Old versions of Microsoft Security Essentials can block installation of Windows 7 SP1

[AlienForce1]

Major operating system upgrades from Microsoft fail to play nice with security solutions already installed on the platform - that`s not a news - but who would have thought that Microsoft`s own security solutions have these kind of problems ?

And yet Microsoft confirmed officially that the deployment of the SP1 update package can fail on both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 and not only Microsoft Security Essentials is at fault, but also additional security solutions from the software giant, including Microsoft Forefront Client Security, and Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection.

Affected users get an “Install Windows Service Pack” error message that reads: “Service Pack installation can't continue. Software installed on this computer isn't compatible with the service pack. Click the link for more information about this problem.

“After the problem is resolved, restart the installation. Microsoft Security Essentials - your version of this program may prevent successful installation of this service pack.”

Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft Forefront Client Security, and Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection all introduce a filter driver, mpfilter.sys, when they’re installed.

As part of the deployment process of SP1 on top of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, mpfilter.sys is checked, and it needs to be version 2.1.6804.0 or later for the upgrade to continue.

“Microsoft Security Essentials - If you do not have version 1.0.1963.0 or later installed, upgrade (…), or launch Microsoft Update and install the update or a newer version from there,” the Redmond company said.

Softpedia