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Resolved Question

Ad aware up date

Aug 5, 2011 5:48AM PDT

Ad aware kept giving me a warning I needed a critical update. I went to cnet to get the updated version. I use the free version and finally found it. Clicked download and my download started, pretty sure it prompted me to click run. I am sure I was at ad aware. When DL was complete a program started to run called ARO2011? It ran a scan and said it was partially backing up my system and registry. The next box listed things it had found problems and told me inorder to do a complete clean I would have to purchase the program. I did not want ARO2011 and did not want it to run....Did not get anything close to Ad aware update....My question since it only did a partial clean and a partial backup what happens if I remove the program? I did not want it in the first place and feel I was hi jacked and now it is on my computer. If I uninstall it will I have problems/ I think it also created a partial restore point? Will my system crash? Very disapointed

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jham1976 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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ARO 2011 and AAW
Aug 5, 2011 7:07AM PDT

jham..

I just went to download Ad-Aware Free Internet Security to see if my experience was the same as yours. It was NOT. No where at the below link do I see ARO 2011 (Advanced Repair and Optimization 2011). Unless you went to another link, or clicked on an ad. Sad

http://download.cnet.com/Ad-Aware-Free-Internet-Security/3000-8022_4-10045910.html

According to the Editors Note, at the bottom of the review for ARO 2011, he states, "The trial version is limited to 100 fixes and cleaning temporary junk files only". I see no harm in uninstalling it.

You also have the option of accessing a recent Restore Point, just prior to when you installed ARO 2011. It might be the easier way to go.

I would also recommend running a scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, to be on the safe side. It's free and can be downloaded from the below link.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free

By the way, you are correct in not wanting the program. We tend to find, they're more of a hindrance than a help.

Best of luck..
Carol

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Thank you
Aug 9, 2011 2:28AM PDT

Thanks for responding to my issue. I did as you said and was able to uninstall ARO2011. Still not sure how I got it and when it started to say "partial" and "registry" along with restore point It caused me alarm. I also was able to DL malwarebytes. It ran and all was ok. I did notice ARO was also offered at that site. The ARO was clear on the right side of the screen and the download button on the left and right above the malware download title. Just had to scroll down a little further.
On more question if you would, will "malwarebytes" take the place of Adaware? or do I still need both. Adware seems to be getting harder and harder to deal with and extremly hard to find, even when they give you the link and say you need a critical update. They seem to want sell or sign you up for something. Thanks Again
Jack

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Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware vs Ad-Aware Free
Aug 9, 2011 6:36AM PDT

Jack..

I found where you saw the ad for ARO 2011. And I also see how you could have (easily) downloaded it, thinking it was Ad-Aware. After all (and as you said) it's on the top of the page, just to the right of "start download". I have Adblock Plus installed in Firefox, which eliminates all ads. It wasn't until I went to the site using Internet Explorer, that I was able to see what you were referring to.

Malwarebytes's Anti-Malware (MBAM) won't / can't take the place of Lavasoft's Ad-Aware Free Internet Security. In that Ad-Aware includes antivirus protection. MBAM doesn't, nor was it designed to. The FREE version of MBAM focuses on removing different types of malware. Their PAID/PRO version runs in real-time, monitoring processes while blocking those with malicious intent. If you're interested in either, you can read about each here.

If you wish to keep Ad-Aware, you can still use the free version of MBAM as a stand-alone scanner. It won't interfere with AAW. Along with many of the members and moderators, I consider MBAM to be an extremely valuable tool. SUPERAntiSpyware is another.

However, if you wish to replace AAW, you will need to find and install another antivirus. There are many good free ones to be had. Only to name a few: Avast, AntiVir, Microsoft Security Essentials, AVG. If you should choose Microsoft Security Essentials, they recommend against installing the paid version of MBAM, as it may cause a conflict.

Should you decide to install another antivirus, and have ANY doubts as to where to download it, please do not hesitate to ask. It's up to you what you decide to do. If you're finding Ad-Aware problematic, I would replace it. Why struggle with it? Consider that ... "only my opinion". Happy

You're quite welcome, by the way. Best of luck!
Carol