Updating Microsoft Security Essentials when behind a proxy

[nsherin]

This one was driving me nuts - MSE would fail when trying to update as we sit behind the LEA's web proxy at work. I couldn't for the life of me understand why - nor were there any settings in application, nor did it seem to read from IE's proxy settings.

 

I found the solution the other day to actually get it to read from IE's settings. Here's how:

 

1) Set your desired proxy settings up in IE and test

2) Open a Command Prompt (with Admin rights) and type:

 

proxycfg -u

 

3) Open MSE and update it - it should now work.

 

If you are using this on a machine such as a laptop that roams and is used outside of a proxy server, simply disable the proxy settings in IE and run proxycfg -u again.

 

Hope this is of use to those tearing their hair out like I was!

[rad]

You can also download the MSE updates as an exe file - Download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) Offline Definition Updates

[pritchardavid]

Well to be honest you shouldnt be using it, that's why it's not easy

 

You should be using Microsoft Forefront Instead

[elsiegee40]

MSE is not licensed for academic use even under the small business terms:

 

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/eula.aspx

 

 

1.INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS.

a.Home Use. If you are a home user, then you may install and use any number of copies of the software on your personal devices for use by people who reside in your household. As a home user, you may not use the software in any commercial, non-profit, or revenue generating business activities.

b.Small Business. If you operate a small business, then you may install and use the software on up to ten (10) devices in your business.

c.Restrictions.

i.The software may not be used on a device running an enterprise version of a Microsoft Windows operating system.

ii.The software may not be used on devices owned by government or academic institutions.

[elsiegee40]

Take your point, but OP's signature clearly indicates he is at a school and therefore cannot legally use MSE on computers in his workplace.