I just picked up an HP for general use. It has Win 8, which I updated to 8.1 & I also installed ClassicShell. It has a surprisingly small amount of junkware on it. It doesn't have an antivirus program on it that I can find and it isn't nagging me to install one either. Does Win 8.1 have something integrated? If not, what AV is being used? I seem to remember reading MSSE is not compatible with 8/8.1.
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AV for Windows 8.1?
- Thread starter JLK03F150
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2002
Microsoft Security Essentials is definitely better than nothing and is famous for its ease of use. MSE definitions however, are not stellar, and so from the point of view of best antivirus definitions that best combat a brand new most recently created virus, you would have to look elsewhere.
There is only one Freeware with definitions that can match and most of the time beat the most expensive pay-for antivirus software:
http://www.avira.com/en/download/product/avira-free-antivirus
It is not as easy to use as MSE, but if setup correctly, you will not have to look at ads this freeware comes with. (You can also buy the ad-free professional version).
This is how I set up the old version, new versions should be similar, except product updates are mandatory on them:
There is only one Freeware with definitions that can match and most of the time beat the most expensive pay-for antivirus software:
http://www.avira.com/en/download/product/avira-free-antivirus
It is not as easy to use as MSE, but if setup correctly, you will not have to look at ads this freeware comes with. (You can also buy the ad-free professional version).
This is how I set up the old version, new versions should be similar, except product updates are mandatory on them:
Avira AntiVir Personal 13.0.0.2832
(Compatible with Windows 8 but not Windows 8.1. Install version 14 or later for Windows 8.1 compatibility.)
[Follow-up Build 2890 does not have the option to disable product updates. It is important to disable automatic product updates (but leave definition updates ON). Product updates may affect the Windows operating system. They should preferably be downloaded only *after* imaging the operating system partition so that if they cause problems you can reimage back to the state before product updates were installed.]
Disconnect Internet connection. Double click on Setup.exe to install the program.
Ignore Avira's warnings to uninstall Comodo Firewall or similar programs which intercept phone-home attempts.
SELECT: Custom and CHECK: I accept the End User License Agreement > Next >
UNCHECK everything when asked to install Avira Toolbars > Next > Next > Next > Next
Welcome to the Configuration Wizard > Next > Next >
Allow the configuration wizard to keep the default Express Setup options. [Do not Select All.]
(UNCHECK: Application, Games, Jokes, Programs that violate the private domain, and Unusual runtime compression.) > Next > Next >
UNCHECK: Performs a quick systems scan after the installation
Next > Finish >
*ABORT any update process when it automatically pops up!* (If you haven't disconnected Internet connection as instructed above.)
Setup the program before connecting to the internet [then block apnstub.exe and ipmgui.exe from accessing the internet].
Subscription to new virus definitions for this program is renewed automatically when you right click on Avira icon in the task bar > Start update
or download the latest key file from:
http://personal.avira-update.com/package/peclkey/win32/int/hbedv.key
and either copy it to
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop
and restart or go to Help > License management > click on the blue hbedv.key link > browse to the new downloaded hbedv.key > Open.
Options:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avcenter.exe
System Scanner (upper left) > Configuration (upper right) > Yes >
UNCHECK: Follow symbolic links (on right) > System Scanner > Scan > Action on detection >
Set for Automatic, Primary action: Ignore [if you want to just scan folders and get a scan report without deleting files or being prompted what to do if virii/malware are found.]
> Click on + next to Update > Product Update > Do not download product updates.
[This option is only for Avira Antivir product updates (Antivirus definitions will still be downloaded automatically.) Product updates should be downloaded manually by going to Update > Start product update... because they may affect the Windows operating system. They should preferably be downloaded only *after* imaging the operating system partition so that if they cause problems you can reimage back to the state before product updates were installed.]
> General > Security >
Disable being notified every time USB drive has an AUTORUN.INF file:
UNCHECK: Block autorun function
> General > Events > Select: Limit size to max. >
> General > Reports > Select: Limit number to max. >
> General > Alerts > UNCHECK everything except Dial-up connection is used
> OK
> Scheduler [on lower left] > UNCHECK everything.
Set Avira Free Antivirus to Always show in Windows Taskbar.
