Advanced Threat Defense

Herbie · July 2017

Hi, I'm not able to activate ATD in my BD TS. Secccenter shows : Your System is AT RISK. When I turn the switch to ON - it goes rapidly in the OFF position. Fixing was not sucsessfull too.

My System: W7 x86

Thanks for help!

Karan · July 2017

I had the same problem. A simple reboot of the computer sorted out the problem

Pushkar112 · July 2017

If the issue is persistent I would recommend full uninstall of the product and reinstall

Herbie · July 2017

6 hours ago, Karan said:

I had the same problem. A simple reboot of the computer sorted out the problem

5 hours ago, Pushkar112 said:

If the issue is persistent I would recommend full uninstall of the product and reinstall

Hi, all of that - no effect!

Thanks for your answers

Herbie

DaHero · July 2017

have same issue.it says that you're at risk and when i check it... it says.advanced thread control is off.... and i when press fix.... it loading and nothing happens... i uninstalled with uninstall tool then reinstalled 4 times and still no luck...in past i had BT 2015 totalsecurity and i uninstalled it and installed 2018.. Admins... any fix??

windows 7 x64

Fatsamuel · July 2017

I have the same issue

en-com · July 2017

Hi,

I have the exact same problem after upgrading to bit defender ISec 2018 from 2017s version.

Please Help

Sorin G. · July 2017

Hello,

Please ensure that you are running build 22.0.8.118

Should the issue persist even with the above build please reboot the machine in Safe Mode.

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/2129/

Once there put the attached file in this location C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security\settings\LGKC

atc.xml

Diazruanova · July 2017

...does build 22.0.8.118 installs by itself through automatic update or do we have to download it and install it from scratch?

22.0.8.114 is my actual build and by clicking "update now" does nothing

Math_Matei · July 2017

8 minutes ago, Diazruanova said:

...does build 22.0.8.118 installs by itself through automatic update or do we have to download it and install it from scratch?

22.0.8.114 is my actual build and by clicking "update now" does nothing

I do not believe, unfortunately!

It is extremely simple.

Go to the Windows Control Panel, 2 click on BitDefender TS (or IS) and choose the REINSTALL button
Then you wait and that's it!

Diazruanova · July 2017

Thanks,

The RE-installation process in fact is pretty easy, but for example: ...the SAFE FILES ----> APPLICATION ACCESS ----> + Add a new application to the list process can be a real PITA as you loose all the programs that have been added there and I for that matter, have 16 added programs that will have to be RE-Added each one!!!

This BTW IMO I think this is a bad design, cause there should be a way to preserve and/or back-up ALL of these and similar settings so you can re-install without having to re-enter everything from scratch " data-emoticon="" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6031943/uploads/ipb_attachments/emoticons/default_angry.png" title="" />

Sorin G. · July 2017

Hello,

The 118 build is currently not available via automatic update, as suggested by Matei you can use the reinstall option to deploy that build on your machine.

I understand that its a hassle with the settings and all, a feature request was forwarded to our devs.

Diazruanova · July 2017

Thanks Sorin, Do you have an estimate date for the 118 build auto update to be released?

DaHero · July 2017

replacing the file fixed the problem... but when i disabled the advanced thread control ... i couldn't enable it again... it auto switches off... updated bitedefender and replaced the act.xml again after update and restarted.... it asked me about my logins ..... inserted them and logged ...and it didn't fix the problem... it auto switches to off again... it seems that the act.xml is outdated and not working properly with the latest update..maybe we need new act.xml to work with the latest update or somethin???

admins any fix??

Herbie · July 2017

On 25.7.2017 at 2:27 PM, Sorin G. said:

Hello,

Please ensure that you are running build 22.0.8.118

Should the issue persist even with the above build please reboot the machine in Safe Mode.

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/2129/

Once there put the attached file in this location C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security\settings\LGKC

/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=16644" data-fileid="16644" rel="">atc.xml

Hi,

thank you very much for "the" file - now it's O.K.

