Error message appears on anti virus application when I try to update or scan

I'm assuming you're using the McAfee Clinic process.  Did you disable all your viruscan items prior to getting the updates?  That is really critical, since if you don't close all your McAfee related icons down (exit), prior to downloading the updated DAT files and others, you'll get this type of error.  I'm running W98SE on one system and use that interface as well and have had no such problems (but use the most current version of IE 5.5 with SP1).  Is IE configured as your default browser?  If not, try that, since as said, no such problems.

When odd things start to show up that don't appear easy to isolate, I find these to help:

Clear browser's cache/temp internet files/history files
Run Maintenance (cleanup/scandisk/defrag) and reboot.  If you have large HDDs, you may benefit by running scandisk/defrag in Safe Mode to eliminate errors and interference.

asta

The link you provided http://clinic.mcafee.com/common/error-pages/404.asp?404;http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/avdownload/instantagent.asp  gives an http 404 error

Try this:

http://software.mcafee.com/centers/download/

One question:
Is your macafee program a trial version or full version.(do not take it personal, just asking:(I will not blame you, just want to help: Have you tryed to crack a trial version of macafee?)
If not:
One theory:
 Did you know that many macafee updates contain errors and problems?
The only way to solve these errors is to wait for the next update. To be honest, I had to reinstall our "macafee anti-virus" in our hospital because of a update with bug for one year ago. So do not get surrprised if you find new updates with bugs from this company.(or Norton company)
When I read your question, I almost beleive that you have not done anything wrong and nothing is wrong with your system. I have faces a similar problem before.(I am a manager of 18 computers in a hospital)
My advice:
New updates should NOT cause errors in your anti-virus. If macafee support do not respont, you must request help.(They have to help you or respond)
One way to solve this problem is to:
Uninstall macafee   (totaly)
and Reinstall macafee antivirus (That is what I did)
I appreciate any feedbacks from you.(what you did?! what happend? and etc.)
Very interesting question since I had to deal with it once..
We are glad to help you...
Good luck
Navid

Also Thank you Asta for interesting informations.
:-)
windwalk:
Please come with new questions or feed backs if above comments from me or Asta did not help.
I am into this problem and understand you. I could have ask the same question. :-)

I've had an interesting issue arise with my McAfee online package after installing the Personal Firewall.  Did you happen to install that as well?

Asta

This is pretty long but I hope it makes sense and doesn't appear  to ramble.

First, an answer to Asa's and Navid's questions.  I haven't installed any other Mcafee Product.  Activeshield is a full version on a one year subscription.

Second, an answer to Asa's suggestions. With the exception of changing my browser to IE I have tried your suggestions without success.  The url you suggested takes me to Activeshield and Scan.  I receive the same error message that I previously received.
I totaled uninstalled and reinstalled VOL, Activeshield twice.  The results were as follows:
Start download.
http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/virusscan/activeshield/install.asp?rflag=&a=a&oemid=
After download is completed Message reads:
Download successful  Reboot.
I am unable to reboot, message reads:
Error.  Line 39.,  Char.3.,  Error: object doesn't support this property or method `g-OS reboot.
Code O.
url, htttp://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/virusscan/activeshield/goodinstall.asp?update=&restart=0&rflag=&a=a&oemid

After Manual reboot, I attempt to download Activator plug (for Netscape), Message states:
Some components of Activeshield may not have been installed properly. Please reinstall.

Attempt to reinstall,  Message reads,  "Congratulations, We have detected that you already have Activeshield on your system.  Verify that it is installed properly by going to Test Page."
Test Page.  Some components of Activeshield may not have been installed properly. Please reinstall.
Again, attempt to reinstall,  the congratulations message appears and again refers you back to Test Page.  The only way to escape this circle is to cancel out.
In addition to the above, I reran Internet Explorer and tools.  

Control panel shows Activeshield installed.  Activator shows as a plugin.
The red (m) icon appears at the bottom of the screen.
Activeshield works on Eicar test file, however a message appears as follows:
An error has occurred copying Eicar.com.
Details.
Source file.
C:\windows\temp\332tmp.eicar.com.
Destination file.
C:\windows\mcbin\AV\test\eicar.com.

At this time there has been no progress.

