Connecting a computer infested with viruses and spyware to your network is the last thing you want. This article explains how to download definition updates for Microsoft Security Essentials from one computer and install them on another.

Yesterday I removed some malware called ThinkPoint from a coworker’s laptop, and after removing the virus and installing Microsoft Security Essentials I received the following error when I tried to run it: This happens because the virus adds popular antivirus applications to a list of restricted programs on your computer. Even though the virus was gone the restriction was not.  To solve this problem, open REGEDIT and delete the key \HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\DisallowRun.

Most users will buy a computer, load it with their favorite software and forget about it. Things might be just fine for a while, but eventually your once speedy machine will start to drag, you’ll experience lag and crashes that prevent you from getting your work done, and viruses, spyware, and other digital nastiness might even creep into your system. You’ll eventually have to pay a technician to fix the problem, or will treat your computer as a disposable commodity and simply buy a new one. One of the critical tricks that computer technicians have up their sleeve are software updates, and when I tell you how easy they are, you’ll kick yourself for wasting your money.