H.

Herbie · July 2017

INDEED - VERY BAD

THE FILE CHANGES TO THE ATTACHED FILE with no return to ON

H.

atc.xml

Fatsamuel · July 2017

Any news on fix?

I have build 118 and W7 ... tried replacing file ... uninstall - reinstall - still cannot get ATD to turn on

DaHero · July 2017

STILL NOT FIXED IN 3 WEEKS......AND MY SUBSCRIPTION IS GOIN.. WHAT A GREAT ANTIVIRUS PRODUCT....JESUS!!

moonslice · August 2017

BD: Please fix - it doesn't work on the build 22.0.8.118

FantoMax · August 2017

Today I Installed IS2018 (ver 22.0.8.118):

1) on Win7 x64 SP1 Italian - I used the IS2017 uninstall tool - I executed IS2018 installation - Advanced Threat Defense is OK (enabled)

2) on Win7 x86 SP1 Italian - same procedure but I can't enable Advanced Threat Defense.

FIrst, I tried, in safe boot, to replace the file ATC.XML but after reboot it's the same, I can't enable Advanced Threat Defense (after the boot i checked the file ATC.XML and is like before.... so I can't change the file!!!)

Second, I tried to reinstall IS2018 but same problem, I can't enable Advanced Threat Defense.

In the event viewer I have this error:

All'avvio non è stato possibile caricare i seguenti driver:

atc

At the boot was impossible to load this driver:

atc

*************************************************

Nome registro: System

Origine:       Service Control Manager

Data:          02/08/2017 01:04:05

ID evento:     7026

Categoria attività:Nessuna

Livello:       Errore

Parole chiave: Classico

Utente:        N/D

Computer:      Paola-PC

Descrizione:

All'avvio non è stato possibile caricare i seguenti driver:

atc

XML evento:

<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">

<System>

    <Provider Name="Service Control Manager" Guid="{555908d1-a6d7-4695-8e1e-26931d2012f4}" EventSourceName="Service Control Manager" />

    <EventID Qualifiers="49152">7026</EventID>

    <Version>0</Version>

    <Level>2</Level>

    <Task>0</Task>

    <Opcode>0</Opcode>

    <Keywords>0x8080000000000000</Keywords>

    <TimeCreated SystemTime="2017-08-01T23:04:05.062500000Z" />

    <EventRecordID>263692</EventRecordID>

    <Correlation />

    <Execution ProcessID="648" ThreadID="652" />

    <Channel>System</Channel>

    <Computer>Paola-PC</Computer>

    <Security />

</System>

<EventData>

    <Data Name="param1">

atc</Data>

</EventData>

</Event>

********************************************

Thank you

Max

Brant Kinnsch · August 2017

Chat told me to wait for the engineers to get back with me and I just read a post saying it has been three weeks. If I don't get a response by tomorrow I'm dumping it.

StanMan · August 2017

/index.php?/topic/76646-advanced-threat-defense/&do=findComment&comment=273447" rel="">Posted July 25 · /index.php?/topic/76646-advanced-threat-defense/&do=reportComment&comment=273447" rel="" title="Report this content">Report post

Hello,

Please ensure that you are running build 22.0.8.118

Should the issue persist even with the above build please reboot the machine in Safe Mode.

https://www.bitdefender.com/consumer/support/answer/2129/

Once there put the attached file in this location C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security\settings\LGKC

/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=16644" rel="">atc.xml

==========================================

oh yes - looks like we have a common thread - Win 7 systems. Anyone using MalwareBytes, CCleaner or System Mechanic?

- This fix worked great for me so far. I dare not turn off and on the advanced threat defense switch as I see someone went back into turd mode by tampering with it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Initially, I could not install BitDefender because I was locked out of Read/Write access to the temp user's temp local apps data directory where Bitdefender is decompressed and installed from. Strangely, as ADMINISTRATOR, my install process failed and ran for 24 hours (twice) with no notification of this failure loop. I let it run thinking it was doing a full disk scan before the install was allowed to complete. (patience)

Then after allowing file access to that directory, it installed, only to fail to set on the "advanced threat defense" feature switch.

