Windows XP question- Defender not initializing
 

The past couple of days when I start up my laptop I get a error message stating Windows Defender can not initialize. I click on O.K. and the computer works fine but every time I turn it on I get this message. I'm running XP operating system and I have seperate spyware and virus software. So do I need this Defender? Can I just delete it? ThanksSmileWavy

I have deleted or disabled all winXP "Defender" features as it's just too problematic and prone to false alarms. You might want to do the same...

You need to download the new version. The beta version you are using expired January 1.

Same here. Started 1 Jan.

Defender is in my opinion not a good piece of software - it takes upon itself the sudden action of stealing 98 percent of processor cycles for over 40 minutes at a time. I have removed it via add/remove programs and have a much slicker system as a result.
I have not suddenly been beset by problems that were being solved by Defender - eveything is as it should be with no spyware or other rubbish.
Take it off - you have everything to gain and nothing to loose.

I just removed it and rebooted and everything is fine. Thanks everyone.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by StevoRocket
Defender is in my opinion not a good piece of software - it takes upon itself the sudden action of stealing 98 percent of processor cycles for over 40 minutes at a time. I have removed it via add/remove programs and have a much slicker system as a result.
I have not suddenly been beset by problems that were being solved by Defender - eveything is as it should be with no spyware or other rubbish.
Take it off - you have everything to gain and nothing to loose. [/

Thanks for the tip. My laptop was giving the same error message.

Brian