Installing and Running Ad-aware to Limit Pop-Ups

Ad-aware is a free program that scans your computer for "adware" (sneaky programs that install themselves on your computer and generate popup advertisements as you surf the web) and "spyware" (programs that send information about you and your computer usage to companies via the Internet).  Ad-aware maintains a database of known adware and spyware programs and removes them from your computer when it finds them.  You can set Ad-aware to run every time Windows starts up, but it is usually sufficient to run it only when you suspect a problem or when you perform other routine maintenance.

1. To download Ad-aware, go to http://www.download.com, and type "Ad-aware" in the search box.  Your search should return a link to download the latest version of Ad-aware. (Version 6.0 was the most recent version at the time this tutorial was written.  There may be a newer version when you look.) 
   
   
    

2. Follow the prompts to download the software. When you are asked whether to open the file or save it to your hard drive, click Open.
   
   
    

3. Depending on your internet connection, it may take a few minutes for the software to download.  When the download is complete, the installation wizard will begin.  Click Next.
   
   
    

4. You can accept all of the defaults during installation - just keep clicking Next until you see the screen that tells you the installation is complete.  Click Finish to exit the wizard.
   
   
    

5. The installation process will create a shortcut to Ad-aware on your Desktop.  Double click this icon to run the program.
   
   
    

6. Before you scan your computer, it is a good idea to have Ad-aware check to see if any updates are available.  This requires that you be connected to the Internet, but it ensures that your computer is being checked for the most up-to-date list of spyware and adware.  In the lower right corner of the Ad-aware window, there is a link to "Check for Updates Now."  Click this link.
   
   
    

7. Click Connect to begin checking for updates.
   
   
    

8. If there is an update available, you will see a message prompting you to download and install the file.  Click OK.
   
   
    

9. You'll be notified when the download is complete.  Click Finish.
   
   
    

10. For most people, the default settings within Ad-aware are adequate, so when you are returned to the main Ad-aware window, click Start to begin scanning your hard drive.
    
    
     

11. Make sure that "smart system-scan" is selected, and click Next.
    
    
     

12. You can minimize this window and continue working in other applications while the program is scanning your hard drive.  Depending on the size of your hard drive and what programs are installed, the scan could take several minutes.  When the scan is finished, you will see a summary of the findings.  Click Next.
    
    
     

13. The Scanning Results window shows you details about each file/program that Ad-aware recognized.  Many of these are harmless, but some of them are not.  Check the box next to each item in the list that you want to remove, and click Next.
    
    
     

14. You will be asked for confirmation before the selected items are removed from your system.  Click OK.
    
    
     

15. When you are returned to the main Ad-aware screen, you are done and can close that window. You should notice a significant reduction in the number of popup advertisements when you are on the Internet.

 

 

This page has been accessed times since 05/20/2005.