Ad-Aware - OT?

[Moir]

Using Win XP - SP2. Recently downloaded Ad-Aware SE Personal Version
(free). When trying to update signature files I keep getting the message
"Error connecting to server. Please retry updating at another time". Now it
doesn't matter what time of day or what day I try this I cannot update.
Also, I have turned of my Zone Alarm firewall, (Windows firewall disabled)
still didn't connect. Uninstalled Ad-Aware and downloaded again but still
the same error message. Anybody got an idea of what is happening please?

 

[Kerry Brown]

It could be a spyware app not allowing the update. Try another program like
Spybot Search & Destroy or Microsoft Antispyware and see if they find
anything.

Kerry Brown
KDB Systems

 

[Moir]

Thanks Kerry for your reply - I have downloaded and run Spybot which shows a
"clean"system! When I ran Ad-Aware (without the updated signature files) a
number of "bad" entries were found. When trying to remove/quarantine them,
Ad-Aware just "froze" up on me. I had to ctrl+delete my way out of it. :-(

 

[Unsubscribe Here!]

Thanks Kerry for your reply - I have downloaded and run Spybot which
shows a "clean"system! When I ran Ad-Aware (without the updated
signature files) a number of "bad" entries were found. When trying to
remove/quarantine them, Ad-Aware just "froze" up on me. I had to
ctrl+delete my way out of it. :-(

Naturally, without knowing what malware may be causing the problem, it's not
easy suggesting a "guaranteed" course of action. Determining whether or not
it's a "security" issue (either with your firewall or router or SP2) might
be necessary. However, you can try this:

1) Run the Ad-Aware scan again.

2) When you get to the list of "bad entries", don't ask for removal, just
record the locations of all of them. (If you can expand all the listings
and print them, that would be the easiest.

3) Restart in Safe Mode and run Regedit (Start>Run>regedit).

4) Delete the listed registry keys manually and exit. (If working with the
Registry is not something you're familiar with, get better qualified help!
Wrong edits to the registry can screw up Windows.)

5) Go to the locations of any files, folders, etc. that were also in the
"bad entries" list, and delete them.

6) Restart normally.

7) Open Ad-Aware and try to update it.

If Ad-Aware updates successfully, run the scan again! See if any found
entries will remove normally.

Bear in mind, those steps won't cover the "worst scenario".
If the malware has installed startup routines, some of the registry entries
that were deleted may return when you boot normally.

If you can identify the application(s) that are running on boot that aren't
part of your intended setup, you may have to unload them
(Start>Run>msconfig>Startup tab, uncheck the box to each one you don't want
to start on boot). If you do, and can boot without these apps rewriting
their way back into the startup, either Ad-Aware or SpyBot should remove it.

There's lots more to this, but let's see if you try this and if it helps.

- Brent

 

[Kerry Brown]

Download HijackThis and see these forums and others to help interpet the
results:

http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html
http://www.security-forums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=48

Kerry Brown
KDB Systems

 

[Moir]

Thanks Brent for your suggestions.

These were carried out (deleted "bad" entries manually) thru regedit and
also ran Ad-Aware and Spybot in safe mode with system restore turned off.
Both now show a CLEAN bill of health. Unfortunately Ad-Aware still refuses
to update! :-(

I have checked the Startup items and only those I wish to have running are
ticked.

Anymore ideas?

 

[RonK]

Make sure your AdAware is version 1.05.
If it is not you will have to download and install the newest version.

 

[Moir]

That is my version Ron.

Make sure your AdAware is version 1.05.
If it is not you will have to download and install the newest version.