XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:17:48 Z

If the icon doesn't appear on the task bar it could be one of two things. Either the Microsoft Security Essentials application has failed to start, resulting in the icon being missing, or it could be that the icon is in fact there but is hidden.

If the icon is hidden, you can right click on the taskbar and choose Properties. Here you will see an option to "Hide Inactive Icons" which can be unchecked as a test, then click OK. This will display all the icons that are hidden or inactive; please check to see if you see the Microsoft Security Essentials icon appear.

If not, we can try to launch the application manually to see if it starts. Check the desktop or under Start / Programs for the Microsoft Security Essentials icon and try to launch it manually. If you receive an error message make sure to write it down. After launching it manually, check again for the icon in the taskbar.

Lastly, the problem might be that Windows is not configured to launch the Microsoft Security Essentials application when you boot the computer. Click Start then Run, and type MSCONFIG and click OK. Here click on the Startup tab and ensure that Microsoft Security Essentials is listed here and it is checked.

If all else fails you can contact support for assistance.

I hope this helps!
Kevin

as you see in my other post i am having the same problem with xp pro sp3 but i get an additional popup explorer box that shows- c:/Program Files/Microsoft/Search Enhancement Pack
there is nothing in event viewer in error msgs- it is listed in msconfig and checked- my other icons are not hidden, if i double click the icon on the desktop it puts it in the taskbar

also it seems to be running in the backround somewhat. I did an eicar test, nothing popped up but when double clicking the desktop icon it now showed that it grabbed it.

I submitted an email to microsoft but have heard nothing as of yet It would be nice if one of you figured out what is wrong since it might be days before microsoft responds

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:19:11 Z

> It would be nice if one of you figured out what is wrong since it might be days before microsoft responds

We're all volunteers here.

~Robear Dyer; MS MVP - IE, Mail, Security, & Windows Desktop Experience since 2002

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:24:59 Z

> It would be nice if one of you figured out what is wrong since it might be days before microsoft responds

We're all volunteers here.
~Robear Dyer; MS MVP - IE, Mail, Security, & Windows Desktop Experience since 2002

yea but you are a smart volunteer :)

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:06:18 Z

i believe i figured it out
it seems that if you have Windows Live Essentials on your computer (live email and windows live messenger or any of the other live products) it interfers with this particular folder C:program files/Microsoft Enhancement pack
because this action never popped up prior to installing M Securiity Essentials.

What i did to fix this after searching the web
Open and run regedit
Navigate to HKey_local_machine
Software
Microsoft
Search enhancement Pack
Choice Guard

from there you will see the product key
copy it to notepad and type this before it
msiexec /x {product key}
put the product key inside these brackets
it will proceed to uninstall the choice guard

reboot
and no more popup and now MS Security Essentials loads

this needs to be fixed because so many people do have live essentials

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:10:52 Z

Very interesting fix.

I guess you just uninstalled that Choice Guard software.

I will try to install it and see if I can reproduce the issue, although I have Windows Live Mail, Messenger, Movie Maker all installed with no issues.

Let's see what happens :)

If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answered" box below! Thanks, Kevin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:28:03 Z

Very interesting fix.

I guess you just uninstalled that Choice Guard software.

I will try to install it and see if I can reproduce the issue, although I have Windows Live Mail, Messenger, Movie Maker all installed with no issues.

Let's see what happens :)

If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answered" box below! Thanks, Kevin

I had no issues prior with windows live mail and messenger either. But i did this fix rebooted 2x just to see- no more popup window- and now icon appears. I sent out a bug report.

See if you have this folder on your computer first. It seems it installs randomly with windows live programs, especially if you clicked or not clicked the windows live toolbar. I have 5 xp pro sp3 computers and all have this folder

My vista has it too. I only put the beta on my xp pro sp3 test machine and on windows 7 rc- but i do not have windows live essentials on that machine.

