Windows Live OneCare ISV Help Center FAQ

Why does OneCare require a user to “Block or Allow” my application before it can be used?

OneCare may require end users to “block or allow” before they can run an application if application binary files are not digitally signed. In most cases, the Windows Live OneCare Firewall automatically allows application binaries that are digitally signed by a trusted root authority. This means that if you are a software provider, you should ensure that all your application binaries are digitally signed. If you have already signed your binaries and your issue with the OneCare Firewall remains unresolved, please contact the OneCare ISV Help Center.

Important: The current version of Windows Live OneCare auto-accepts all digitally signed binaries. Please be aware that this policy is subject to change at Microsoft’s discretion and without notice.

Why am I still being flagged by Windows Live OneCare when my application binaries have been signed?

It has been determined that your application may compromise a user’s privacy or damage a user’s machine. Please note that these decisions are based upon the characteristics of the programs we analyzed, our signature criteria, and our detection technology as of the date of the analysis. These decisions are subject to change if alterations are made to your programs or as our signature criteria and/or detection technology evolves.

In resubmitting any program, please state under "Reason for disputing the listings" the date of your last submission, your reason for resubmitting, and how the program has changed since your last submission.

How do users configure ports in Windows Live OneCare?

Windows Live OneCare Firewall is designed to block network traffic without explicit approval from the user. If your application’s traffic is being blocked by the OneCare Firewall, you can provide your customers with a help article or FAQ that explains how they can open the appropriate ports and protocols to enable access through the Firewall.

Note: Please review details for submitting questions or concerns through the Windows Live OneCare ISV Help Center.

Learn more about opening ports in the OneCare Firewall.

Important: the mechanism to configure the Firewall is subject to change at Microsoft’s discretion.

If your application is not working with the OneCare Firewall turned ON, and the issue cannot be resolved with a Firewall configuration: Confirm the issue is related to the OneCare Firewall:

1. Close all programs except Windows Live OneCare and the blocked application.
2. Turn off the OneCare Firewall.
3. Try the scenario that was not functioning properly.

If the issue persists, turn the Firewall back ON, ensure that you are signed on as an administrator, and follow these steps:

1. Close all programs except Windows Live OneCare and your blocked application.
2. Configure the Firewall with the appropriate ports and protocols for your application.
3. Confirm the issue still exists.
4. Turn on detailed logging.
5. Reboot your machine.
6. Ensure only Windows Live OneCare and your blocked application are running.
7. Try the scenario that was not functioning properly.
8. If the scenario fails, generate detailed logs.
9. Contact Windows Live OneCare technical support with the information you collected.

Note: When troubleshooting is complete, turn off detailed logging and restart your computer since detailed logging otherwise runs continuously and may affect the performance of your computer.

Why is my application incompatible with Windows Live OneCare?

Certain security application behaviors may trigger compatibility issues with Windows Live OneCare.

As a result, it is a good practice to uninstall security applications before installing OneCare. You can then decide which security solution you prefer to use.

Note: A few security applications may run in conjunction with Windows Live OneCare. Please feel free to investigate the possibility of your application working in tandem with OneCare.

Why is my application being designated as a potential risk by Windows Live OneCare Anti-Spyware, antivirus, or Malicious Software Removal Tool?

Get more information regarding antivirus software.

Get more information regarding the Malicious Software Removal Tool.

My application is allowed through the Windows Live OneCare Firewall, but is being flagged as “Unknown” by OneCare Anti-Spyware. How will this affect its use?

End-users ultimately control the way an application designated as “unknown” is handled by OneCare Anti-Spyware.

However, it is probable that end-users may not realize that your program is being flagged. By default Windows Live OneCare Anti-Spyware will not notify a user if an application is designated as “unknown.” Only advanced members of SpyNet or those who have configured OneCare Anti-Spyware to notify them of an application designated as “unknown” will receive a notification.

If you believe Windows Live OneCare Anti-Spyware is improperly labeling your application, we would be happy to investigate. Please submit a claim using the OneCare Anti-Spyware Vendor Dispute Form.

Why is Windows Live OneCare labeling my Web site as phishing?

To learn more details about the Microsoft Phishing Filter, please review this white paper.