Gnomie Tim Malloroy (aka RedFlameOut) writes:

Hey Chris,

I wish I had more time to view and participate in your videos, however, work is killing me right now.

I came across an interesting issue with Windows Defender (which I use as an addition to anti-spyware rather than my only protection).

As part of my security procedures, I periodically make sure all the protection software is updating itself properly. During one of these scans, Windows Defender had not been updated in quite some time. Manual update failed with a Code 0×80240022.

Our friend Google helped me find the answer and I want to share it with the community.

Apparently something happens to the definitions in Windows Defender that stops updating from working. The following command line procedure corrects it. Or at least it did for me:

1. Type Windows-R (Hold the Windows or start key and type an R) to bring up the run dialog box.
2. Type in cmd.exe and the press ctrl-alt-enter to run it as Administrator. It may ask for escalation privileges so type in your password and press enter if it does.
3. Use the cd command to change to the Windows Defender directory:

   cd “\Program Files\Windows Defender”

4. Run the following commands:

   mpcmdrun -RemoveDefinitions -All
   mpcmdrun -SignatureUpdate