Also do it on an xp machine and see if you have the same problem

robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:42:15 Z

Reference:

What is Choice Guard in Windows Live Wave 3
http://www.winvistaclub.com/e33.html

<IMHO>
Choice Guard should be consider "real-time protection" software. Like all such software, Choice Guard should be disabled or uninstalled prior to installing MSE.
</IMHO>

~Robear Dyer; MS MVP - IE, Mail, Security, & Windows Desktop Experience since 2002

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:46:31 Z

Reference:

What is Choice Guard in Windows Live Wave 3
http://www.winvistaclub.com/e33.html

<IMHO>
Choice Guard should be consider "real-time protection" software. Like all such software, Choice Guard should be disabled or uninstalled prior to installing MSE.
</IMHO>
~Robear Dyer; MS MVP - IE, Mail, Security, & Windows Desktop Experience since 2002

and how would anyone know to disable choice guard? I did not even know i had it until this problem came up. It doesn't show itself, there is no icon in your taskbar to even see it so how could even the average user who will be using this av know this!!!!!!

robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:50:21 Z

btw Choice Guard is NOT in add/remove programs
so how would you know to uninstall it?
when installing Essentials it just says to disable any antispyware programs and uninstall any av that is running on your computer, it doesn't say anything on Choice Guard and since Choice Guard is a Microsoft componenent- well then Microsoft should have put something in the application to show you how to disable choice guard or it should disable it itself until it installs itself. give me a break please!

robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:50:07 Z

I had the same problem as robinb9 but the fix of uninstalling Choice Guard was not effective. It was also not in the add/remove programs listing for me either which (if it had caused my issue) would have been annoying.

In the end I deleted the registry link that starts up Security Essentials and created a new shortcut in the all users/startup folder that did the same thing. Even did the -hide so the user would not have to close any open windows or anything.

Doing it that way could be one way to not have to uninstall anything. Especially since, in my case, it didn't help. I am running XP SP3 with all the latest updates including IE8 on the machine in question. If there are any other answers that could help me on future installs if this occurs again I'd love to hear them.

Until then creating that shortcut should get me by.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:14:04 Z

microsoft just emailed me and i pasted what I wrote and what you wrote. Maybe they will figure it out- i am wondering if anyone is seeing this in vista and windows 7 with windows live programs installed. besides doing shortcuts you figured outand what i figured out works for those who can palay around and basically know what they are doing but most average users will have no clue what to do when this happens. I would surely like to know if anyone in windows 7 or vista are seeing this problem too or is it only isolated to xp.
I am running xp pro sp3 with ie8 and all fully patched.

robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:35:35 Z

Robin, can you provide the bug ID or link here? I'd like to validate your bug - I have the same issue on my XP machine.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:01:44 Z

you mean this link?

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/msestart/thread/f5b7cf97-6a76-41cd-a14d-e9ff91094eea

or this link

https://connect.microsoft.com/securityessentials/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=469663&wa=wsignin1.0

btw everyone who has windows live programs installed on xp are seeing the same problem and someone on this link now has it in vista sp1

robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:48:39 Z

There are many threads with this issue. I've been catching up in this forum this morning and see from another thread that a bug was filed and has been acknowledged and closed.
Thanks, robin!
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:00:59 Z

you are quote welcome-glad to help
robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:07:56 Z

The fix from what I've seen is to add quotations around the Run registry key item for Microsoft Security Essentials.

Start > Run > Regedit

Navigate to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Look for MSSE and double click it

Add quotation marks before and after the path to look like this:

"c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide

* note the quotations

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:37:48 Z

Kevin:

I think the entry needs to be
"c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide
with the quotes right after the exe part. I tried it with the quotes at the end and it would not load.

FWIW, if memory serves, seems like this was a similar issue when Defender first came out. No quotes on the registry entry...

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:00:00 Z

Kevin:

I think the entry needs to be
"c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide
with the quotes right after the exe part. I tried it with the quotes at the end and it would not load.

