install antivirus on my Windows 7

[markhelenski]

I am unable to install antivirus on my Windows 7 laptop. How can I install antivirus on it?

[-pops-]

Which anti-virus are you trying to install?

Possibly you machine is already infected - quite a lot of malware prevents later installation of anti-malware programs.

Try installing Microsoft Security Essentials. This will give adequate protection for most users.

/>http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

[bludgard]

What a head.

[Belatucadrus]

Try running Norman Malware Cleaner if your system is infected this should clean it. Then try and install a full time AV prog like MSE or avast!

[andsome]

Try running Norman Malware Cleaner if your system is infected this should clean it. Then try and install a full time AV prog like MSE or avast!

I decided to have a look at this program. I have no way of knowing whether or not it is actually any good, but liked the fact that it runs from the downloads folder without being actually installed. I was concerned however that it did not ask to be updated on line, so how can it react to new malware?

[Belatucadrus]

As with most of the stand alone cleaners it's the executable itself that's kept updated by the providers. It doesn't actually update itself at all, you need to download the latest version when you need it. There's not much point until then because as you've pointed out any archive copy you download and keep starts the inevitable ongoing obsolescence procedure immediately.

A couple of similar alternatives are Dr Web & eScan

[andsome]

As with most of the stand alone cleaners it's the executable itself that's kept updated by the providers. It doesn't actually update itself at all, you need to download the latest version when you need it. There's not much point until then because as you've pointed out any archive copy you download and keep starts the inevitable ongoing obsolescence procedure immediately.

A couple of similar alternatives are Dr Web & eScan

Thanks very much for the info. I have put the links into My favourites. Up until now I have never needed anything like this as I use ESET Nod 32, but better to be safe than sorry.:)

[-pops-]

I gave the Norman program a try yesterday. It does seem very thorough - judging by the time it took to complete the scan.

Looking at the things it was scanning as they were zipping though, there seemed a lot of things I'd not seen before with other malware scanners - like HP literature in dozens of languages.

One for the keep list, definitely.

[Belatucadrus]

If you're looking for a backup scanner that'll update then there's always Clamwin a limited product with no real time cover and Bitdefender a freebie so badly gutted that even its providers have to qualify their recommendations for use.

BitDefender Free Edition is an on-demand virus scanner, which is best used in a system recovery or forensics role.

Unlikely to clash with incumbent AV software, but if you trust your existing software and with avast! I do, I reckon installing more would be a touch paranoid.

Just found another one of interest Vipre Rescue from Sunbelt.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

I am unable to install antivirus on my Windows 7 laptop. How can I install antivirus on it?

You probably have to run the installer as an Administrator user.

[andsome]

I also use Windows7 Home and I have noticed that Norton Anti Virus works better in this OS. I have also used many others but I found Norton the best in Windows 7.

Nothing to do with Norton will ever again be allowed anywhere near to my computer. I sincerely hope that you will not regret using it as I and many others did.B)