RE: Exact same problem here

[DaGopha]

Thanks for the info. Might be a regional thing then - we know that not all McAfee servers are alike! happy

[Riddlez]

I also got this problem.

Today after I restored an image of my system (doesn't matter why), the McAfee software said it's not updated, I try both McAfee updating on its own (usually works), the 'fix' and the 'manual update'. It downloads, then starts installing, and then suddenly comes to a stop, without really updating anything.

I 've tried removing temporary files, restoring the image again etc., I got the same result.
Later attempts produced some kind of updating error, stating that I need to reinstall VirusscanPlus ! (too much effort, I don't use default settings and do use other security software)

Someone in this thread suggested removing the DAT folder. I did that (I'm not quite sure what exactly I removed!), and now it seems I'm OK. I have today's DAT.

BUT: some time ago, I was auto-updated from SecurityCenter 9.0 to 9.3, same for the firewall, virusscan. Later I restored an image, it updated to the correct DAT, but the SecurityCenter stayed at 9.0, same for virusscan and the firewall.

Now again, I'm at version 9.0.

This reminds me about something that happened a couple of years ago when I could not update the DAT and had to figure out on my own that I needed to update the engine (SUPERDAT?) first.

These problems should not occur.

[exbrit]

System Restore and/or image restoration will mess up McAfee. If updates don't cure the situation then you'll have to follow these instructions:

1. Uninstall all McAfee programs through "Add or Remove Programs" in Windows "Control Panel".
2. Use the MCPR tool, see this article: How to remove supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MC... This will remove all McAfee remnants from your computer. (you must have Windows Vista, XP or 2000 SP4 to use this tool)
3. Launch Windows Explorer and delete all McAfee files in "Program Files" but especially in "C:\Document and Settings\<user>\Application Data" and "C:\Document and Settings\All Users\Application Data". You have to set Windows Explorer to show all hidden files and folders (Tools > Folder Options > View tab). Just delete the McAfee folders even if they are empty in all the "Application Data" folders. Can be more than one!
In Vista: C:\Program Files, C:\ProgramData and C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Roaming
4. Reboot and redownload/reinstall your McAfee products directly from your account at the McAfee web site.

[Riddlez]

Quoting: 'System Restore and/or image restoration will mess up McAfee'.
INCORRECT.

You're right about about the Windows system restore thing. But restoring an image of an entire computer (in my case, 1 harddisk in computer, image stored on external harddisk) should work without problems.
I use Acronis, and I've never had a problem with McAfee and restoring an image till now.

[exbrit]

..not according to a recent poster...however, I wont argue.

[tmongiello]

...after trying chat support, then calling support and getting nowhere, I was able to try a suggestion I saw on another thread:

Go to C:\Program Files\McAfee\Virusscan\DAT\XXXX (where XXXX is the previous update number. Mine said 5318).

In that folder, delete all the files. There should be 3. Or move them to another folder. Make sure that folder is EMPTY.

Try the "Fix" button again in McAfee Security center or click the UPDATE button. Took 2 tries in the space of 2 minutes but I am now on DAT version 5533 dated 2/22/2009.

Hope this helps everyone.

T

[Peacekeeper]

I assume you are on version 8 of security centre? As Peter mentioned 1 poster said this dat way does not work. For how log has it worked ie this not protected is usually on not all updates only some.

[Riddlez]

I have SecurityCenter version 9, and this is how I solved my problem.
Although I did remove the entire DAT folder (I think), not just what was inside the folder. And I let McAfee update on its own.

[Spence]

I have just done the same.

Emptied the dat folder, clicked fix, and it now WORKS !

An I am on version 9.

Thanks to everyone here as well.

Also, I want to make it clear I am really, really angry that some people have been told to reinstall the whole program and others that they have viruses and should pay Mcafee to remove them, this has been reported by people here talking to the tech support.

Ex_Brit and the others here, I think you are great, but people are talking to these supposed tech guys on chat or phone and are being told totally the wrong information.

To be told they have virus and should pay or simply "hey, uninstall and reinstall" is a complete joke.

I have been with Mcafee for many, many years, and the problems since introducing this pay to remove a virus coincidently seem to have risen?

I think the advise offered by the tech people is a complete disgrace and I feel sorry for anyone who doesnt check this forum and goes through the hell of doing all of the uninstall.

[exbrit]

Glad you are OK. Thanks for the update and yes, I agree regarding Tech Support giving those wrong answers. I've reported it and so has a colleague.

I suppose a DAT could have been sent out in a corrupted state and been the cause all along.

I guess I can mark this thread as solved?