just to clarify you do have the computer turned on at that time period daily correct? it will not scan when off or when in sleep mode. It will perform the scan at the next scheduled time. You did not tell us if you are running windows 7 but this is how to find the sleep mode option It can be found by launching "taskschd.msc" from the start menu. You then expand "Task Scheduler Library" to find "Microsoft". From there you will see "Microsoft Antimalware" and then "MP Scheduled Scan". Under the properties select the "Conditions" tab. Under the "Power" section check: "Stop if the computer switches to battery power." and "Wake the computer to run this task" If you are using xp go into the control panel and open up the Task Scheduler. Then select "Advanced" from the pull down menu and then select "View Hidden Tasks". you should see a task named "MP Scheduled Scan". If you select the properties you will see a settings tab. In the settings tab you will see a power management box. You should check: "wake the computer to run the task" and "stop this task if battery mode begins"

Hi, Thanks for the responses ! :-) First, my apologies. I'm very neuro-flatulent today. ;-) I need to make two corrections. She uses Avira not Avast. (She had been using Avast and that was causing some trouble, as other users of those two programs noted.) Avira has been working quite well so far. I think my main issue (and my second correction) is the 'nag factor' associated with Online Armor. (I'm afraid my word "conflict" was a case of me accidentally typing the word that was in the back of my mind thinking about the issues mentioned above between Avast (her former AV) and OA. Sorry for the confusion.... :-( ) Anyway, OA constantly asks me to allow/block things when I'm doing updates, scans, etc. Even when I tick the "trust this program" box I still get asked repeatedly to give my permission for things. It's just the inconvenience of it all. And I assume that 'nag factor' would still be there if I replaced Avira with MSE, so I'd gain nothing. (And as far as third-party firewalls go, I do like OA for her XP computer because it seems to pass leak tests better, in my limited experience. So, until MSE comes out with a FW as part of the software (the two-way kind) -- or until my aunt upgrades to something like Windows 7 that has a better FW -- I guess she may as well stay put with Avira and OA.) Also, my aunt does have Spywarblaster, so she's covered there. :-)

You probably have your computer set to automatically download and install updates. You can turn that off by going into the Control Panel and turning that feature off, but that's generally not a good idea. Here's a little more info from Microsoft's web site: Why use scheduled updates to help protect your computer?If you have not turned on Automatic Updates, your computer is more vulnerable to viruses and other security threats. When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer against attacks. High-priority updates include security updates, critical updates, and service packs. Scheduled updates offer: Convenience You don't have to remember to visit the Windows Update Web site or other online security sites to get updates. And you don't have to choose which updates are most important for protecting your computerÂAutomatic Updates looks for security updates, critical updates, and service packs, and installs them on the schedule that you set. Reliability Updates are downloaded behind the scenes whenever you're connected to the Internet. The downloading process doesn't interfere with other downloads or interrupt you while you work. If you disconnect from the Internet before updates are fully downloaded, the download process will continue the next time you connect to the Internet. Don't forget, however, that updates must be installed to take effect. When you schedule updates, Windows automatically installs them for you, unless you choose to be notified and then install them yourself. Up-to-date software You set the schedule for Windows to install new updates. This means that Windows is routinely checking for and installing any important updates that your computer needs. Even if you choose to be notified and install updates yourself, you still learn about important updates as they are released. By scheduling updates, you can quickly and easily keep your computer up to dateÂwithout thinking about it. As a final point, I doubt that the updates are the reason you are having graphics problems.

I was really planning on going to bed, but Owbist's uncovering of my not really "lost post" prodded me into action! :) I just powered up my XP machine and discovered that MSE was no longer turned off! It downloaded the latest updates and I'm thrilled to see it working again. Bob, I never entertained the thought of removing MSE from this pc since I use it sparingly. When I checked the Add/Remove Programs on my desktop, it is there. Thanks, Owbist, for your suggestion to use Teamviewer. That would be perfect, but my sister is not able to use the computer. Mikie, I'll check for the version of MSE when I return to my sister's. If it's still turned off and refuses to update, I will do the manual uninstall and reinstall it. I greatly appreciate your helpful responses. :)