Function

• SystemGuards functions as an Internet security defender by detecting changes to your computer. These changes are classified as unauthorized--which doesn't necessarily make them harmful--and gives you an overview of the changes so that you can decide which ones you have authorized and which ones you haven't. Generally, unauthorized changes can pose threats to your computer and security. McAfee SystemGuards will alert you to such changes by producing a pop-up window on your computer screen with step-by-step procedures on how to remove the threat.
  
  

Types

• McAfee SystemGuards has classified three types of unauthorized changes. The first are changes in the program. SystemGuards will track and monitor your start-up files, extensions and configuration files. The second category is Windows-SystemGuards, which detects any changes made to Windows including certificates and configuration files. The third category involves browsing, where the program detects changes to Internet Explorer settings, as well as browser attributes and security settings. All changes appear in a pop-up alert box for you to review.
  
  

Enable

• You can enable McAfee SystemGuards by clicking on the Windows task bar, located in the lower, right-hand corner of the screen and double-clicking on the McAfee icon. Clicking on the arrow in this task bar will also reveal the icon if it is hidden. Once open, click on the "Advanced Menu" and the "Configure" tab. In the "Configure" panel, select "Computer & Files." If the SystemGuards protection tab is disabled, click on it and select "On" to enable it.
  
  

Disable

• Disable SystemGuards by locating the icon in the task bar in the lower right-hand corner and double-clicking on it. The icon is identifiable by the letter "M." On the "Advanced Menu," click on the "Configure" tab and select "Computers and Files." Look for "SystemGuards Protection is enabled" and double-click on that bar to disable it by checking "off."
  
  

Problems

• Some forums have reported issues with McAfee SystemGuards automatically disabling. McAfee has reported that this issue may have been due to a download of an earlier version of the program and downloading the most recent version should alleviate this problem.