Support Ended for Windows Live OneCare and Safety Scanner

It is hard to believe that it has been two and one-half years since sales of Windows Live OneCare were discontinued and Microsoft announced it was discontinuing Windows Live OneCare.  When the announcement was made, Microsoft indicated that support was continuing for existing subscribers.

The end of support has now arrived.  Updates ended for Windows Live OneCare on April 11, 2011.  Active subscribers were sent several in-product and email communications advising them of the ending subscription and support dates. In addition, depending on your subscription end date, billing support ends on or before June 30, 2011.

Accompanying the demise of Windows Live OneCare is the Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner.  Much like Windows Live OneCare, which included non-security features such as printer sharing and automated PC tune-up, in addition to scanning for viruses, spyware and potentially unwanted software, the Safety Scanner included "Tune Up" and "Clean Up" scans.

If you still have Windows Live OneCare installed on your computer, prior to replacing it with a new antivirus software, consider using the Windows Live OneCare Backup Restore Tool to recover backed up files.

The replacement for the Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner is the Microsoft Safety Scanner, a no-frills scanner to help remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. 

Additional information you may find helpful:

• How to Use the New Microsoft Safety Scanner
• Understanding Microsoft Anti-Malware Software

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