Why do I keep getting "you are not protected" messages on my McAfee scan window?

Question

I installed McAfee on my computer about two weeks ago, and it seems like every scan I've done has resulted in error messages pertaining to the scan itself, and after I click the "fix" button, I get a popup box that says one or more problems can't be fix. I just finished a scan a few minutes ago and got this message:

Real-time scanning is disabled.
Spyware and potentially unwanted program scanning is disabled.
IM scanning is disabled.
Script scanning is disabled (with a link to ignore this option)
Buffer overflow protection is disabled (also with an "ignore" option).

You can see from my past couple of questions that I've been having a lot of problems the past few weeks with spyware, and I'm still trying to figure out the best program(s) to get everything off of my computer. Am I correct in assuming that these problems with McAfee might be making it harder for me to get all the spyware off? If so, do I need to re-install McAfee and start over from square one?

Also, I haven't sent any e-mail from my laptop the past couple of weeks because I've been worried about trojans attaching themselves to e-mail. Can trojans do this even if there's no indication of it in my "sent" box?

I've been running SuperAntiSpyware as well, and malware still seems to be present, if my (very slow) processor speed is any indication, not to mention occasional popups still appearing.

Lame question: How do I run a scan in safe mode, and how do I get my computer out of safe mode after a scan?

Also, what happens if I run McAfee or other antivirus and antimalware programs while my computer isn't in safe mode?

Answer 1

Chad, Happy Thanksgiving! (First things first!)

You may want to try Trend Micros System Cleaner if you haven't tried it yet. It along with the ones you have should clean your computer.

If McAfee had trouble installing (which it did) you will need to DUMP it with uninstall and then clean the system. I had this issue on an infected machine and it was not pretty to get back. Seems Norton and McAfee can be real system hoggs which may be why you are running poorly as well! I have changed from them to others (AVG Internet Security for one - there is a lot more to it than the "free" version!) Anyway back to you.

Pressing F8 is an little bit of a "timing" issue, you need to press it BEFORE "starting windows" screen but just before. You really want all the bios screens to have appeared first. Once the Bios Pre Check Screen shows, start pressing F8.

That will take you to safe mode like Classic said.
You might also want to try Trend Micros System Cleaner!
It can be downloaded free - runs at a "DOS" level and really has worked for me when some others have failed.
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp there you can download the SysClean engine, the DCT and the info file needed to run.. Just put these on the desktop.

God Bless and Good Luck.

Answer 2

Chad, Mcafee isnt a relible program and is very demanding. If I were you, I would uninstall Mcafee ( you'll have to go to macfee website and use the uninstall to comp. remove it) and use this.
PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition feature highlights
Protects your PC as you are working, surfing and playing
Detects, quarantines, disinfects and destroys Viruses, Trojans and Worms
OnGuard™ protects your computer against threats in real-time.
http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/

This is how to use safemode.

For Windows XP

If the computer is running it is best to shut down Windows and then turn off the power.

Begin by first clicking on the Start Button and then click on Turn Off Computer.

Now click on the Turn Off red colored icon to shut down your computer system.

It is best to wait between 15 to 30 seconds before you turn your system back on.

Turn on your computer and start tapping the F8 key on your keyboard.

Some Computers may display a keyboard error message if you begin tapping F8 too quickly.

Restart your computer again and begin tapping the F8 key a brief second or two later.

When the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears, Choose the Safe Mode option and hit Enter.

Windows will now boot your computer up in Safe Mode.

*Never install more than one anti virus, as they may conflict with each other.


Chad, If all else fails, you may have to reload everything with the dics that came with the PC. If you decide to go this route, just insert the disc and it will guide you through the process.

Answer 3

The 'You are not protected' messages is probably because you have a lot of things disabled. You need to enable them. Depending on your contamination and if you send attachments with your emails you could pass on the malware.

I suggest you download SuperAntiSpyware. It will remove the majority of difficult Trojans etc.
http://www.superantispyware.com/

Turn off System Restore. Load the application in normal mode but run in Safe Mode. Safe Mode can be started by continually pressing F8 during the boot sequence.

If you are badly infected you might need to run SuperAntiSpyware more than once to give you a totally clean system.

Assuming SuperAntiSpyware still failed to totally clean your system I suggest you download a Smitfraud removal program from:
http://www.afterdawn.com/software/desktop_software/desktop_security/smitfraudfix.cfm

Again run in Safe Mode.

Good luck & safe surfing.

wdw

Answer 4

I have the exact same problem with my McAfee and so do THREE other people I know so I will be watching this one for some answers.

I am using McAfee Pc Protection Plus 2007

Answer 5

McAfee sucks.....I've found the most trouble free antivirus is AVG antivirus it does a great job of eliminating spyware and adware too......