TOAST.net Knowledge Base

Microsoft Security Essentials (version 1.0.1611.0, released 9/29/09) provides real-time protection for your home PC. It protects against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Requirements

• PC with at least 256MB RAM
• Windows XP (SP2 or SP3), Windows Vista, or Windows 7
  (To check your version, click Start, right click on Computer, and left click Properties.)
• Genuine Microsoft software
  (will not work on pirated copies of Windows)

Installation

1. Remove any existing antivirus or antispyware software.
   a) Open the Control Panel
   b) Choose Add or Remove Programs
   c) Remove software from CA, McAfee, Norton, Trend Micro, etc.
   
2. Go to the Security Essentials web site.
   
3. Click the 'Download Now' button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note for DIAL-UP USERS: The initial definition update is about 44MB (~4.5 hours on a 28.8 Kbps connection). You should CLOSE the update window during installation and the update will resume automatically each time you connect to the Internet. Once completed, the MSE icon will turn green. You should not choose the UPDATE button or the file download will start over from the beginning.