My "a" icon in the tray doesn't have a red X through it, and avast! on-screen scanner reports 7 or 7 providers running, so I think I'm covered...but the Security Center just doesn't believe it.
I have tried three other AV programs that were "supposed" to be vista beta friendly, and even recommended by Microsoft...but they each had their problems. In all fairness, I suspect CA's eTrust was also work, as it's problem was the same...no report of running protection from the Security Center.
I rebooted many times since uninstalling the other apps, so the Security Center service should have been restarted with them...but I'll still go try it manually and see what happens.
Many thanks to you both!
LarryMcj