FWIW, if memory serves, seems like this was a similar issue when Defender first came out. No quotes on the registry entry...

I believe that you are correct. I'll let Kevin edit, though.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:46:31 Z

Thanks for the correction, edited opriginal post.

If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answer" box below!

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:31:20 Z

I filed a bug report on Microsoft Connect on 6/24/09. The title is "After user logon, a Windows Explorer window, displaying C:\Program Files\Microsoft, opens." The ID is 469991. However, I failed to notice that the icon fails to appear in the Notification Area.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:51:36 Z

I just received word that the problem has been confirmed on XP and it is now being investigated. I would imagine that it will be addressed in a refresh of the beta or, at the very latest, in the final release.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:17:23 Z

Nevertheless, patching the Registry in HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run (the MSSE item) by adding quotes, that is "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide , worked perfectly for me. Thanks for your help, all of you!

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:39:23 Z

One can vote&validate this issue:
https://connect.microsoft.com/securityessentials/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=469790

btw Here's the offical word about chcoiceguard.
What’s Microsoft ChoiceGuard?
http://windowslivewire.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!2F7EB29B42641D59!7474.entry

But I dont think one can say Choiceguard is causing this problem. Why people have raised choiceguard issue?
Also people are blaming WIndows Live Essentials, which is also not correct in my opinion. As I have it both on XP and Windows 7.

I have the same things in XP SP3 and Windows 7 and I am getting this problem only in XP SP3. No such problem in Windows 7.
It might be installer issue.
The Workaround said by jeffyB23 on other locked thread can be tried,

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:04:34 Z

I was having this same problem on my daughters' computer (Win XP SP 3) Adding the quotations fixed it ;)

B...BB...BBB...BUHHHHH!

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:54:55 Z

It is opening c:\program files\Microsoft because in the regeistry the entry Hive Key Local Machine Software Microsoft Windows Current Version Run MSSE C:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe -hide key is there. Since Many machines have programs with in the program file directory with c:\program files Microsoft, this will automatically launch explorer with c:\Program Files Microsoft. Therefore adding the quotations in the registry would fix it. Or just installing the other programs in another place. The program service is still running but just the gui application does not launch.

Gerard

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:04:58 Z

Yes justin. The engine MSMpEng.exe starts to run , while msseces.exe does not start. We have to start it manually.
While in Windows 7 it works though both have same folders.
So I think MSE for XP installer has to be corrected.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:44:13 Z

The removal of Choice Guard is the Microsoft Soultion to the problem. Here is the text of the message from Microsoft (edited):

My name is Stephy and I will be assisting you further with this issue. For your reference the case ID that we will use while working on this issue is SRX ******1067. You can contact me at ******@mssupport.microsoft.com, by sending an email with the Case ID in the subject line.

From the previous correspondence, I understand that:
"c:/program files/Microsoft "pops up at startup.

This happened after installing Microsoft Security Essentials.

If I have misunderstood your concern, please do not hesitate to let me know.

****, I understand how you feel and I am here to assist you.

This issue generally occurs due to Choice Guard, Office Live or Windows Live Essentials installed on the computer that creates a startup entry for C:\Program Files\Microsoft folder.
In order to resolve the issue, we need to uninstall Choice Guard (part of Windows Live Essentials) installed on the computer and Office Live.

Uninstalling Choice Guard

. Click on Start and then click Run.

. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK

. The registry will be opened.
Navigate to the below locations

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Search Enhancement Pack\

Choice Guard

. Copy the product key to notepad and type msiexec /x {product key} before it.
Note: put the copied product key inside the given brackets

.Copy the whole thing and go to Start/ Run
it will proceed to uninstall the choice guard

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:49:07 Z

Digital Zippy, the actual answer is provided by Kevin in a post above:

The fix from what I've seen is to add quotations around the Run registry key item for Microsoft Security Essentials.