To disable Notifier nag screen: Windows 2000/XP Control Panel > [in Windows 7/8, click on (view by Category) System and Security first] > Administrative Tools [fourth from bottom] > Local Security Policy > Right click on Software Restriction Policies > Create New Policies SO THAT ADDITIONAL RULES SHOWS UP UNDERNEATH > Right click on Additional Rules > New Path Rule... > Browse... to the path of avnotify.exe default is
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe
or
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe
> Set the security level to Disallowed > OK
Also block these two files from accessing the internet, using Comodo Firewall or similar software:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\apnstub.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\ipmgui.exe
or
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\apnstub.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\ipmgui.exe
The blocked files are to block Ask toolbar check and to block a popup nag.
apnstub.exe is related to a Toolbar check. AntiVir software checks whether the ASK-Toolbar is already installed on your computer. If the Toolbar is already present, AntiVir will not bother you with a slide-up alert asking you to install it. The apnstub.exe utility will do this check three times (the next three times that you reboot your computer). An additional check is done whenever the AntiVir setup dialog is displayed, in order to once again confirm the presence or absence of the Toolbar. If the ASK-Toolbar is already present, AntiVir will not offer you the setup option for installing the Avira-Toolbar.
ipmgui.exe is related to Avira messaging popup nag.
For Windows XP Home or Windows 8 (non-Pro version) you would need to boot into Safe Mode and log in as Administrator, then
go to
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe
and right click on it >
Properties > Security TAB >
[Under Group or usernames] SYSTEM > Edit button > CHECK: Deny for Read & execute > Apply > OK > OK
Make sure SYSTEM is set to Deny for Read & execute before rebooting.
To submit a suspected virus, go to
http://analysis.avira.com/samples/
to upload it.
You can scan multiple drives inside program options: Local Protection > Scanner > CHECK drives you wish to scan. The premium version also offers the option to scan multiple folders here. The free version does not.
In case of error message:
The procedure entry point ?_Xbad@tr1@std@@YAX4error_type@regex_constants@12@@Z could not be located in the dynamic link library MSVCP90.dll
download and install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=a5c84275-3b97-4ab7-a40d-3802b2af5fc2
Manual updates can be downloaded from:
http://dl.antivir.de/down/vdf/ivdf_fusebundle_nt_en.zip
Unzip the downloaded file and copy all the contents to
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop
Using two Antivirus programs at the same time:
If there are two Antivirus programs installed, you should not have two Antivirus *Guard* programs active at the same time because this would slow the system down, Windows may even have problems booting with two Antivirus guard components being active. So if installing AntiVir on a system where there already is an Antivirus program installed, do not install AntiVir guard.
Also disable the guard component of one program if using another program to scan an entire disk drive.
Default log file location is
C:\ProgramData\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\LOGFILES
or
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\LOGFILES
(Compatible with Windows 8 but not Windows 8.1. Install version 14 or later for Windows 8.1 compatibility.)
[Follow-up Build 2890 does not have the option to disable product updates. It is important to disable automatic product updates (but leave definition updates ON). Product updates may affect the Windows operating system. They should preferably be downloaded only *after* imaging the operating system partition so that if they cause problems you can reimage back to the state before product updates were installed.]
Disconnect Internet connection. Double click on Setup.exe to install the program.
Ignore Avira's warnings to uninstall Comodo Firewall or similar programs which intercept phone-home attempts.
SELECT: Custom and CHECK: I accept the End User License Agreement > Next >
UNCHECK everything when asked to install Avira Toolbars > Next > Next > Next > Next
Welcome to the Configuration Wizard > Next > Next >
Allow the configuration wizard to keep the default Express Setup options. [Do not Select All.]
(UNCHECK: Application, Games, Jokes, Programs that violate the private domain, and Unusual runtime compression.) > Next > Next >
UNCHECK: Performs a quick systems scan after the installation
Next > Finish >
*ABORT any update process when it automatically pops up!* (If you haven't disconnected Internet connection as instructed above.)
Setup the program before connecting to the internet [then block apnstub.exe and ipmgui.exe from accessing the internet].
Subscription to new virus definitions for this program is renewed automatically when you right click on Avira icon in the task bar > Start update
or download the latest key file from:
http://personal.avira-update.com/package/peclkey/win32/int/hbedv.key
and either copy it to
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop
and restart or go to Help > License management > click on the blue hbedv.key link > browse to the new downloaded hbedv.key > Open.
Options:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avcenter.exe
System Scanner (upper left) > Configuration (upper right) > Yes >
UNCHECK: Follow symbolic links (on right) > System Scanner > Scan > Action on detection >
Set for Automatic, Primary action: Ignore [if you want to just scan folders and get a scan report without deleting files or being prompted what to do if virii/malware are found.]
