How come my Windows XP does not detect my anit-virus?

[MAVRIC305]

I installed the service pack after getting XP, and it has a "Windows Security Center" It detects the firewall, automatic updates, but not my Norton Anti-virus... Does anyone know why the anti-virus is not being detected?

[mascan42]

The answer is the same as every other Windows question: because Microsoft sucks. More specifically, it's because that feature doesn't work with Norton, despite the fact that it's the most popular anti-virus program on the market.

[SOS]

Not sure. Maybe you need the newest version of norton or update it.

From Norton (http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/sp2/faq.html#9)

http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/images/shared/misc/spacer.gif
Q: Why does the Windows Security Center say that the status of my Norton security product is "unknown." A: Your Norton security products contain tamper protection features that prevent malicious code from determining their status. This tamper protection also prevents the Windows Security Center from determining the status of your Norton security products.

Symantec has released an update which adds compatibility to the Windows Security Center so that it may report the status of your Symantec security software. This update is included in Norton 2005 Security Products and is available by LiveUpdate for Norton 2004 Security Products. The update will install on Windows XP, but will not take effect unless you have the Windows Security Center installed.
Security Center does not recognise Norton AV 2003 and never will.
As in the Symantec FAQ for thier anti-virus software your virus protection may or may not be detected. If you go into the Security Center in the Control Panel and tell XP that you have 3rd party software and do not monitor you should quit receiving the ballons. I have 2004 on my desktop and XP recognized it right off without running the Liveupdate and I have 2005 on my Laptop and XP is still saying I have no virus protection. So I guess like Symatec states it's hit or miss as to whether XP is going to recognize your anti-virus.

[LOGAN]

it doesnt detect my avg virus either. i could care less anymore i turned all that shit off anyway. didnt ever need it before doubt im gonna need it now.

[Smoke]

The answer is the same as every other Windows question: because Microsoft sucks. More specifically, it's because that feature doesn't work with Norton, despite the fact that it's the most popular anti-virus program on the market.

This is a rare case where it is the responsibility of the AV vendor to take care of updating their stuff to work with Windows. Norton suggests not to allow its AV programs to the Windows Security Center as they believe it can be compromised to show the system is secure when its not. It is also not a good idea for the market leader to allow customers to use the Microsoft icon for security as it places less inportance on the Norton product.