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Uninstalling AdAware...

15 years ago

What's the best way to uninstall Ad Aware.... The uninstall in Ad Aware or should I go through Add/Remove?

Ad Aware is giving my computer fits... I can't get my updates because it says it's already running.... It uses 99% of my CPU every time I power up... I have to go into Task Manager and do a End Process three times before it's finally disabled..

Rita O'Tay

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Comments (8)

zep516
15 years ago
Add/remove,

Let us know
zep516
15 years ago
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe

aawservice.exe
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Sharon can you use the computer you are reporting here on to download the programs grandms suggests? Save them to a thumb drive or external drive, heck even burn them to a CD. Anything to get you underway. To get the latest AdAware definitions after you have downloaded the program itself click the link below and save this to your thumb drive. Install AdAware then double click on defs.zip on the thumb drive, click to open. It will not be recognised but you are invited to browse to the right program. Browse to C:\Program files\Lavasoft\AdawareSE Personal\ and click on Adaware.exe, click OK and the latest definitions will be installed. Now run AdAware. There will be a similar procedure if you elect to update the other prorams using that method. However you might find after AdAware cleans up you can get online for the updates which will be easier for you. Here is a link that might be useful: AdAware's latest definitions
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zep516
15 years ago
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service (aawservice) - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\aawservice.exe

So it runs as a service, after you uninstall it make sure the service[aawservice.exe] is gone.

To check Start>Run in the run box type MSCONFIG hit ok, once in there on the top click "Service Tab" You should not see that service[aawservice.exe] there.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
once you get adaware gone if you do not already have superantispyware and or malwarebytes you should get those to replace the ad aware they are much superior products anyway and both are free.

SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

always update the programs prior to running scans, weekly scans are suggested.
zep516
15 years ago
Spyware blaster too & wot
ritaotay
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you all, so very much, for your prompt replies!

It may be a day or so before I can do the uninstall but I'll let you know what all happened as soon as I do... ( being a care giver is very time consuming )

Rita O'Tay
DA_Mccoy
15 years ago
Makes no difference which way you uninstall.

The Windows' Add/Remove utility and the application uninstall are both pointers to the same uninstaller. To uninstall in an alternative way you would have to use a program such as REVO. However, though it is more powerful and complete its first process is still to use the basic uninstaller before proceeding with additional actions.

The more I use REVO the more I like it and recommend it; particularly on those stubborn applications like Acrobat/Adobe Reader.

Regardless of which way you choose, when completed a manual search of the HD for orphan files is a good idea.

DA
ritaotay
Original Author
15 years ago
I used Add/Remove to uninstall AdAware and it worked like a charm... I still had to clean up the Shortcuts and the Folders ( they were empty... Well, the one for All Users had some other folders in it but they were empty.. ) but it's all gone now...

Thank you all, again, for the prompt and helpful replies!!!!

Rita O'Tay

I'll install Malwarebytes as soon as I have some free time... SpyBot S&D is still up and running...

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