I am wondering if any other programs could cause these installation/operation problems - like using simultaneously these programs:

Malwarebytes (background malware and exploit protection) - Disabled now

CCleaner - cleaner for cookies and registry fixes (disabled during debugging reinstall of BitDefender)

System Mechanic - does similar tasks (antivirus and firewall portion always disabled)

Any comments of conflicts with these programs?

FantoMax · August 2017

Today I installed IS2018 (IS2017 previous) on my third computer, Win7 SP1 x86 Italian, and I can't enable Advanced Threat Defense.

Same error, can't load atc driver on boot.

Bye

Max

DaHero · August 2017

1.5 month and still not fixed...any help FFS???...my sub is running out...

metaguy · August 2017

This worked for me, and I hope you,too. It's from an excellent Bitdefender tech.

Be careful to follow directions exactly.

Good luck.

Thank you for all the help you put into solving this issue. We apologize for not being able to reply sooner.

If Active Threat Defense remains disabled, please right click on the file atcal from the folder C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security and select Properties, then go to the Details tab. It should show File Version: 3.0.4.176. If it's a lower version, bring up Bitdefender and click on Update Now. Wait until the process completes, then restart Windows.

On the other hand, if atcal is already updated to 3.0.4.176 or Active Threat Control still can't be turned on after the update & restart, replace in Safe Mode the file atc from C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security\settings\LGKC with the file attached to this email. Restart the computer normally and the issue should be resolved.

How to start the computer in Safe Mode:
https://www.bitdefender.com/support/-1022.html

Rampant · August 2017

I have this library has a more recent version 3.0.4.191.

metaguy · August 2017

atc.xml

This worked for me, and I hope you,too. It's from an excellent Bitdefender tech.

Be careful to follow directions exactly.

Good luck.

I am updating this from a few minutes ago because I forgot the attachment, and I've rearranged the content for what I think is an easier read. Metaguy

Thank you for all the help you put into solving this issue. We apologize for not being able to reply sooner.

If Active Threat Defense remains disabled: Go to C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security and select Properties. Then right click on the file atcal.xxx Go to the Details tab. It should show File Version: 3.0.4.176. If it's a lower version, bring up Bitdefender and click on Update Now. Wait until the process completes, then Restart Windows.

On the other hand, if atcal is already updated to 3.0.4.176 or Active Threat Control still can't be turned on after the update & restart:

Reboot to Safe Mode and go to C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security\settings\LGKC, then paste in the attached file. Restart the computer normally and the issue should be resolved.

How to start the computer in Safe Mode:
https://www.bitdefender.com/support/-1022.html

atc.xml

Herbie · August 2017

On 13.8.2017 at 6:04 AM, metaguy said:

Thank you for all the help you put into solving this issue. We apologize for not being able to reply sooner.

If Active Threat Defense remains disabled: Go to C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security and select Properties. Then right click on the file atcal.xxx Go to the Details tab. It should show File Version: 3.0.4.176. If it's a lower version, bring up Bitdefender and click on Update Now. Wait until the process completes, then Restart Windows.

On the other hand, if atcal is already updated to 3.0.4.176 or Active Threat Control still can't be turned on after the update & restart:

Reboot to Safe Mode and go to C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security\settings\LGKC, then paste in the attached file. Restart the computer normally and the issue should be resolved.

How to start the computer in Safe Mode:
https://www.bitdefender.com/support/-1022.html

/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=16768" data-fileid="16768" rel="">atc.xml

Hi, after reboot your file changed to the attached - O.K.?

