Expert: Brian Benosky - 8/14/2008

Question
I have a question regarding Ad-Aware 2007.  I run full virus scans pretty regularly, because I have had many virus problems since first getting my laptop in 2006.  I accidently hit the "ignore" button at the completion of the scan last time I ran it, and now all the viruses that come up keep going to the "ignore" category, and I can not figure out how to get to them, or re-set so I am able to "remove risks" instead of "ignore" them.  Is there a way to fix it/change it? Also, once that issue is fixed, these viruses/infections keep coming up every time I run the ad-aware scan(about 200-something infections come up). How would I go about removing them for good, or cleaning my computer up?

Answer
Hi Tina

The best way to fix this issue is to uninstall your copy of Ad-aware and download the new Ad-aware 2008 from here:

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2008/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware...

After installing and updating the program, run a full system scan, this time choosing to remove the adware instead of ignoring it.  If you would like for me to double check your system after running the program, please install HijackThis! by downloading Deckards System Scanner to your desktop from the following link:
http://www.techsupportforum.com/sectools/Deckard/dss.exe
Note: You must be logged onto a computer account with administrator privileges.
1. Close ALL applications and windows.
2. Double-click on dss.exe to run it, and follow the prompts.
3. When the scan is complete, two text files will open - main.txt and extra.txt (this one will be minimized)
4. Copy and paste the contents of main.txt into a follow-up here.
5. Do not include the extra.txt to your post unless I ask for it later.
What DSS will do:
* Create a new System Restore point in Windows XP and Vista.
* Clean your Temporary Files, Downloaded Program Files, and Internet Cache Files, and also empty the Recycle Bin on all drives.
* Check some important areas of your system and produce a report.  DSS automatically runs HijackThis for you, but it will also install and place a shortcut to HijackThis on your desktop if you do not already have HijackThis installed.

Brian