When I log on to the net a red (M) appears to indicate that McAfee loaded.  I right click on the red(M) to check for updates or scan.  If there are updates, I am prompted to close all McAfee icons.  The prompt reads that by clicking OK the request icon will be closed.  I have tried  updating both by exiting  (terminating) and leaving it activated.  Neither works.  Scan doesn't request the closure.  Before my trouble started, I was able to do both by simply clicking on the Update or Scan on line.  Something New added that indicates Activshield is working.   The last time I clicked "Check for updates" it indicates I have the latest Virus scan components, no update required at this time.  This problem first started when it was indicated I needed updates. When I tried, I received the infamous message.  I still get the message when I try to get updates or scan.  I have now sent the fourth request for assistance to McAfeeTech Support with Supervisor added to the subject line.  This will automatically forward a copy to the Tech Support Supervisor.     I will keep you informed of any progress.  Thank you for you help

dear windwalk!
I checked the error message you get to see what it can be related too.
I found out that
" Error.  Line 39.,  Char.3. "
Has to do with "Virus definition". Something has went wrong with virus definition.(If that is any usefull information or not,Hard to tell).
I got this information from one of our computer security personals.
One issue that I have never understand is why Famous programs contain a lot more bugs and problems than cheap and unfamous programs.
I can tell you one thing:
You must understand your rights. If Macafee has caused any troubles to your system, they have to either help you to solve the problem or replace the damage caused because of using their program. It is your right. Do not accept less. Demand solution for your problem from them. That is what you have payed and bought an expensive program. You have payed for a working program without problems and 100% customer support.
You can sue the company if they do not help you active with your problem. I do not care how but they must help you.(it is your right!!)
Good luck my friend
Navid

Navid, Thanks for the information, I will pass it on to McAfee Tech Support.  I e-mailed them for the 4th time and am waiting for a response. I will pass on any information I receive concerning this problem.

McAfee has informed me that they no longer support the IE version I was using to activate Virusscan on Line.  I was directed to downlod IE service pack #1 And delete all other versions of IE I had installed.  Following is the Support Tech's instructions,  They worked.

your version of IE is not supported by mcafee web sites

go to www.microsoft.com/ie/
download IE 5.5 service pack one to the desktop.
sign off the internet.
delete all version of internet explorer you have installed.
restart the computer.
install the downloaded ie 5.5 service pack one.
restart the computer

Adjusting Web Browser Settings to Work with McAfee.com Clinic
 
Netscape Users

 1. Run Netscape.
2. Click on the Edit pull-down menu then click on Preferences. The
Preferences dialog box will appear.
3. Click the Advanced category.
4. Make sure the "Enable JavaScript" box is checked.
5. Make sure "Accept all cookies" in the Cookies selection is checked.
6. Click on the OK button.

All Users

1.  Run Internet Explorer.
2.  Click on the Tools pull-down menu then click on Internet Options. The
Internet Options dialog box will appear.
3.  Click on the Security tab.4.  Click on the Custom Level button. A
scrollable list of security options will appear.

5.  Go to the ActiveX Controls and Plug-Ins section and adjust security
settings:
     Download Signed ActiveX Controls = Enable.
     Download Unsigned ActiveX Controls = Prompt.
     Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe = Prompt
     Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins = Enable
     Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting = Enable
6.  Go to the Cookies section and select Enable for each subcategory.
7.  Go to the Downloads section and select Enable for each subcategory.
8.  Go to the Scripting section and select Enable for each subcategory.
9.  Click the OK button. Answer Yes to any prompts asking if you are sure.
10.Click the Advanced tab.
11.Click the Restore Defaults button.
12.Below the HTTP 1.1 heading, verify that Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy
connections is checked.
13.Click Apply then OK to close the Internet Properties window.

you will now have no problems using mcafee web sites.
if you have problems with the download call 1-425-635-7123 and microsoft
will help you download and install it.

P.S.    It was their website that I had orignially downloaded I.E. 5.5, but they had made major changes in their program including the new I.E. Pk #1.
 Thanks for all of the help supplied by  Asta and Navid

Happy to hear that SP1 was needed, as suspected.  Teamwork works well.

How would you like to handle this question in terms of finalizing it and moving it to the PAQ?  If you wish to award multiple participants, this can be done via request by posting a zero point question in Community Support, including this link and stating how you'd like to award or split points.

Best of luck,
":0)  Asta

Asta, this has been done as suggested. Let me know if it doesn't come through right and I will try again.   I split the points evenly between you and Navid.  Many thanks!  Windwalk

Hi windwalk. I've reduced the points to half, awarded this Q to Asta. Navid, please go to https://www.experts-exchange.com/jsp/qManageQuestion.jsp?ta=win98&qid=20134277 to receive your points.

Thank you all!
amp
Community Support Moderator
Experts Exchange

Thank you very much.

Asta

Thank you windwalk and Asta and amp!

My pleasure!  WW