Start > Run > Regedit

Navigate to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Look for MSSE and double click it

Add quotation marks before and after the path to look like this:

"c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide

* note the quotations

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:11:25 Z

hey he stole my idea (I was the first one to report this) LOL
I sent that to Stepy too :P
Maybe MS should pay me (j/k) for figuring this out
now they should issue a fix and send it up the pike
robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:06:54 Z

hey he stole my idea (I was the first one to report this) LOL
I sent that to Stepy too :P
Maybe MS should pay me (j/k) for figuring this out
now they should issue a fix and send it up the pike
robin

This bug is in the hands of the developers and it will be fixed in a refresh or at the latest by release. I suspect it will be in a refresh.

The bug is that the installer on XP does not set the registry key correctly. The solution, in your case, removing Choice Guard, doesn't actually fix anything, but stops the problem for now. If you were to install any other software that creates a folder \Program Files\Microsoft\ your problem will return with the Explorer window popping up and the tray icon not appearing. :-) The Registry Key needs to be fixed.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:19:04 Z

hey he stole my idea (I was the first one to report this) LOL
I sent that to Stepy too :P
Maybe MS should pay me (j/k) for figuring this out
now they should issue a fix and send it up the pike
robin

This bug is in the hands of the developers and it will be fixed in a refresh or at the latest by release. I suspect it will be in a refresh.

The bug is that the installer on XP does not set the registry key correctly. The solution, in your case, removing Choice Guard, doesn't actually fix anything, but stops the problem for now. If you were to install any other software that creates a folder \Program Files\Microsoft\ your problem will return with the Explorer window popping up and the tray icon not appearing. :-) The Registry Key needs to be fixed.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

I know it comes back if you install anything else that creates that folder Steve- i was just kidding :)
It was just interesting since i was the first one to report it to him and he is sending it out to everyone else

go figure

it would be nice if they fixed it now before it came out of beta

robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:02:57 Z

Thank you very mach!!! It`s OK now!

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:36:37 Z

Issue also happen in XP SP2 Home also apart from XP SP3 Pro.
Its a XP installer issue.

And apart from choice Guard,
C:\Program Files\Microsoft folder , has > 'Search Enhancement Pack' folder which in turn has > Choice Guard, SeaNote, SeaPort, Search Box Extension, Search Helper folders.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:36:26 Z

now microsost pleaase fix this and let us retest it.
robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:47:06 Z

Thanks for your advice...it works to some extent, for instance, while the icon and directory issues have been resolved, when I start my computer, MSE opens up and tells me that it is not connected, until, does so as start up programs are activated. I then I have to click to close the box.
I wonder if othersd are having this problem with XP

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:38:51 Z

Thanks for your advice...it works to some extent, for instance, while the icon and directory issues have been resolved, when I start my computer, MSE opens up and tells me that it is not connected, until, does so as start up programs are activated. I then I have to click to close the box.
I wonder if othersd are having this problem with XP

I haven't seen that reported here before, so I suggest filing a bug report:

Bug reports are submitted via the Microsoft Connect web site for Microsoft Security Essentials.

https://connect.microsoft.com/securityessentials

Please be sure to review the bug submission guide:

https://connect.microsoft.com/securityessentials/content/content.aspx?ContentID=12507

Note that you may not receive any response to your bug submission.

You may also open a support case, if desired.

To open an email support case, click on the Get Help Now link on this page:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/dd891073.aspx

-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:42:52 Z

OK, I just discovered I had this problem on my Netbook. I guess I hadn't rebooted it last week after installing it. I started it up this evening and had this folder popping up as described here. I put the quotes around the text as shown, and that fixed it.

EDIT, a little later:

Some points...

My other machines do not have this "Choice Guard" installed. It obviously came pre-iinstalled with the netbook. The registry entries on those machines don't have the RUN command framed in quotes.

I followed the instructions to remove Choice Guard, above. It worked. It's gone, along with the folders it was in and the registry entries.

