How do I get Ad-Aware?

• Ad-Aware is a free program, although there are more advanced versions with different features available at cost if you prefer to purchase this product.
• Go to the Lavasoft downloads page and scroll down until you see the listing for Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition .
• Choose any of the download links from the list to download Ad-Aware.
• You will be taken to a site to download the most recent version of Ad-Aware.  If necessary you may need to click the button that says Download or choose a download link from this new page.
• Save the file when prompted to your desktop.

How do I install and run Ad-Aware the first time?

Once you have downloaded the program by following the directions above, you should have the Ad-Aware installation file saved to your desktop.  It should look something like the one to the left but may have a different name.  Follow the instructions below to install.

1. Double click the Ad-Aware icon on your desktop and run the file.
2. 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. 
3. The last page of the installation process should look similar to Figure 1 below.  Make sure all these options are checked and click Finish.
4. Ad-Aware will automatically update and will start a full-system scan.  Ad-Aware's help file will also be displayed.  You can look over this while Ad-Aware is performing a full-system scan.
5. When Ad-Aware has completed scanning it will most likely find several instances of spyware on your computer. 

Figure 1: Ad-Aware final installation screen. 
Make sure these options are all checked and click Finish.

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.

1. Double click the Ad-Aware icon on your desktop (looks like the figure above).
2. The main Ad-Aware screen appears (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: The main Ad-Aware screen.
 

3. Click the link that says "Check for updates now" in the lower right hand corner (above the Start button).
4. The update window opens (see Figure 3).

Figure 3: The update window. 

5. Click Connect.
6. Depending on whether you have the most recent Ad-Aware definitions, Ad-Aware will either tell you that new definitions are available or that no updated components are available. Either way, click OK.  
   (Note: Sometimes Ad-Aware will notify users of major releases through this update tool as well.  If you choose to install a more recent version of Ad-Aware, it will bring you to a web page where you can download and install the newer version).
7. Ad-Aware will download the components or return you to the update window.  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?

1. Open Ad-Aware to the main screen (see Figure 2 above) by double clicking on the desktop icon.
2. Update Ad-Aware.
3. Click Start on the main screen.
4. Choose "Perform smart system scan" and click Next. (If you have an extremely persistent spyware infection or have never run the program before, choose "Perform full system scan").
5. Ad-Aware will begin scanning, informing you of its progress. Let the scan finish completely to detect all spyware and adware on your system.
6. When the scan is completed it will show the Scan Complete window (see Figure 4 below). If Ad-Aware did not find any critical objects, your job is done for this week!  Ad-Aware will show you a list of Negligible Objects. For more information about these, see Ad-Aware's help files.
     

Figure 4: Scan Complete window. In this case Ad-Aware found 4 critical objects. Click Next to remove them.

7. If Ad-Aware found critical objects, click Next to remove them.
8. The results window appears (see Figure 5 below).  The results window shows information about each object found.  Most spyware can be safely removed but always check the list before removing all objects.
    

Figure 5: The results window

9. Right-click any one of these objects.
10. On the menu that appears, choose Select All Objects.
11. All Critical objects should now have a check mark next to them.
12. Click Next. Ad-Aware will prompt you to make sure you want to remove these objects.  Click OK.

Be sure to run an Ad-Aware scan at least every week