Windows Security Center reports virus protection from Sophos as out of date

Under certain circumstances the Windows Security Center provided in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) may incorrectly report that the virus protection given by Sophos Anti-Virus is "OUT OF DATE".

As part of Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing Initiative, Windows XP Service Pack 2 features a new Windows component: Windows Security Center (WSC). This is designed to monitor various security aspects of the computer, including any anti-virus software that is installed. WSC determines if, and which type of, anti-virus is installed, whether its on-access scanner is active, and whether the virus protection is up to date.

Sophos recommends that customers continue to use Sophos's own administration tools such as Enterprise Console, EM Library or Sophos Control Center when checking whether computers have installed the latest virus protection updates. Customers may choose to disable the reports from WSC.