Once you remove Choice Guard, you no longer need to frame the RUN command in quotes in the registry for MSE to start properly.

What a weird bug.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:25:24 Z

It isn't Choice Guard. It's the registry entry missing the quotes around the path for MSE. The problem could reappear if any other program places a folder in the path \Microsoft - without the quotes in the registry entry, the system is looking for MSE in \Microsoft instead of \Microsoft Security Essentials. The removal of Choice Guard removes the folder that is causing the issue.

-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:22:37 Z

It isn't Choice Guard. It's the registry entry missing the quotes around the path for MSE. The problem could reappear if any other program places a folder in the path \Microsoft - without the quotes in the registry entry, the system is looking for MSE in \Microsoft instead of \Microsoft Security Essentials . The removal of Choice Guard removes the folder that is causing the issue.

OK, I see where you're going. So since none of the other systems I'm testing on have a \Program Files\Microsoft folder, the lack of quotes is OK. To be 100% sure the app will start in the event a folder is added in the future, the quotes are needed. So having the quotes there are benign.

JS

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:13:53 Z

Exactly! Excellent summary. :-)
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:09:47 Z

Hey there,

There's a Windows XP automated fix for this issue available at the link below:

Fix this problem

NOTE: This fix it will only run on Windows XP

Please let me know if the solution works!

I hope this helps.

If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answer" box below!

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:22:54 Z

Thanks, Kevin! Excellent. My XP machine isn't with me today, but I'll give that a try when I get home later.

-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:03:52 Z

Hey there,

There's a Windows XP automated fix for this issue available at the link below:

Fix this problem

NOTE: This fix it will only run on Windows XP

Please let me know if the solution works!

I hope this helps.

If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answer" box below!

I ran this fix on my XP Home machine that exhibited the issue and it did fix it. However, I needed to reboot twice for it to actually work. On the first reboot, it apparently took some action, but that caused the shell to restart and most of the system tray icons, including MSE's did not appear. I waited about 5 minutes before rebooting again, because Windows Live Messenger also did not start automatically as it should have. upon the second reboot, everything worked as expected, including the lack of an Explorer window opening and MSE starting up and placing its icon in the system tray.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:56:56 Z

Thanks Stephen, will try it. Can a link to this FixIt description be provided?

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:11:06 Z

This FixIt Worked fine for me , did only a single reboot.
Now the MSE icon sits in tray on startup and the folder also doesn't appear. Thanks .

EDIT: In some startups, I see Redshield popping a messsage, that MS Antimalware not started, and then MSE icon shows in System tray and then this redshield warning goes away.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:58:44 Z

I have XP Home SP3, when I reboot the computer I would get the file screen so I used your fix it and it repaired the problem. Now everything is working properly. Thank you.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:25:38 Z

Hey there,

There's a Windows XP automated fix for this issue available at the link below:

Fix this problem

NOTE: This fix it will only run on Windows XP

Please let me know if the solution works!

I hope this helps.

If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answer" box below!

do you just run the file or is there something you have to do.
robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:26:43 Z

Hey there,

There's a Windows XP automated fix for this issue available at the link below:

Fix this problem

NOTE: This fix it will only run on Windows XP

Please let me know if the solution works!

I hope this helps.

If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answer" box below!

and this is only a fix, will microsoft actually fix it in the next release?
robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:02:02 Z

and this is only a fix, will microsoft actually fix it in the next release?
robin

Yes.
This was released to resolve the issue during this phase of the beta. The next version should not have this issue.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:57:04 Z

boas, sim funciona ;) 5 estrelas

Translated: Yes, good works;) 5 stars

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:15:56 Z

Just now time to resarch for this issue. But glad that I went here first. Problem solved....

Thanks!

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:46:29 Z

It looks like when the MSE installs, it places a key in the registry for bootup sometimes (not all of my computers that have MSE on it have this happen) without quotes around it, so that MSE does not start when the computer boots up... it simply opens the Windows Search Pack folder or something similar instead. Using regedit to place quotes around C:\program files\...microsoft security essentials... and making sure not to include the -hide tag at the end fixes it.

