"Virus & spyware definitions update failed" error message when you start a new Windows 7-based computer that has Microsoft Security Essentials preinstalled

Symptoms

The first time that you start a laptop or a desktop computer that has Windows 7 and Microsoft Security Essentials preinstalled, you might see the following error message:

Cause

This issue can occur if the computer is not connected to the Internet.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, make sure that the computer is connected to the Internet, and then try to download the virus and spyware definition updates again.

If you have problems connecting to the Internet, click the following link and follow the instructions:

Connect to the InternetAfter you connect to the Internet, follow these steps to download Microsoft Security Essentials updates:

1. To start Microsoft Security Essentials, do one of the following:

   • Double-click the Microsoft Security Essentials shortcut on your desktop.

   • Click Start , type Microsoft Security Essentials in the Search programs and files box, and then click Microsoft Security Essentials on the Programs list.

2. Click the Update tab, and then click Update.

3. Wait as Microsoft Security Essentials checks for and downloads any available updates.

More Information

For more information about Microsoft Security Essentials, go to the Microsoft Security Essentialswebsite.