> Click on + next to Update > Product Update > Do not download product updates.
[This option is only for Avira Antivir product updates (Antivirus definitions will still be downloaded automatically.) Product updates should be downloaded manually by going to Update > Start product update... because they may affect the Windows operating system. They should preferably be downloaded only *after* imaging the operating system partition so that if they cause problems you can reimage back to the state before product updates were installed.]
> General > Security >
Disable being notified every time USB drive has an AUTORUN.INF file:
UNCHECK: Block autorun function
> General > Events > Select: Limit size to max. >
> General > Reports > Select: Limit number to max. >
> General > Alerts > UNCHECK everything except Dial-up connection is used
> OK
> Scheduler [on lower left] > UNCHECK everything.
Set Avira Free Antivirus to Always show in Windows Taskbar.
To disable Notifier nag screen: Windows 2000/XP Control Panel > [in Windows 7/8, click on (view by Category) System and Security first] > Administrative Tools [fourth from bottom] > Local Security Policy > Right click on Software Restriction Policies > Create New Policies SO THAT ADDITIONAL RULES SHOWS UP UNDERNEATH > Right click on Additional Rules > New Path Rule... > Browse... to the path of avnotify.exe default is
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe
or
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe
> Set the security level to Disallowed > OK
Also block these two files from accessing the internet, using Comodo Firewall or similar software:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\apnstub.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\ipmgui.exe
or
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\apnstub.exe
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\ipmgui.exe
The blocked files are to block Ask toolbar check and to block a popup nag.
apnstub.exe is related to a Toolbar check. AntiVir software checks whether the ASK-Toolbar is already installed on your computer. If the Toolbar is already present, AntiVir will not bother you with a slide-up alert asking you to install it. The apnstub.exe utility will do this check three times (the next three times that you reboot your computer). An additional check is done whenever the AntiVir setup dialog is displayed, in order to once again confirm the presence or absence of the Toolbar. If the ASK-Toolbar is already present, AntiVir will not offer you the setup option for installing the Avira-Toolbar.
ipmgui.exe is related to Avira messaging popup nag.
For Windows XP Home or Windows 8 (non-Pro version) you would need to boot into Safe Mode and log in as Administrator, then
go to
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe
and right click on it >
Properties > Security TAB >
[Under Group or usernames] SYSTEM > Edit button > CHECK: Deny for Read & execute > Apply > OK > OK
Make sure SYSTEM is set to Deny for Read & execute before rebooting.
To submit a suspected virus, go to
http://analysis.avira.com/samples/
to upload it.
You can scan multiple drives inside program options: Local Protection > Scanner > CHECK drives you wish to scan. The premium version also offers the option to scan multiple folders here. The free version does not.
In case of error message:
The procedure entry point ?_Xbad@tr1@std@@YAX4error_type@regex_constants@12@@Z could not be located in the dynamic link library MSVCP90.dll
download and install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...FamilyID=a5c84275-3b97-4ab7-a40d-3802b2af5fc2
Manual updates can be downloaded from:
http://dl.antivir.de/down/vdf/ivdf_fusebundle_nt_en.zip
Unzip the downloaded file and copy all the contents to
C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop
Using two Antivirus programs at the same time:
If there are two Antivirus programs installed, you should not have two Antivirus *Guard* programs active at the same time because this would slow the system down, Windows may even have problems booting with two Antivirus guard components being active. So if installing AntiVir on a system where there already is an Antivirus program installed, do not install AntiVir guard.
Also disable the guard component of one program if using another program to scan an entire disk drive.
Default log file location is
C:\ProgramData\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\LOGFILES
or
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\LOGFILES
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2002
Yes. Various old apps sites. I also have it and can upload it. That version does not work under 8.1 but does work under 8.0. If I was installing from scratch, I don't know if I would pass on 8.1 Update 1 just because of that old version. I probably wouldn't.
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 19, 2006
- Location
- Where angels carry savage weapons
MSE is essentially deprecated in Win8; the built-in Windows Defender takes its place.
I use and recommend Comodo AV/IS. Nice sandbox feature and it doesn't blast you with advertisements like other free AVs do. If you're very security conscience, you could also install Microsoft's Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET)
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2002
Comodo makes an excellent firewall. I don't know if anyone else has a better one. I run Comorodo Firewall along side Avira Antivirus because Comodo's virus definitions are not as good Avira's but Comodo makes the best firewall. I disable Windows Firewall and defender after installing Comodo Firewall and Avira Antivirus.
