Antivirus choice

Hi

i got very disappointed with Windows Defender, it kept deleting files, which I knew to be safe, so disabled everything about it I could find.then I began the search for a replacement. I can’t afford yearly subscriptions, so looked for free alternatives. I am unable to install Avast, keeps saying there has been an error, kaspersky, won’t connect to the server to activate, Panda comes up with cant connect to the internet.....reviews vary widely, Avira got terrible reviews on one site, while coming 2nd best on another....have installed Spybot for now for malware, but told malwarebytes is superior.

many moons ago I used free Avast and had no issues at all, also told that Avast is heavy on reseoirces, also looked at bit defender free, but told it is not configurable, so may do the same as windows defender and start deleting files without warning or intervention.

so bit stuck as what to to do......maybe if someone has a good knowledge of windows defender, I can reinstate it, but make it ask before deleting anything.....

any help would be appreciated

thanks

In any free solution you need to know if realtime protection is enable. If not I would simply move on. No point in finding out days later than something alien has been making camp in your system.

I don't think realtime protection is in Malwarebytes after the trial period. I also use Superantispyware, licensed. Think it was around $20.00 / year

This is a tutorial on exclusions. Add or Remove Windows Defender Antivirus Exclusions in Windows 10

When Defender axed some of my files I restored and set the allow process. No issues since.


Interesting that you are having issues with standard products. I would either check their websites for complete removal tools or use something like Revo Uninstaller. In a posting by another member he mentioned you get a 30 trial which should be enough to clear Avast and Kaspersky.

FreeBooter said:

I have used ESET internet Security it keep my computer malware free.

Same here and I have it on six computers.

Wouldn't be without it.

pparks1 said:

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking. All of those products typically install pretty trouble free. I could see maybe stumbling into 1 that won't quite run right, but not all of the choices.
Windows is legit and only have freeware, from trusted sources.....filehippo etc....maybe £20-£30 year doesn’t seem a lot, but it is to someone who is only just managing to keep their head above water....it’s sad that every individual on the planet has to pay £20-£30 a year Every year because of some idiots who like to infect our computers....bit radical maybe, but why not a government antivirus release, taking the best of all the software available.....state of the art and make it free.....then everyone would have perfect protection......even ISP,S charge £20 year for inferior products



Is your copy of Windows legit? Are you running any pirated or otherwise hacked software? Many times over these apps that seem to be "just fine" wreak all kinds of havoc.

I don’t know why I am having so much difficulty installing the AV programs I listed......I might do an image back up, a clean install of W10 and try again.....if it works ok, may consider this option and reinstall my software........thanks

Bertazzone said:

You are able able to allow files WD has quarantined. You do this by going to Windows Security > Virus and threat protection > Protection history and look for the file(s) you want to allow. The process can be cumbersome if you are allowing many files. Follow the remaining prompts for each file.

If you aren't able to manage that, then I suggest Bitdefender Free. It has much improved performance and they have fixed some bugs. It's very reliable now.

Thanks will try BD