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #48 Posted by serlex on 14 Feb 2006 - 17:39
why u guys talking about the first one? obviously this one is better. right?
Quote this comment #48.1 Posted by InsaneNutter on 14 Feb 2006 - 18:59
Yes this one is better, but some people are moaning about a new icon... what ever next
Quote this comment #48.2 Posted by metalguy90 on 14 Feb 2006 - 19:51
yeah... the new icon is ugly!!!
but the actual program is much better than the initial releases and the first betas.
its looking more like a microsoft program.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #49 Posted by Drestin on 14 Feb 2006 - 19:41
OH MAN! How stupid! They broke the ability to update through an ISA server... it's their own product! IDIOTS! This is why I don't use Adaware... and now MS's own product? Great "up"grade

Last edited by Drestin on 14 Feb 2006 - 19:53
(4 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #50 Posted by Drestin on 14 Feb 2006 - 20:37
OH MY GOD! What the hell?
Where are the browser restore functions?
The BHO explorer?
Toolbar explorer?
Tracks eraser?
The new scanning is lame - you have no idea where you are, relatively, during the scan.
It doesn't update through proxies (like MS's own ISA server!
This is a huge step backwards!

MS you blew it - you bought the best (Giant) and turned it into crap. A real let down. I'm uninstalling and returning to the prior beta until it expires or I can find something else to run...This is lame!
Quote this comment #50.1 Posted by quick on 14 Feb 2006 - 20:39
Sucks they removed the tracks eraser
Quote this comment #50.2 Posted by Zionyx on 14 Feb 2006 - 20:50
My thoughts precisely Drestin.
Quote this comment #50.3 Posted by jp10558 on 14 Feb 2006 - 23:10
Isn't this pretty much par for the course though...
Quote this comment #50.4 Posted by osirisX on 15 Feb 2006 - 06:46
I think they removed the tracks eraser because IE7 now has the ability to erase your internet tracks.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #51 Posted by DooGie on 14 Feb 2006 - 20:55
Hmmmm seems ok but then I'm using a combo of Spybot, SpywareBlaster and Ad-Aware anyway. Think the interface is good but as others say the Icon sucks. I'll keep it on but disable the run at startup and do the occasional scan with it. Jury is out for me on this one.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #52 Posted by Ely on 14 Feb 2006 - 21:13
It's looking sexy :p except for the new tray icon ( which btw can't be seen much except when the program is open or warning about something)
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #53 Posted by some_guy on 14 Feb 2006 - 21:21
This maybe Microsoft's first quick program lol. what a nice change

the ui