Avira: Windows maintenance center reports missing virus protection - what to do?
In Windows 7, the maintenance center repeatedly reports missing virus protection, even though Avira AntiVir is installed. We'll show you how to stop the false alarm.
Step 1: Deactivate Avira product protection
First you have to deactivate Avira product protection. This is the only way to turn off the error message.
- Open Avira, select "Tools" and click on "Configuration" in the drop-down menu.
- A new window is opening up. Go to the "General" tab on the left and click on "Security".
- Under "Product Protection" deactivate the option "Protect files and registry entries against manipulation". Confirm the changes with "OK".
Step 2: Adjust the Windows maintenance center via the registry
Now you can tackle the wrong error message. You can prevent this via the Windows registry:
- Press the key combination [Windows] + [R] and enter the command "regedit".
- The Windows registry opens. If you are using Windows 7 64-bit, change to the path "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Wow6432Node \ Avira \ AntiVirDesktop". Users of the 32-bit variant open "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Avira \ AntiVirDesktop".
- Set the value of "WSC_Registered" to zero and click "OK".
- Now you have to restart the scanner: To do this, right-click on the Avira system tray icon. Select "Activate real-time scanner". Repeat the step so that the hook can be seen again.
- Switch product protection back on in the Avira settings.
Alternatively, you can uninstall Avira AntiVir and switch to another virus scanner.