Anti-spyware software

[nigelb]

I recently installed the freeware edition of Ad-Aware from Lavasoft, version 9.0. I have used older versions for years with no problems. Now I can't get the definition file updates to work at all - either the automatic update or themanual update. I have posted in theLavasoft forums and have not had any response so far that lead to a solution. I also use Spybot Search and Destroy and so I am considering replacing Ad-Aware with something else. I have heard favourable comments about Malwarebytes but thought I would see if anyone has a recomendation. I realy trust the judgement of the people on this forum and that is why I am asking here.

Nigel²

[petermcleland]

nigelb,

In addition to whatever you choose, I recommend "Spyware Blaster"...It is freeware and be cautious about what you click on to get it...Just remember you want the Freeware "SpywareBlaster"...It is not a scanner, it is a blocker. Just run it and update its database about once a month. Don't bother to run it at windows start up, just click its destop icon when you want to update it and click UPDATE then when it has finished getting them click the underlined text "Enable All Protection". You can then close it down.

It inoculates against 14030 known bits of spyware at the moment and stops them as they try to enter your system. I've been using it for many years since Katy Pluta recommended it to me.

[TangoEcho]

Hi Nigel,

I am running free V9 and Spybot on W7 64 with no problems.

Assume you have tried a redownload.

Tom

[DarrenL]

I run Microsoft Security Essentials and have Malwarebytes to run if I need to (it's not on all the time, I leave that to MSE).

[nigelb]

Thanks for your suggestions guys! I finally think I may have fixed Ad-Aware! After yet another reinstall, instead of trying the manual update from within the program itself, I went to the start menu and clicked the Ad-Aware update icon from within the lavasoft folder. It stated that the software was already up to date but I expected that since I had just reinstalled the program. I then opened up the Ad-Aware GUI and clicked on the manual update button and lo and behold no error messages just the message that the software was up to date.

Tom, your helpful reply led me to believe that the problem was not widespread since updates worked for you. I also did not find any other posts on the Lavasoft forum on my problem. I have no idea how doing what I did fixed the problem but fingers crossed, it appears to be fixed.

Nigel²