I tried to scan a newly downloaded .exe file before I opened it. I got the message: The virus definitions database that you are using is 41 months old. There is a chance that VirusScan does not detect some viruses that were found during this time period.
I then clicked on Update. I then got this message: Failed to initialize Common Updater subsystem. Make sure the McAfee Framework Service is running. McAfee Common Framework returned error [emailprotected]
I found this following info on McAffe website:

ERROR: McAfee Common Framework returned error fffff95b @ 2
ERROR: McAfee Common Framework returned error fffff95b @ 3
ERROR: Failed to initialize common updater subsystem ERROR: Make sure the McAfee Framework Services is running AutoUpdates fail The error occurs when attempting to perform an AutoUpdate by:

* Right-clicking the McShield icon in the systray and SELECTING Update Now
* Right-clicking AutoUpdate in the VirusScan CONSOLE and clicking Start
* Creating a new scheduled task



Solution

Register all DLLs

Because it is difficult to identify which .DLL is not registered, McAfee recommends registering all VirusScan .DLLs.

Stop the McAfee Framework Service:

1. Select Start, Run, type services.msc and click OK.
2. Right-click the McAfee Framework Service and select Stop.
3. Close the Services window.

Register all .DLLs:

1. Select Start, Run, typeCMD and click OK.
2. Navigate to ..\program files\network associates\common framework.
NOTE: This directory may be different as specified during installation.
3. While in the common framework folder type:
for %m in (*.dll) do regsvr32 /s %m
4. Wait for the .DLL registrations to take place.

RESTART the McAfee Framework Service.

1. Select Start, Run, type services.msc and click OK.
2. Right-click the McAfee Framework Service and select Start.
3. Close the Services window.
4.
Initiate an AutoUpdate.


When I went to turn Framework service off, it was already off!! So I tried to do the second part ie. register all.DLLs.
When I typed in CMD in dialogue box I got a black screen that opened and said: C:Documents and Settings/user pc>

How do I navigate to the \program files\network associates\common framework directory? What key strokes or mouse clicks do I do?
Where did this version of McAffee come from ? ?from a relative who's a SYSTEM administratorWhy don't you just forget about McAfee, which is as "good" as Norton, and install free AVG: http://free.grisoft.com/I'm assuming AVG is superior based on your recommendation?Well, I don't know about "better", but McAfee is just huge, complicated program with some issues here, and there.Are there automatic updates with AVG or is everything manual?Avg updates by itself daily.uninstall mcafee restart
go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\McAfee\Common Framework, and delete the folder common framework, restart, install mcafee and update.Quote from: BENZ on February 06, 2009, 07:50:46 AM

uninstall mcafee restart
go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\McAfee\Common Framework, and delete the folder common framework, restart, install mcafee and update.