Windows Defender cannot update definitions code 0x80072efd

  • Thread starter Thread starter Guest
  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

Hi,
Ever since yesterday, Windows Defender says it needs to update and when I
let it update it says there was an error and it was unable to update the
definitions and gives me error code 0x80072efd. I tried to fix it with the
recommendations that I found for XP but I guess its not the same. Can anyone
tell me how I can fix it?
Thanks
 
Hello Diana,

That error code: 0x80072efd. indicates a failure to connect to the update
servers and is addressed in this KB.
http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;836941

That code usually indicates a firewall preventing access.

Are you on a managed, corporate or institutional network? If not, do you
have a firewall that controls outbound access by apps on your machine?
--.
 
^ link shud prove helpful.

generally speaking if one is unable to update defender here r options :

1) As far as Vista goes (don't know if this applies to XP) you can do this
by clicking start > all programs > windows updates> change settings > uncheck
Automatic Updates, Uncheck Recommended Updates and uncheck use Microsoft
Update Service. this will switch from Microsoft Update back to using Windows
Update.
Reboot. If it works for you fine; you can now reset the update settings to
as they were earlier.

2) I also came across this download from Microsoft (Vista/XP). This actually
FORCES defender to update !
http://download.microsoft.com/download/DefinitionUpdates/mpas-fe.exe

3) To manually update Windows Defender visit Microsofts Malware Protection
Center for instructions.

4) Lastly if none work, there is another way you can try this:
Boot into safe mode. Find the folder named Software Distribution.
Rename SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old OR Delete all its
contents (FLUSH it !) Reboot. Now try to update the Defender (at this point a
new SoftwareDistribution folder will be created if you have renamed it).
 
Hi Diana and all - I've just found out Windows Defender is incompatible with Norton Antivirus 2007. Can anyone recommend an antivirus program that is compatible/fully functional w/Vista??

Susan

EggHeadCafe.com - .NET Developer Portal of Choice
http://www.eggheadcafe.com
 
Avast (free) and AVG (free) Windows OneCare (not free and substitutes it's own
version of Defender and Windows firewall).

--
I Bleed Blue and Gold
GO BEARS!


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