change MSE update interval

General Topics
1

the thread on Technet is growing indefinitely, about MSE updating issues, anyway I found that, might be useful:

For you to be able to change the default 24H Signature Update interval do the following: 1. In Vista search and type regedit in XP run and type regedit --- then Search your windows registry to the following: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Microsoft Antimalware/Signature Update 2. Double left click on "SignatureUpdateInterval" 3. Edit the DWORD Value" for "SignatureUpdateInterval" to any number between 3, 6 or 12 (Default is 24) then click ok and exit the registry. Note: For you to be able to make the change in "SignatureUpdateInterval" You have to take ownership of "SignatureUpdateInterval" registry key first.
2

Thanks for this Logos, The reason I stopped using MSE was because I didn’t like the way it updated.

3

you’re welcome. The guy who posted that said changing the interval should solve the issue for those with MSE not updating at all…should work again as long as you require intervals shorter than 24 hours, which shouldn’t be an issue for anyone :wink:

4

Thanks Logos. Although my MSE is now only on-demand.

5
take ownership of "SignatureUpdateInterval" registry key
Changing access control isn't working ???
6

you should contact your administrator then ;D

7

It can not be changed on Windows 7 I found out.

It updates the same way Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware (MBAM) does on a once per day timed schedule with a Quick scan if selected.

I have MSE set to update at 5:00am with a Quick scan and MBAM at 6:00am.

8

got to check that. I can’t tell right now because I’ve removed MSE; I just posted this thread because many users here still run it as a security layer during the beta phase of Avast 5. I’ll reinstall it shortly to check that registry issue you’re talking about.

9

I just did change it :wink:
You also have to grant yourself full admin rights; taking ownership is not enough.

edit: don’t forget to set the permissions and ownership back to how it was once you’ve made the change. It’s a security after all.

10

Editing the registry is dangerous then jumping through hoops to get full admin rights is not my cup of tea.

Why would I want to update more than once per day?

I am quite happy with the resident protection it provides and the dayly Quick scan it runs.

11

These setting changes where done as administrator…

12

funny, always getting some hard disk activity during a minute or so after MSE has been updated (still not getting auto-updates btw). Don’t know what it’s doing, may be that malicious software remover tool or something, nothing appears in task manager nor in MSE UI. Removed it again anyway :smiley:

13

OK, This does work. The problem with MSE is it doesn’t do a catch up check. I have mine set for three hours, If my computer is off during the time it was suppose to update, Then it will not check for another three hours from the time I turn on the computer.

14

yeah that’s version 1.0…I think they’re aware of issues @MS, as many are being reported on Technet; fortunately not security related (detection abilities, FPs etc…) but just auto-updates and CPU load…all that will be sorted soon I’m sure. Oh yeah, the catch up check problem has been reported by posters from Technet directly to MS.

15

Yeah, you need to grant full access to administrators to change that key.
I use an old registry explorer for that (Registrar Lite: it’s a pity it became a shareware :P).

16

lol regedit is king :wink:

17

Only it didn’t work in Regedit. :cry:

18

It’s even easier if you make a REG file with wanted change and schedule it in Task Scheduler to be executed under SYSTEM credentials.
I’ve tried changing on Vista x64 and i’d have to destroy all the permissions in order to change it. By using Scheduler, SYSTEM itself creates the modification and all the permissions stay as they were before. And i’ve successfully changed the check interval. It’s so much easier and you don’t mess up all the permissions. It’s much easier changing this under Windows XP, where you just enable full rights, modify it and then disable full rights again.

19

Registrar Lite 6.0.1 does the job. http://majorgeeks.com/Registrar_Lite_d469.html
It’s the latest freeware version of Registrar Registry Manager that became a shareware :cry:
A very useful registry tool with acquire permission option.