OS: Windows 7

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:46:15 Z

OS: Windows 7

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:45:25 Z

Thank you Kevin. This resolved the missing MSE icon in the tray as well as ended the Search Enhancement Pack folder opening on boot. Very much appreciated.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:42:20 Z

I get the annoying box with Microsoft/Search Enhancement at start up.

When I tried the manual fix, I couldn't find the file at all. Then I ran this automated one. The file was there and corrected with the quotes, but the problem was not fixed. I have rebooted three times.

I have XP sp 3 and the issue started after installing a portion of Windows Live.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:00:04 Z

I get the annoying box with Microsoft/Search Enhancement at start up.

When I tried the manual fix, I couldn't find the file at all. Then I ran this automated one. The file was there and corrected with the quotes, but the problem was not fixed. I have rebooted three times.

I have XP sp 3 and the issue started after installing a portion of Windows Live.

If the automated and manual fixes did not work for you, I recommend opening a support case for further help, investigation into the reason, and resolution:

To open an email support case, click on the Get Help Now link on this page:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/dd891073.aspx

-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:07:53 Z

Sorry to say, none of the above fixes worked for me. I couldn't STAND that popup window anymore so I took a hatchet to the problem and uninstalled Windows Live Essentials. Case closed. No more popping Up Explorer window.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:28:20 Z

Hello, Ha Nut,

Yes, tweaking registry entry to: "c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide

Fixed it for me. XPSP3 Home 32-Bit OS.

Many thanks!
--
Don

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:40:45 Z

Hello, Ha Nut,

Yes, tweaking registry entry to: "c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide

Fixed it for me. XPSP3 Home 32-Bit OS.

Many thanks!
--
Don

Hi, Don. :-) Glad you got it resolved.
This is the actual solution, though, posted by Kevin Hau on 7/3:

Hey there,

There's a Windows XP automated fix for this issue available at the link below:

Fix this problem

NOTE: This fix it will only run on Windows XP

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:16:28 Z

Hello, Ha Nut,

Yes, tweaking registry entry to: "c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide

Fixed it for me. XPSP3 Home 32-Bit OS.

Many thanks!
--
Don

Hi, Don. :-) Glad you got it resolved.
This is the actual solution, though, posted by Kevin Hau on 7/3:

Hey there,

There's a Windows XP automated fix for this issue available at the link below:

Fix this problem

NOTE: This fix it will only run on Windows XP

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

Thanks, Steve. Have saved the "Fixit" file for furture use. I went the "scenic route" (regedit). Still like 'getting my hands (fingers) dirty. Shalom.
--
Don

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:10:43 Z

I get the annoying box with Microsoft/Search Enhancement at start up.

When I tried the manual fix, I couldn't find the file at all. Then I ran this automated one. The file was there and corrected with the quotes, but the problem was not fixed. I have rebooted three times.

I have XP sp 3 and the issue started after installing a portion of Windows Live.

If the automated and manual fixes did not work for you, I recommend opening a support case for further help, investigation into the reason, and resolution:

To open an email support case, click on the Get Help Now link on this page:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/dd891073.aspx

-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

I tried opening a support case but I have never heard back from anyone. What did work for me after trying the automated fix was to run the registry cleaner part of ccleaner. No more annoying box at start up! Thanks for the suggestions.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:12:36 Z

The fix from what I've seen is to add quotations around the Run registry key item for Microsoft Security Essentials.

Start > Run > Regedit

Navigate to HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Look for MSSE and double click it

Add quotation marks before and after the path to look like this:

"c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide

* note the quotations

This fix appears to work on my XPSP3 machine. Updates appear OK. Scans appear OK. No pop-up.

