Controlled update of MSE Virus Definitions

I have been using Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) from when it was in Beta. I really like it as it is very quite and most does catch any virus that try to creep in via USB sticks or from PDF files (which the ones I mostly come across)

The only sticky point is that the Virus Definition Updates happen automatically via Windows Updates. Since my laptop is online only at certain periods of the day, I saw that my virus updates were delayed for multiple days.

So I decided to schedule a manual update of the definition files during a specifc time of the day when I would most probably be online at home (I set it up to run at around 8am everyday, at which time my laptop is most probably on and online as I do my morning email checks)

The command to do the virus update is simple:

"%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Security Essentials\MpCmdRun.exe" -SignatureUpdate

The way to automate this is to use the Scheduled Tasks (at command) inbuilt into Windows.

1. Launch Schedule Tasks from the start menu

2. I recommend that you create a folder and put all of your tasks inside that so that it is easier to track

3. Create a new Task and in the Actions, Create an new Action to run a program

4. Now use the Commandline

 

"%ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Security Essentials\MpCmdRun.exe"

 

5. Set the Arguments to

 

 -SignatureUpdate

 

6. Now setup a new trigger to run it whenever you want the updates to run

Thats it.

Sit Back and enjoy your virus definition Updates.. :)

Comments

[Hugh Jarse]

Thanks.