Avira will blast you with ads if you use the free version and don't modify it, that is correct.
Avira will blast you with ads if you use the free version and don't modify it, that is correct.
- Thread Starter
- #8
I don't need any firewall or AV right now. The HP I bought was actually a debranded HP, but I did a BIOS update from HP & now it can't find the OS on the HDD. BIOS can see the HDD, now I just need to get it to see Win 8.
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2002
Your original question was if there was anything on Windows 8 natively. The answer is yes, Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, which we replace with free alternatives for both.
Your new question is about a BIOS update problem. If there is only one hard drive and there is nothing else connected to your system, make sure your boot priority options are properly set up in BIOS and that you flashed the correct version of BIOS for whatever you have...
Flash back to the version of BIOS that actually worked, it's always risky updating BIOS, that's why they warn against doing it unless you specifically need to...
Your new question is about a BIOS update problem. If there is only one hard drive and there is nothing else connected to your system, make sure your boot priority options are properly set up in BIOS and that you flashed the correct version of BIOS for whatever you have...
Flash back to the version of BIOS that actually worked, it's always risky updating BIOS, that's why they warn against doing it unless you specifically need to...
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2014
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
Stick to Windows Defender...
If you're on these forums, aside from me just joining, you should have decent computer knowledge and experience to know where to not be clicking and downloading from.
If you're on these forums, aside from me just joining, you should have decent computer knowledge and experience to know where to not be clicking and downloading from.
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2014
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
Always 
Microsoft is the safest of all websites...
Always click on ads for cleaning up your machine. They help mucho!
Microsoft is the safest of all websites...Always click on ads for cleaning up your machine. They help mucho!
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2002
I don't keep anything on my machine without backing it up regularly to an external hard drive connected to a power surge strip with an on/off switch so I can physically switch off the external drive and cut off access to it when not backing up to it. I expect to loose anything that's on the main rig, either through a virus or through hard drive failure.
Because even with the best virus definitions, I know I am still at risk. But using a machine without any protection... people come back to these threads saying how they changed their minds about browsing naked after a virus zipped then encrypted their files with an encryption strong enough that it could not be bypassed using modern computers. The likelihood of that happening is increased when visiting shady web sites sure, but just like in real life, people use protection even when being intimate with someone who "looks" clean, so in computer world, having a good freeware anti virus set up properly will eventually save you.
It's been a while since anything got through on my machine and I really want it too, because I would use the opportunity to quarantine then test the virus against all major anti-virus software definitions. Last time it happened, pay-for Norton did not detect it, but freeware Avira did - so I switched to using Avira. Today I would use that criteria to switch away from Avira if anything got through.
My parents never visit anything except for a few web sites and last weekend something got into their Firefox cache. It lit up anti-virus warnings like a X-mas tree. I reduced the time fixing problems for them by teaching them to not keep any personal documents or files on the OS partition and then when, not if, when something like that happens, to nuke their OS partition and reimage it. I set up a dual boot Win7/WinXP for imaging one OS from the other. Partitions are relatively small. Two OS on a small SSD, but even for them I would never recommend not having a good anti virus installed. Last weekend it paid off.
Because even with the best virus definitions, I know I am still at risk. But using a machine without any protection... people come back to these threads saying how they changed their minds about browsing naked after a virus zipped then encrypted their files with an encryption strong enough that it could not be bypassed using modern computers. The likelihood of that happening is increased when visiting shady web sites sure, but just like in real life, people use protection even when being intimate with someone who "looks" clean, so in computer world, having a good freeware anti virus set up properly will eventually save you.
It's been a while since anything got through on my machine and I really want it too, because I would use the opportunity to quarantine then test the virus against all major anti-virus software definitions. Last time it happened, pay-for Norton did not detect it, but freeware Avira did - so I switched to using Avira. Today I would use that criteria to switch away from Avira if anything got through.
My parents never visit anything except for a few web sites and last weekend something got into their Firefox cache. It lit up anti-virus warnings like a X-mas tree. I reduced the time fixing problems for them by teaching them to not keep any personal documents or files on the OS partition and then when, not if, when something like that happens, to nuke their OS partition and reimage it. I set up a dual boot Win7/WinXP for imaging one OS from the other. Partitions are relatively small. Two OS on a small SSD, but even for them I would never recommend not having a good anti virus installed. Last weekend it paid off.