Old Mig15 pilot. Using Windows 7 RC Vista that works.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:14:35 Z

i am wondering if the fix is incorporated in the new version that just came out. I wish we could find out what they fixed. I would like to try it on another box i have but it has the windows live mail program on it.

robin

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:48:47 Z

Yes Robin, the fix was included, I never made this change to my own Windows XP SP3 system since I didn't have the original issue.

Here's the string I just found in HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

"c:\Program Files\Microsoft Security Essentials\msseces.exe" -hide

Rob

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:29:38 Z

Hi Stephen.

Everyone (including Microsoft) might like to know that another culprit exists for the same problem which is not solved by the automated fix above: Microsoft Works Suite 2002. It installs with two registry entries in particular that lack quotes at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run:

Microsoft Works Portfolio: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe /AllUsers
WorksFUD: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe

I have been frustrated for months by this pop-up folder C:\Program Files\Microsoft, thinking that the problem was with the program(s) installed therein (since it only shows up when an application is installed that creates this folder, such as Choice Guard, Office Live Add-in, etc.). Although the problem can be "fixed" by uninstalling the program(s) in this folder (thus removing the folder), this folder and its contents are not the problem. The problem lies with the above registry-key entries (and any others that lack quotes and begin with C:\Program Files\Microsoft...). It lies dormant and unnoticed (like a virus) until the Microsoft folder is created in Program Files. Then the folder pops up at startup from then on (even if it is completely empty!). When I place quotes around the above entries as follows, the problem immediately ceases the next time I boot up:

Microsoft Works Portfolio: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\WksSb.exe" /AllUsers
WorksFUD: "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Works\wkfud.exe"

FWIW, I also discovered the following entries lacking quotes in the same key, but apparently since they do not begin with the above address path they do not trigger the Microsoft folder pop-up:

Microsoft Works Update Detection: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Works Shared\WkUFind.exe
PHIME2002A: C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName
PHIME2002ASync: C:\WINDOWS\system32\IME\TINTLGNT\TINTSETP.EXE /IMEName

I placed quotes around these as well, however, just in case an application were to create a folder in the future with the same path text at the beginning (thus triggering the same problem with a different folder).

To my knowledge Microsoft is unaware of this problem with Works Suite 2002, and since fewer and fewer people are likely to be using this software seven years after its release, I don't know how important they would think it to be. However, since it is a relatively simple fix for a very frustrating problem, I'm sure anyone experiencing it would like to know about it and have it solved. Also, I don't have any access to later editions of Works, but it's possible that the same problem exists in those. It should at least be checked out. I don't know where exactly to send this info, though, to have it addressed, so maybe someone on this forum can pass it along for me. (Just be sure to give me proper credit for discovering it, since I am currently unemployed and wouldn't mind a job with Microsoft if they're looking for paid troubleshooters. lol.)

Blessings,

Matt Eby

P.S. If anyone finds this tip helpful and would like to express their appreciation monetarily, you may treat this solution as shareware. Contact me for my PayPal donation address. ;)

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:08:02 Z

Thanks, Matt. The problem you found and resolved is unrelated to MSE except for the symptoms, however, posting this here may lead people to find the solution via a web search, so thanks.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:04:01 Z

Hey there,

There's a Windows XP automated fix for this issue available at the link below:

Fix this problem

NOTE: This fix it will only run on Windows XP

Please let me know if the solution works!

I hope this helps.

If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answer" box below!

This software can help ..

http://www.system-tray-cleaner.com/

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:13:03 Z

im also frustrated i cant get this window to stop poping up. i tryed all the fixes on this site and nothing works for me. i'd like to try your fix but i cant figure out how to get to the place to add the quotes to the addresses that you are posting . please help.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:22:43 Z

Larry,

I presume you have either Works Suite or Security Essentials installed? If not, the above-mentioned registry entries will not exist, and your problem may be another program entirely.

