EDIT : APPARENTLY ALL FIXED JUST GET THE LATEST UPDATE .
http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/bitdefender-update-wipes-microsoft-s-64-bit-windows-679013
BitDefender update wipes Windows 64-bit
A faulty update for BitDefender anti-virus software has caused chaos for many 64-bit Windows users.
Instead of protecting systems from new malware threats, the update – issued earlier this week – decided to detect a number of essential Windows files as a Trojan virus (trojan.fakealert.5) and wipe them in the process.
This meant that some executable files were wiped, forcing some unlucky users to do a full re-install.
BitDefender has issued an apology over the gaffe, saying on its blog: "We understand your disappointment, we have solved the problem for many of our users already and we are continuing to work relentlessly to rectify the problem for all users still affected."
But, it seems that it is not just BitDefender users that are affected. TechRadar was contacted by an owner of BullGuard anti-virus software (a UK-based company) which utilises BitDefender and it seems there are big problems for its users too.
Its forums are ablaze with angry comments from those affected by the update, who feel the company isn't doing enough to sort the problem out.
Trying to help users
BullGuard, like BitDefender, has issued an apology on the forum stating: "We apologise for this issue that you are experiencing on behalf of the BullGuard update released yesterday for Windows 64-bit systems.
"The faulty update has been removed and we are trying to help all our users that have been affected."
But this hasn't appeased the masses. Even an offer of a free subscription hasn't helped, with one member noting: "I think it is laughable that Bullguard are offering subscription to their software as compensation for all the problems their software caused."
TechRadar has contacted BullGuard and asked for them to tell us exactly how it is dealing with the problem.
Despite the update issue, It does seem that the company still wants to use the BitDefender anti-virus engine, explaining on the forum: "Based on BullGuard's own evaluations and evaluations done by external parties we have and still see BitDefender's anti-virus engine to be the best one in the market and we have still trust in BitDefender."
It did say, though, that it while it currently relies on BitDefender to test all updates, it is "in dialogue with BitDefender on longer term actions to secure a similar situation cannot happen in the future".
Have you been affected by the faulty update? Comment below.
-
Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING
-
LOL.
Another Example of Anti-Virus EPIC FAILURE.
They should have test systems in place.
For 1 I know that M$ do test their updates before pushing them out. -
On behalf of BitDefender, we wanted to let you know that the issue with Windows 64 bit OS experienced on Saturday was isolated and the update withdrawn shortly afterwards. Very few users have been affected and we apologize for any problems caused. However, the solution for this situation can be accessed here:
Home users:
www.bitdefender.com/site/KnowledgeBase/consumer/#638
BitDefender Business Client users will find solutions here:
www.bitdefender.com/site/KnowledgeBase/consumer/#643
BitDefender Security for File Servers users will find solutions here:
www.bitdefender.com/site/KnowledgeBase/consumer/#642
For any other inquiries, kindly contact our support team directly via email, chat, phone or forum at:
www.bitdefender.com/site/Main/contactEmail/ for home users
www.bitdefender.com/site/Main/contactEmailBusiness/ for business solutions.
BitDefender is a trusted security software provider for nearly 10 years, during which we have only provide the most secured solutions in the market. We want to assure everyone that this is an isolated case, and that we are working continuously to solve specific reported issues.
Best regards,
Raluca Dode
BitDefender -
Hi Raluca,
" Very few users have been affected" by this major 'hiccup' (to keep it civil)?
I can appreciate the damage control mission you're on but do all affected BitDefender clients and all affected BullGuard clients only add up to ' very few'?
Honest communication often goes a long way. -
Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING
sound like he is defending his product a bit
-
* Global Blog Coordinator at BitDefender
* Social Media Engineer at BitDefender
* Senior Customer Service Representative at BitDefender
(c/p'ed from her LinkedIn profile) -
Well I think it was nice of her to come on and apologize and give those links.
BitDefender update wipes Windows 64-bit
Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by Tinderbox (UK), Mar 24, 2010.