All of a sudden, this morning, I can't update the definitions for Microsoft Security Essentials. Have used this program for years without trouble. I get the following message. "Windows update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer".

Well I have restarted the computer, browsed the Internet without any problem, checked Internet speed, all functions seem to be working properly.

I tried updating using  START>ALL PROGRAMS>WINDOWS UPDATE.

In addition I have tried OPEN MICROSOFT SECURITY ESSENTIALS>UPDATE TAB. GET FOLLOWING MESSAGE "Virus and Spyware definitions couldn't be updated". I ran Microsoft "FIX it" did not help.

I can run the full Security Essentials scan of computer and it works ok.

1:33pm 12-25-2013

thanks