Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection Installation

Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection (Forefront) is an antivirus/malware tool developed and distributed by Microsoft for business level security (see FAQ). University of New Hampshire students are encouraged to use Microsoft Security Essentials.

Requirements

A licensed version of one of the following:

  • Windows XP (32-bit)
  • Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)

Remove Existing Antivirus Programs

Forefront is able to automatically uninstall antivirus programs that are currently on your computer. Be sure to select the removal option when prompted during the installation process.

Download

Click here to download the installer. You will be prompted to authenticate using your AD credentials. The site (share.unh.edu) is only accessible via UNH campus networks or through the VPN.

Installation

Microsoft recommends backing up data and ensuring Windows is up to date prior to installation.
For instructions on how to back up data, please visit this page.

  1. Download the installer to a desired location on your computer. It can be downloaded here (AD authentication is required).
  2. Unzip the installer "FEPInstall.exe" from the zip file "ForefrontInstall.zip" by right clicking on it and selecting "Extract All". In the dialog that appears enter a location to extract the installer then click the "Extract" button.
  3. Navigate to the newly extracted folder. Windows XP users should open the installer "FEPInstall.exe" by double-clicking on it. Windows Vista and Windows 7 users should right click the installer and choose "Run as administrator". 
  4. The installer will open. Click Next.
    The Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection installation wizard window displaying the first screen. There is a link to the privacy statement. Press the button labeled Next to proceed to the next screen.
  5. Read the License Agreement. Click I accept to agree to the terms.
    The second screen of the Forefront installation wizard. The software liscence terms are displayed. To proceed click the I agree button.
  6. Next you are asked to “Join the Customer Experience Improvement Program.” Joining is optional. Click the Learn more link if you are interested. Choose an option and click Next.
    The third screen of the Forefront installation wizard. This screen provides an option to join the customer service program. Click the Next button to proceed.
  7. Next, choose whether or not you want your firewall turned on. Server administrators are urged to carefully consider which setting they want before choosing. Make your selection and click Next.
    The fourth screen of the Forefront installation wizard. This screen provides an option to automatically enable the Windows firewall. Click the Next button to proceed.
  8. Next, Forefront will check for other installed antivirus software. If found select, Remove Now. Otherwise, click Install.
    The fifth screen of the Forefront installation wizard. This screen displays a list of other antivirus software detected on the computer. Click the Skip or Remove Now button to proceed.

    The Forefront installation wizard displaying a progress bar during removal of other antivirus software.

  9. Once the installation is complete, it will ask to scan the computer. Choose Scan my computer for potential threats after getting the latest updates to scan your computer, and click Finish.

    The final screen of the Forefront installation wizard. Check the box to initiate an update and scan after exiting. Click the Finish button to exit.

  10. Forefront is now installed, active, and ready to be used. Refer to the Forefront Usage Instructions for information on how to update your definitions, scan your computer, and remove malware.