Unable to update - I've read through other discussions but nothing seems to work

[Rodolfo]

I had a message come up today saying that my computer was at risk.

I checked for the problem and it was that my automatic updates weren't being downloaded.

I tried to use the automatic option but nothing worked. I then tried to manually download the updates but I couldn't alter any of the options on the update screen.

I ran McVT and it said my DAT file was out of date and then had it to fix the problem. After it said it had fixed the problem I checked the results tab and was surprise to see the following message. Please note the ! was in a yellow circle.

VirusScan - 3-User McAfee Internet Security 14.5.113

! Pending: DAT out of date

I've run McVT a few times since and I've had the same result everytime and I can't download my updates. I have been running Malwarebytes and Super Anti Spyware but have uninstalled them but to no avail.

On the security report it states that my last update was tonight - but the problem still remains. And the number of updates was listed as 0.

The laptop (HP Pavilion dv6000) itself is showing signs of ageing (trouble booting up - but this seems a common problem with this make). I've had it for four years but had updated the OS to Windows 7 earlier in the year (wish I hadn't as I think I may have to get a new laptop soon!).

Any ideas? Or should I uninstall / reinstall McAfee? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I've wasted too many hours trying to sort out computer problems over the years

[Rodolfo]

An update!

Well, out of the blue the update took place - no idea why it did but it did. Still has Number of updates: 0 in the security report but I hope this is just a glitch.

[Hayton]

If the update has gone smoothly then you should by now have DAT version 6162. If you open Security Centre and click on Navigation (top right) then on About (on left) you'll get the version list as shown below. If VT isn't reporting any other problems and it was just the DAT file that was out of date, your system should be fine.

Message was edited by: Hayton on 10/11/10 22:52:01 GMT

[Aldrin]

In addition to that please the following as well:

1. Click on Start> Run> Type cmd> Hit Ok> Type ping download.mcafee.com - check whether you get a proper reply from the site (mention the reply address over here)

2. Open Internet Explorer> Click on Tools> Internet Options> Connections> LAN Settings> Make sure Proxy Server is not selected over there, if selected then please uncheck it

3. If required follow this KB Doc ID 100291 reboot the computer and check the status

[Rodolfo]

Thanks for the reply Hayton! I followed your instructions and I now have DAT version 6162.0000. I'm not sure if the extra zeros are anything to worry over? I've attached a screen shot below.

[Rodolfo]

Hi Aldrin and thanks for your reply! I pinged McAfee several times and received four replies with no losses each time. The Proxy wasn't selected. Everything seems to be okay again - probably a result of my lapto beginning to fall apart...

[Rodolfo]

Another update...

Ran McVT to be on safe side only to find that my original problem has returned. There hasn't been any warning from McAfee but I assume one won't be far away. I've tried altering the update preferences but again I'm unable to do this. I get the feeling I may need to uninstall / reinstall McAfee...

[Hayton]

I thnk you're getting worried over nothing very important here. The MVT detection message was I think correct - McAfee are rushing out updates at a smart pace. You got 6162 (don't worry about the trailing decimal zeroes) as your screen shows, but by then I think 6163 was all set to be downloaded. It's just that if you've got Automatic Updates enabled your system won't check for an update until the specified time, and meanwhile there's a discrepancy between what you've got and what MVT thinks you should have. Nothing to worry about.

If you want to hurry the process along just right-click on the McAfee shield icon in the system tray at bottom right, and select 'Check for updates' and you get your latest DAT version at once rather than wait. I just did that, and now I'm on 6163.

No need to uninstall anything, I think.

[Rodolfo]

I'm not overly worried, but it's a bit of an irritation as I'm not overly clued up on computers. I think I may have to reinstall as the update times are all over the place with
McAfee saying I've had an update when I haven't, and I can't alter any of the update options - it's as if the screen is dead. I'll be reinstalling Malwarebytes and Super Anti to be on the safe side but I guess the laptop itself is on its last legs so it's a case of waiting for it to pack in before the year is out... But thanks for taking an interest

[Rodolfo]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand it's just updated itself again. Yep, you were right