How to use Ad-Aware
About Ad-Aware
Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Free is a free program that detects and removes spyware on your Microsoft Windows PC. Below you will find instructions on how to download, install, configure and run Ad-Aware.
NOTE: Ad-Aware is not yet officially supported on Windows Vista. Vista support is expected to be added in the Fall of 2007.
How do I get Ad-Aware?
Ad-Aware Free is a free program, although Lavasoft does sell some more advanced versions of Ad-Aware.
- Use this link to download the current version of Ad-Aware Free.
- Save the file to your Desktop when prompted.
How do I install and run Ad-Aware the first time?
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Double click the Ad-Aware icon on your Desktop and run the file. If prompted by Windows Vista's User Account Control, choose "Allow" to run the installer.
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If you are a standard user, the default options through the installation should fit your needs. More advanced users can change the options as necessary.
Follow the on-screen prompts and click the Next button after each page.
- When the process completes, click the Finish button.
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Ad-Aware will ask you to enter a serial number (pictured below in Figure 1) in order to activate the paid versions of the program. To use Ad-Aware Free, click Cancel.
Figure 1: The Ad-Aware Registration window -
Follow the instructions below to update Ad-Aware and run a scan of your system.
How do I update Ad-aware routinely?
Like anti-virus programs, spyware detection programs need to be updated frequently in order to remain effective. Therefore, you must make sure that you that you update Ad-Aware often. The updating process is manual, so follow the below instructions to keep Ad-Aware up-to-date.
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Double click the Ad-Aware icon
on your desktop (looks like the figure above).
- The main Ad-Aware screen appears (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: The main Ad-Aware screen.
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Click the button that says "Update"
near the center of the screen.
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Ad-Aware will update its software and spyware definitions. Click "OK" on any message that pops up asking if you would like to update.
- Ad-Aware will download the updates or tell you that it is already up to date. Click the Finish button when it appears (you may have to wait for the download to complete). Ad-Aware is now updated!
Be sure that you update Ad-Aware every time before you start a Scan.
How do I run an Ad-Aware scan?
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Open Ad-Aware
to the main screen (see Figure 2 above) by double clicking on the desktop icon.
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Update Ad-Aware. (Follow the instructions
above).
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Click Scan Now
on the main screen.
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Choose "Perform smart system scan" and
click Scan. (If you have an extremely persistent spyware infection
or have never run the program before, choose "Perform full system scan").
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Ad-Aware will begin scanning (Figure 3), informing you of its progress. Let the scan
finish completely to detect all spyware and adware on your system.
Figure 3: Scanning window - When the scan is complete, Ad-Aware will show the results page (Figure 4), listing any spyware it found.
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The results window (Figure 4, below) shows information about each object found. Most spyware can be safely removed but always check the list before removing all objects.
Figure 4: The results window
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Right-click any one
of these objects.
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On the menu that appears, choose Select All Objects.
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All Critical objects should now have a check mark next to them.
- Click Remove. Ad-Aware will cleanse your computer of the selected objects. Click Finish.
Be sure to run an Ad-Aware scan at least every week and...
What else should I do to stay safe? In addition to Ad-Aware, use a firewall, a virus protection program, and automatic Windows updates.
Should I install a second spyware detection program?
Ad-Aware is an excellent program, but no one program is likely to catch all spyware. Installing a second spyware detection program can give you even better security. Please see the PCSC's spyware information page for details (and warnings) about other programs.
For more information...
If you would like to learn more about adware and spyware, please visit the PCSC's main Spyware information page. If you need help using Ad-Aware on your computer, call the PCSC at 617/353-7272.