If you do have these programs, then this is how to find the key entries and fix them. Click "Run" on the Start menu, then enter "regedit" (without the quotes). From there you should be able to navigate to the registry key entries noted above (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run). Be careful that you don't modify anything but the keys mentioned in the manner noted above, though, as your system registry is easily corrupted by mishandling.

Matt

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:50:30 Z

Dear Kevin Hau. i wanna to thank you . it fixed the problem . you'r amazing man . thank you again. Adel/ Egypt

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:26:23 Z

I had a similar problem after installing MSE that the icon did not appear. I'm using WinXP Pro sp3. I loaded MS Essentials as instructed and rebooted. The MSE icon did not appear so I rebooted again. The icon for MSE was still not there. I opened Task Manager and noticed Windows Defender was still active. Posts I'd read said Defender was automatically removed when MSE was loaded. Apparently Defender for what ever reason was not automatically removed. I removed Defender from the Control Panel and rebooted and the icon MSE appeared and is functional.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:22:29 Z

Thanks for adding your expereince, WhiteEagle1952. Apparently there is still a bug that prevents the disabling/removal of Defender in some cases.
-steve

Microsoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:31:48 Z

On two of 4 installs on XP, I used add/remove to ininstall Defender. The other two had no problem as Defender was disabled..

Seymour

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:47:02 Z

Hi

After a long time trying to get rid of this annoying Search enhancement Pack Pop up window on start up .
I did what robinb9 recommended here and no more pop up window on start up .

Thanks a lot

Noam

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:49:57 Z

Hi Matt ~

Since upgrading/installing windows Live Messenger, etc. a few weeks ago, I have been having the same problem with the annoying microsoft window popping up every time I boot up my computer. As suggested in this forum, I have added the quotes to the Microsoft Security Essential registry, used the Microsft Fix It link, and tried to uninstall Choice Guard (wasn't able to do it) Nothing has worked so far. I do have the two Microsoft Works registries you mention above and I am considering trying your suggestion. But since I am not too computer saavy, I am concerned about screwing something up by adding the quotes.

Any thoughts / comments / suggestions would be appreciated with this frustrating problem.

Thank you,
Barb

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:44:25 Z

Barb, thry the following to remove Choice Guard:
To uninstall Choice Guard, click Start, then Run if using XP, then type/paste the following and press Enter:
msiexec /x {F0E12BBA-AD66-4022-A453-A1C8A0C4D570}

-steve

~ Microsoft MVP Windows Live ~ Windows Live OneCare| Live Mesh|MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator ~

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:33:55 Z

Thanks Matt,

I followed your suggestion, after trying everything else, and it seems to have taken care of the problem, FINALLY!

Thank you!

Barb

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:36:03 Z

Fix it d0oes not stay fixed. Problem with auto start was back in two days.
Help

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:38:09 Z

Fix it d0oes not stay fixed. Problem with auto start was back in two days.
Help

Are you using the final of Microsoft Security Essentials?
-steve

~ Microsoft MVP Windows Live ~ Windows Live OneCare| Live Mesh|MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator ~

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:53:46 Z

We will have the same problem in Windows 7

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:57:22 Z

Installed MSE one week ago when I took off Windows One Care.
Surely it is the latest and it is set to automatically upgrade.

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:57:28 Z

Installed MSE one week ago when I took off Windows One Care.
Surely it is the latest and it is set to automatically upgrade.

What problem are you encountering?
-steve

~ Microsoft MVP Windows Live ~ Windows Live OneCare| Live Mesh|MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator ~

XPSP3 - Explorer Window at startup and no MSE tray icon - AUTO FIX INSIDE!

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:29:04 Z

Add another program to the list of culprits. Posting here to help any that stumble upon this via web search, like I did.

I am running Office 2010 beta and under:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

OfficeSyncProcess

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\MSOSYNC.EXE

Caused the Program Files\Microsoft Folder to appear on startup. Added "s at beginning and end like this:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\MSOSYNC.EXE"

Fixed this annoying problem.

P.S. I also submitted this to MSFT via the beta reporting tool.