Solved How do I do a manual scan of one file with Windows defender and Win 8?

Jalida

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Hi,
In Windows 7 I used to be able to right click on a file and one of my choices was to scan with Microsoft security essentials, but that's no longer in my right click menu.

How do I go about doing a manual scan on just one file using Microsoft's (I guess it's now Defender) Security Essentials in Windows 8?

Thanks,
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Windows 8
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    i7 2860qm
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    Asus Laptop
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    Nvidia GTX 560m 2GB dedicated Video RAM
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    1600x900
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    C:\ 185GB SSD
    D:\ 500GB HDD
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Performance
I don't think they have built in.

MS themselves describe it as basic security - and that 3rd party apps. are much more complete .

It is only intended for people who otherwise wouldn't have anything at all.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
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Thanks, when I add that to my registry and try to scan a folder I get the error:
"Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."


Edit, I finally got it to get past the error I listed above however instead of opening the Windows Defender program window, it opens up a command window that has this in it:

Double Edit: I should have just read the user comments on that article where they state that it doesn't work with the final build of W8, and even if it did it would only open up a command prompt.

Any other suggestions from anybody, anybody at all? I'd really rather not have to switch to a 3rd party security package if at all possible.
 

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    i7 2860qm
    Motherboard
    Asus Laptop
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 560m 2GB dedicated Video RAM
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    C:\ 185GB SSD
    D:\ 500GB HDD
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Performance
Update:
Found instructions how to do this and get it to work at:
Add Scan With Windows Defender To Context Menu In Windows 8
For anybody else interested make sure to scroll to the bottom of the page and read what one of the people wrote at the bottom in the comments section.

The part about the missing "" around the %1

I inserted the info into the registry manually and made the fix as the person wrote in the comments. Now when I check the log file it does indeed show that the folder in question was scanned and no threats were found. It's not perfect as I'd prefer to see the Defender GUI while it's scanning and any results through the GUI but I guess it'll have to do since I don't really want to switch to a 3rd party security application.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    CPU
    i7 2860qm
    Motherboard
    Asus Laptop
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GTX 560m 2GB dedicated Video RAM
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    C:\ 185GB SSD
    D:\ 500GB HDD
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Performance
Technically you can install MSE on Windows 8 using Windows 7 compatibility mode... Then you'll get all the file/folder context menu scanning options you're looking for. MSE and Windows Defender use the exact same AV engine.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
Old thread, sorry, but wanted to point out for others that Compatibility Mode does not work for MSE (tested Win7x64 installation on Win8Prox64)
During the installation process a message informs;
"Windows Program Compatibility mode is not supported by this program."

I tried an earlier version, I assume it was for XP, and it won't run at all due to known compatibility issues.

I'm unfamiliar in ways to bypass this compatibility check.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8Pro-64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    PSB
    CPU
    i5 760
    Motherboard
    Asus Maximus III Extreme
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte GeForce GTX 580 in SLI
    Browser
    Chrome, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
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