Bye

atc.xml

spinon · August 2017

Hi Folks,

I also could not enable ATD on my PC running Windows 10 64 bit (version 1703) and Bitdefender Total Security (BTS) 2018. So I contacted Bitdefender who suggested that I switch to BTS 2016, which I decided to try. Now I'm getting error messages about Bitdefender Agent. This is proving very stressful. Don't know where to go from here.

spinon

metaguy · August 2017

I doubt 2016 would work, as 2017 didn't work for me until we updated to 2018. You must run bitdefender's uninstall program first, not from Programs and Features. Not all techs are the same. Suggest getting back to them and have them look at my case # 2017072703520001 by Georgiana CIURESCU, Senior Technical Support Engineer.

Didn't see the post here, but someone asked if it'll work on Firefox. Yes, based on my use.

Tmod700 · August 2017

Having the same issue as well and tech told me there is not going back, Bitdefender 2017 was working fine and decided to update to 2018 and what a mistake as I have uninstalled & re-installed 5 times now and same issue as the slider for ATD just keeps sliding back to off automatically the minute I click it to on. How can the supposed elite security software have this issue? Does BD not test this stuff?

metaguy · August 2017

Tmod700 - don't UPDATE. See my thread above yours.

Tmod700 · August 2017

metaguy,

Ok going to try your way and see what happens.

Thanks!!

Tmod700 · August 2017

Ok tried as metaguy suggested and it still fails to enable, Overwrote the file and it reverted it back to the original file content on reboot.

Looks like off to Kaspersky as I see no reason to pay for a partially operating security package. Tech support doesn't seem to care as this issue was reported back in July and no real solutions to date.

FantoMax · August 2017

On a computer with Win7 PRO 32bit, where I was previous installed AVAST, AVIRA and IS2016, IS2017 and IS2018 (I installed Win7 from 2014) with the Advanced Threat Defense problem, today, I formatted the SSD drive and I installed the same system (Win7 Pro 32bit SP1 with last microsoft patch), at the end I installed IS2018 and now the Advanced Threat Defense is OK (Enable)!!!!!

Now I have two computer with Advanced Threat Defense ok, but I don't want format also the third computer!!!

Max

Tmod700 · August 2017

Ok so through the years and updates with Win7 it may be some file or system that was either replaced or updated and has an issue with BD TS2018 ATD. If we can find out what drivers or files that ATD depends on and what version is needed at least that would give us a path to address the issue.

Yeah format and re-install seems a little drastic to get ATD working properly. What happens when the files are updated again on the OS? Does it revert back to not working?

metaguy · August 2017

On a separate question to admin I mentioned for them to look at this thread.

Tmod700 · August 2017

Ok took another recommendation and tried reinstalling from programs & features still no go, Ran sfc /scannow and let windows fix any issues still no go, Shutdown all autostart programs still no go, Removed Bd Ts2018 using Bd removal tool and reinstalled still no.

Tmod700 · August 2017

Ok got a reply back from a tech support engineer and here is the content of that email,

Quote

Hello Terry,

Let us please begin by apologizing for this issue you are facing and for the delayed reply. We understand this is a very delicate situation.

Advanced Threat Defense is currently affected by a bug and the Bitdefender developers are trying to investigate and solve this matter as soon as possible.

Since only Windows 7 computers are affected, a quick fix would be to upgrade for free to Windows 10 by following the guideline available on the Microsoft website:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

If you don't want to upgrade to Windows 10, as a workaround you can consider installing Bitdefender 2016 using the kit below, to protect the system until our developers sort the issue. At that time we will also extend the validity of your Bitdefender subscription to compensate for the time when Bitdefender 2018 did not work as designed:

http://download.bitdefender.com/windows/desktop/connect/cl/2016/en-us/bitdefender_tsecurity.exe

Use the same Central account to activate the subscription.

Last but not least, we can issue a refund on your Bitdefender purchase so you can choose another antivirus program that will better suit your PC.

Please let us know how would you like to proceed and we will act accordingly.

Sincerely,

Narcisa Cocei

Technical Support Engineer

So for me Win10 is not an option as we have it on my wifes computer and and I don't care for it.

