Problem with Microsoft Anti-Spyware

[Jenny]

So when I start up my computer, this has started happening in the last few weeks:

http://www.jennyrarden.us/images/gotapex/gcasDtServHolder.jpg

Occasionally it'll clear itself and be fine. Most of the time I have to click the x to close it then open up the program again to get it started in my systray.

I've uninstalled it and reinstalled with the latest version. So what could be the problem? Some file stays when you uninstall and that is causing the problem?

TIA.

[Mr Reorg]

:banghead: I've had the same problem for months. I've just been too busy or too lazy to start a thread. It's good to know the problem, whatever it is, isn't unique to my machine.

[Jeffbx]

Wow, I just had that on my screen a couple of days ago. It's only shown up the one time so far - have no idea what it is. A google search shows that it's a pretty common problem, but no one is quite sure what it is, other than sloppy coding from Giant Anti-Spyware or from MS.

[gwilks98]

This was posted in the support forum for Microsoft Antispyware:


Hi Mimi;
It's actually a well known bug in MSAS Beta1, and the result of faulty
programming. The code your running is from Giant Software so we expect better
from Beta2 which will be Microsoft developed code. This window is supposed to
be located well off your visible screen and hidden, it's purpose is only to keep
the MSAS program active in memory, but we see the bug more and more now with
implementations like dual monitors and media center PCs. I'm afraid the only
sure fix, if it remains open for you continually, is to temporarily shutdown or
remove MSAS Beta1, until Windows® Defender is released (about Feb., 2006 by
latest report.) I'd be tempted to try changing screen resolutions first though
to see if you can move it permanently off screen that way.
{more snipped}
Regards, Dave

[gwilks98]

I also found this, relating to Nvidia video cards:


Check for this: In the NView Desktop Manager, Windows tab in the Window
control section there is a checkbox - Prevent windows from opening
off-screen. Uncheck, restart MS Antispyware and then, if desired, reenable.
Might need to do this each reboot.

It doesn't happen all the time because it depends on the NView app
initializing before Antispyware.

Other multi-monitor display adapters (or capable) may have a similar
property. Some also have the ability to exclude specific programs from their
settings.

[Jenny]

oh geez.

Ok, well, at least I'm not the only one. lol

[Mr Reorg]

Thanks for finding that, gwilks. Wouldn't you know, this morning it didn't occur. Anyway, I've unchecked the mentioned option in my NView Desktop Manager. Since that dialog box didn't pop up this morning (upon a cold boot), I didn't close the program and re-start it, as suggested. I'll just wait and see what happens; only time will tell.

[gwilks98]

Thanks for finding that, gwilks. Wouldn't you know, this morning it didn't occur. Anyway, I've unchecked the mentioned option in my NView Desktop Manager. Since that dialog box didn't pop up this morning (upon a cold boot), I didn't close the program and re-start it, as suggested. I'll just wait and see what happens; only time will tell.

Happy to help, glad to know it worked.

[Mr Reorg]

Unchecking the option to prevent windows from opening offscreen appears to have resolved this. However, I would much more prefer a software fix from MS so that I could keep that option checked.

I was using that option so as to prevent malware/pop-ups from openning off screen (which sometimes can prevent a user from closing such windows); not that I am experiencing such problems, but I believe in trying to have every base covered.

Thanks again for finding the answer.

[Maarchk]

It doesn't do jack!!!
I had it and used it and it cleaned a couple things from time to time. Then i downloaded adsoft spyware remover and it found a ton of things... I hate to say it but i think ms doesn't know what they are looking for...
I would personally recommend trying another anti spyware and running it just to see if you ms stuff is doing what it should.

Oh, and i've never had the screen issue.. So i'm not completely not following the subject of this thread.

[mechmike0034]

I would personally recommend trying another anti spyware and running it just to see if you ms stuff is doing what it should.

Agreed - MSAS plus Spybot is a powerful combination. Just don't run scans with both of them at the same time. Also, one installed Antivirus app is sufficient. Multiples will likely conflict. If you are unsure of your AV and want a second opinion, try one of the free online scans (Trend Micro, etc.)