Knowledge base

How to configure exceptions for Microsoft Security Essentials/Windows Defender for Grid 3

Occasionally Microsoft Security Essentials or Windows Defender cause problems with Grid 3 software. Typical issues include slow performance or erratic switch operation. To work around these problems you can add the Smartbox and Sensory Software folders to the list of exceptions.

To start Windows Defender/Security Essentials:

Windows 7: From the Start menu, Start->All Programs->Microsoft Security Essentials.

Windows 8: At the start tiles screen, type ‘Defender’ and click Windows defender when it appears.

The exceptions must be set in two locations, one for when Defender scans the computer, the second when it monitors running programs. These are located from the left of the settings tab.

The simplest way to configure the exceptions is to cut and paste the into the upper textbox on the dialog and then click the ‘Add’ button.

Use this text for the ‘Excluded files and locations entries:

C:\Program Files\Smartbox;
C:\Program Files (x86)\Smartbox;
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Smartbox;

C:\Program Files\Sensory Software;
C:\Program Files (x86)\Sensory Software;
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Sensory Software;

Use this text for the ‘Excluded Processes’ settings:

C:\Program Files\Smartbox\Grid 3\Grid 3.exe;
C:\Program Files\Sensory Software\ssUtils\ssLicenceManagerOOPa.exe;
C:\Program Files\Sensory Software\Common\Speech\Sensory Speech.exe;
C:\Program Files (x86)\Smartbox\Grid 3\Grid 3.exe;
C:\Program Files (x86)\Sensory Software\ssUtils\ssLicenceManagerOOPa.exe;
C:\Program Files (x86)\Sensory Software\Common\Speech\Sensory Speech.exe;

You may note that the list of files includes settings for both 32 and 64 bit computers. This does no harm.

If you are an eye gaze or Smartnav user you may also want to add the Smartnav folder as well.

Save the changes and restart the computer.