Staying with Win7 and will wait out a fix, What I don't understand is why they are offering BD TS 2016 and not BD TS 2017 as the temp workaround. I re-installed a backup I made with BD TS 2017 and running smoothly again so I will stay with it until a fix has been made.

Steve Pitts · September 2017

On 26/08/2017 at 4:03 PM, Tmod700 said:

[quoting Bitdefender technical support] a quick fix would be to upgrade for free to Windows 10

That gave me a good chuckle. Upgrading to Windows 10 is never going to be a quick fix (I had three attempts on my workhorse PC, all of which failed in obscure ways, and gave up) and to the best of my knowledge has not been any kind of free for over a year now.

I have one major difference with my gaming machine set up, which updated to 2018 without a 'by your leave' and therefore seems to have left me with a partially working product. All of the above refer to C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender Security\settings\LGKC but on this PC the product is still installed in a 'Bitdefender 2017' directory. Otherwise everything is as described and my atc.xml looks like this:


<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<atc>
    <signatures>C:\Program Files\Bitdefender\Bitdefender 2017\ATC\ATC_00141_002\</signatures>
</atc>

One element of this that hasn't been mentioned by anyone above, and which I wonder whether it also applies to those having trouble, is that my day-to-day Windows user is not an administrator and thus I get UAC elevations for everything that requires such rights. It would not be the first time that software failed to update itself fully because it didn't elevate properly (the Java updater used to have to be run from an Admin user in order to work, for instance) so I thought I'd mention it here.

Tmod700 · September 2017

I login in everyday as admin and have even tried installing from 'run as administrator' take ownership' and every other possible scenario I could think of and still the same result. ATD will not enable.

Yeah BD has a very unique sense of humor suggesting that installing Win10 will solve my issues. What about the other issues it creates?

Yes officially MS has ended the free upgrade to Win10 but I guess there is some loophole for that from MS themselves.

Not willing to jump through hoops to get a program that I was assured was designed to run on Win 7 running correctly as you have to fight the program and you have to fight the tech as they had told me at one point BD TS 2018 is running as designed on Win 7 systems.

gordow · September 2017

Glad , well sort of , to see i'm not the only one with this issue. I installed 2018 over 2017 and had the issue with advanced threat defense not loading , thought okay , its the way i installed it. So i got BD's uninstall tool , ran it , installed anew , same problem.

Saw the issue here about the .xml file , booted to safe mode , swapped file out , rebooted , same issue. Advanced Threat Module won't go on.

I installed this product on my daughters laptop running Win 7 as well , and it went smoothly. Not one issue with the install or the module not starting.

Is there any work around for this problem or are the BD mods leaving us out to dry?

Tmod700 · September 2017

7 hours ago, gordow said:

Is there any work around for this problem or are the BD mods leaving us out to dry?

Since this has been a known issue since July 14 , 2017 and there is not a mention of what is wrong or how it is fixed I would venture to say find another security program. Even tech told me they would refund my money if I wanted to find another security program.

gordow · September 2017

2 hours ago, Tmod700 said:

Since this has been a known issue since July 14 , 2017 and there is not a mention of what is wrong or how it is fixed I would venture to say find another security program. Even tech told me they would refund my money if I wanted to find another security program.

The stupid thing about it is that i've installed it on my daughters laptop with no problem and just finished installing it on another desktop computer in our house with no problems. I don't know if it will make a difference but i'm going to run the 2017 and 2018 uninstall tools and then reinstall to see if that makes a difference. The computer i just put it on had 2017 so i used the removal tool first instead of letting the new version uninstall it and it ran great.

With it on one desktop, one tablet, and one phone i really don't want to go to another software as i've had them and they sucked , at least when Bitdefender works , it works.

