I recently downloaded the latest version of Ad-Aware (thanks Bedstor) but it has come to my attention that the latest definition for it (dated 14.10.2004) is bundled with viruses. I used it this past Wed and when it started up it "said" that my definitions were outdated and did I want to connect to the server and upload the new definitions? Little did I know that in doing so I had infected my computer with TVMedia and SecondThought as well as several hi-jackers, trojans, and worms.

Here is a complete list of the updated definitions:
C/Net Viruses and Security

Please be careful with this seemingly wonderful application. I have been trying to clean out my computer for several days. The main nuisance I have now is hundreds of browser windows opening non-stop, even when I am unplugged from the phone line
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10-25-04, 08:50 PM
cswchan
I had 14.10.2004 on my computers (5) and not had any problems with any kind of virus infections. You may want to also have SPYBOT 1.3 and also SPYWAREBLASTER installed. SpyBot is very similar to AdAware and SpyWareBlaster actually prevents spyware from installing onto you computer. I would suggest that you clean the computer first, then, install the SpyWareBlaster. You could also try PestPatrol's online checker. PESTPATROL ONLINE
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10-25-04, 10:59 PM
vansrme
Georgia,
Is there any chance they got on your pc from another source? I have that latest definition file too, but there's nothing bad in mine, thats been found anyway, and I scan with Panda Titanium 2004 AV fairly often, LOL. Have you downloaded anything else lately? Possibly been hacked? I know you're very savvy with computers, but it can happen to anyone, even the experts at times, Smile. (I am by no means, an "Expert" by the way.)

chris
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10-26-04, 12:11 AM
bedstor
If you have downloaded from any other source than then Lavasoft site its possible it has misloaded
The latest version is SE1R16 25.10.2004
Open the program click the Status Button
look in the bottom right corner for the link "check for updates now"
and click the "connect" button on the next page
Update will load correctly now Wink
Tip When scanning use the custom scan then it won't wipe essential stuff off click the "customize" link to set up where it should scan
Beyond that It's only fine tuning controls for geeks Basic set up is fine for most purposes Smile
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10-26-04, 08:01 AM
cswchan
There is one other tweak that you may want to do in AdAware.... under the scan settings - "Scan Within Archives"
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10-26-04, 09:08 AM
Georgia85
Bedstor, I downloaded from Lavasoft but the thing is, once in Lavasoft you actually download from partner sites, not actually from the Lavasoft site. And yes, I have SpyBot but it doesn't catch near the amount that Ad-Aware does. As for downloading anything, I just use my laptop at home to read e-mails sent by friends. I know the virus came from downloading the definitions because I watched the screen as it happened. It froze up while loading the definitions and when it finished I had desktop icons for TVMedia and SecondThought. From there things went haywire. But I have used a virus scan and it found 9 Trojans and deleted them. I've cleaned out the registry, and as of last night, things seem to be alright. I spoke with a computer guru at work yesterday and was informed that the free downloads often times are bundled with viruses and his advice is to uninstall all Ad-Aware, SpyBot, etc programs that were free.
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10-26-04, 01:47 PM
bedstor
Georgia
Do you want a good Virus detector for free?
Download the Avast program from www.avast.com
All you have to do is register for a Key and it is free for a year (otherwise 60 days without the key) and renew the key every year Cool
Runs a scan like Adaware and it auto-updates almost daily
Looking further afield there is a spywareblaster/adaware/antivirus program from www.giantcompany.com/p_antispyware.aspx
which is a 10 day trial,then Pay $29.95 for a years subscription
If it wasn't for Money exchange problems I'd have this in my collection Frown
It found a lot of bogies missed by Adaware Red Face and it's easy to use and quite strong Smile
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10-27-04, 10:19 AM
Georgia85
Thanks Bedstor but I've found one that works great. Appreciate the info tho Smile
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10-30-04, 06:06 AM
soaringhorse
Georgia's right, the update for adaware is corrupted. I clicked on the update button, it tried to load, but only got to 5 per cent then stopped. Now it has an error on the main page where it says

quote: Check for updates now

. It says:

Warning: Feference file not found or corrupted!

So now all my icons on the taskbar will not open, for example my internet explorer icon, media player icon....it pulls up the property window instead.

What should I do now, uninstall Adaware? I have Spybot Search and Destroy, updated and all. Ran it, didn't find anything. I've got ZA, AVG, Win Me. Heellllppp!
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10-30-04, 10:29 AM
bedstor
You can safely uninstall from the Control panel(Add /Remove programs) should be at the top of the list
I do have the original downloaded file saved as a backup as a habit.
You can click on that and reinstall the program without going online Wink Then clicking on the update as soon as possible to bring things up to date Wink
Tip: When I download most files, they are directed towards a folder I made up, and they are downloaded as "Save to folder" Giving me a backup file. Might have to Manually open the program to start the Install Wizard Roll Eyes
The other way: "Open Program" saves to Temp files, and starts the Install Wizard when the download is complete (Note:No Backup! Frown)
I'd only use this way if space on the Hard Drive is getting low.
PS As I send this the latest update is Numbered
SE1R15 26.10.2004
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10-30-04, 07:12 PM
soaringhorse
Okay, I'm confused. Which one is bad, the newer version, Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition or the older on Ad-Aware 6?
I had Ad-Aware 6 and the latest up date which was for 10-26-04 is the one that messed mine up. What gives? I get mine from Major Geeks, is that site bad you think?
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10-30-04, 07:37 PM
bedstor
Download the SE version then uninstall the V6 version
In real terms they are cutting down the updates on the Version 6 and the other version is getting them every few days
I use the Major Geeks Download service and it is reliable, otherwise use Download.com Wink
Despite 1 or 2 small bugs a few months ago(when new) It is now running OK Smile
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10-30-04, 07:53 PM
vansrme
As of writing this post, I've had no problems with Ad Aware SE at all, including the definiton downloads. I'm wondering how its affected some, but not all, when I downloaded the defintion files at the same time, or close to it, as Georgia did? Oh well, some mysteries arent meant to be solved I suppose. Smile

chris

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,