We are aware that Windows Security (Microsoft Defender) may be blocking Z Software programs following a recent Microsoft update. 

Some customers have reported:

• the Z Register, Z Office and/or Z Dispense icons have disappeared from the desktop, or
• Problem with Shortcut prompt appears when launching any of the Z Software programs from the desktop.

We have contacted Microsoft and we are working with them to ensure Z Software programs are not impacted by Microsoft Defender updates. 

In the interim, this article provides instructions on how to restore Z Programs that have been quarantined by Microsoft Defender.

Restoring the Z Programs

If you are unable to find your Z Program OR when you attempt to open your Z Software program and get an error that the shortcut is now missing, Microsoft may have quarantined our program.

To restore our programs:

1. Open the Windows Security. You can to this by opening the Windows Security app  on your PC, located in the PC System Tray (bottom right hand corner of your screen), and selecting Virus & threat protection
2. Under Virus & threat protection status, click on Protection history
   
    
3. You may have several messages that there have been threat(s) quarantined:
   
4. Click on the Threat quarantined to expand for more information. You should see that the affected items will be one of the Z Programs (e.g. Z Register, Z Office or Z Dispense):
   
5. Click on the Actions drop down and press Restore
   
    
6. Once you've restored the item, you will receive another prompt that a threat was found again. Click on the Actions drop down and press Allow on device:
7. You may need to repeat this for any other Z Programs that were affected

Adding Windows Exclusions to Z Software Programs

To add Z Software Programs folder to the exclusions:

1. Open the Windows Security. You can to this by opening the Windows Security app  on your PC, select Virus & threat protection
2. Under Virus & threat protecting settings click on Manage Settings:
   
3. Scroll to the bottom and under Exclusions, click on Add or remove exclusions
   
4. Click on Add an Exclusion then Folder:
   
5. Navigate to the Z Software Programs folder. This is generally under C:\Program Files (x86)\Z Software. If you are unable to locate the files there, then please try C:\Program Files\Z Software. You can copy this folder path in the top window to navigate straight to the folder.
6. Once you have navigated to the folder, you should see all your Z Software program folders installed on the computer (e.g. Z Dispense, Z Office etc). Press Select Folder
   
7. It should then add your Z Software Programs folder as an exclusion from Microsoft's Virus & Threat Protection:
   

Need Further Help?

For any additional help, we recommend having a read of the Microsoft guide on the Virus and Threat protection in the Windows Security App. If you are still having issues, it is best to contact your IT/Hardware technician to help assist.

We are still here to help but due to the high volume of calls at the moment, it may take us a little longer to get back to you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.