Tmod700 · September 2017

8 hours ago, gordow said:

The stupid thing about it is that i've installed it on my daughters laptop with no problem and just finished installing it on another desktop computer in our house with no problems. I don't know if it will make a difference but i'm going to run the 2017 and 2018 uninstall tools and then reinstall to see if that makes a difference. The computer i just put it on had 2017 so i used the removal tool first instead of letting the new version uninstall it and it ran great.

With it on one desktop, one tablet, and one phone i really don't want to go to another software as i've had them and they sucked , at least when Bitdefender works , it works.

Strange to say the least, I have tried a few different security suites in the past as well and Bitdefender is (was) my favorite. As you stated when it works it works great and I realize pretty much all software will have issues with one system or another and I understand that but it seems Bitdefender has left us that have issues behind and seems would rather lose a customer then resolve the issue at hand.

Short of re-installing Windows I have done what I can do to try and find a local solution to the issue with Win 7 and ATD.

I wish we all knew why some have issues and others don't, The possibilities are endless as to why it has issues and that is the part that drives one crazy.

Anyway glad to hear it worked for you, and on two different systems to boot.

s3dbw · September 2017

I have the same problem since Bitdefender auto updated from 2017 to 2018. Obvious question, is there anyway to stop the auto update between versions as the 2017 version performed well and would be quite happy to re-install that.

Tmod700 · September 2017

56 minutes ago, s3dbw said:

I have the same problem since Bitdefender auto updated from 2017 to 2018. Obvious question, is there anyway to stop the auto update between versions as the 2017 version performed well and would be quite happy to re-install that.

You can go into Settings > Update and then disable the updates which would disable the hourly definition files as well or you could select "prompt before installing or downloading" and that way you could intervene in the downloading or installation process.

Tmod700 · September 2017

Ok just an update to the ATD issue, According to BD tech support the issue stems from updates during upgrades by Microsoft on Win 7 systems. So maybe SP1 had something in it that TS 2018 doesn't like. Who knows for sure at this point but at least we have a direction.

Steve Pitts · September 2017

2 hours ago, Tmod700 said:

According to BD tech support the issue stems from updates during upgrades by Microsoft on Win 7 systems

The only possible implication of this, if they're not BSing you, is that their Win7 test systems are all running unpatched versions of the OS. Something tells me that 'deflecting blame' is a more likely explanation, so I call BS.

Tmod700 · September 2017

31 minutes ago, Steve Pitts said:

The only possible implication of this, if they're not BSing you, is that their Win7 test systems are all running unpatched versions of the OS. Something tells me that 'deflecting blame' is a more likely explanation, so I call BS.

Yep you are spot on as I uninstalled each and every update and hotfix and BD TS 2018 ATD still will not enable. So BS it is, you think they could own up to it and say we don't know why it is doing that.

Yesterday tech told me they have new files uploaded so I uninstalled TS 2017 and installed TS 2018 and it was the same version and issues.

Getting awfully tired of tech giving me the run around and either they don't know or they are just blatantly lying about it.

netmon · September 2017

This may not help, but as a counter-example I am having none of these issues with Bitdefender. Note all installs were clean installs of Bitdefender Total Security 2018 v22.0.10.141, and not an upgrade from a previous Bitdefender version:

* Win 7 64-bit fully patched - ok (first thoroughly removed competitive AV product, Malwarebytes 3.x was installed before Bitdefender install)

* Win 10 64-bit fully patched - ok (no previous AV except MS Defender,. Malwarebytes 3.x was installed before Bitdefender install)

* Win 10 64-bit VM fully patched - ok (new VM with no other applications, no previous AV except MS Defender)

As a general rule for any new AV install for a different vendor I uninstall any previous product using multiple steps. Maybe this would help in this case for 2017 to 2018? Not sure what this would do for your Bitdefender license.

* use the vendors standard product uninstall process

* use the vendors complete removal tool if one exists

* use SysInternals Autoruns to find any remaining DLLs, autoruns entries, and remove them etc

* use Explorer to remove any remaining vendor directories

* optionally use regedit to remove any remaining vendor registry keys (usually skip this step)

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