Steps to Run Ad-Aware
Before you scan your system, you must intall the Ad-Aware software. Get installation instructions at the Support Center.
- Check for updates
Before scanning your computer with Ad-aware click the link to Check for Updates Now. This will make sure that your computer has up-to-date adware definitions.
Figure 1: Ad-aware home screen - Connect
Click Connect to allow Ad-aware connect to the internet in order to download the updates.
Figure 2: Connect Ad-aware - Download Updates
Click OK to download and install any updates Ad-aware found.
Figure 3: Download and install updates prompt - Finish
When Ad-aware has completed the update, you click Finish.
Figure 4: Finish webupdate... screen. - Begin Scan
You will now return to the original Ad-Aware window. Click Start to begin scanning your computer.
Figure 5: Ad-aware home screen - Complete Scan
Allow the scan to run until it finishes and the bar at the top reads 'Scan Complete'. Ad-aware will inform you of how many nasty or unnecessary files it identified on your computer. Click Next to continue.
Figure 6: Scan complete - Select Files to Delete
Ad-Aware will show you a list of files it identified during the scan. Right click on the screen and click Select All Objects. Then click Next to delete the files.
Figure 7: Scanning results - Confirm Selection
Ad-Aware will then inform you that it will attempt to remove the adware files you selected. Click OK.
Figure 8: Confirm removal prompt - Complete Scan
You have now cleaned Adware files off your computer. If you are using a file-sharing program or regularly download programs from the internet, you might be at risk of downloading more Adware programs, and it is important to keep an updated virus removal program installed on your computer and to run the Ad-Aware, Spybot, or Spyware Blaster scans regularly to keep your computer safe and running well. Computing Services recommends you run one of these scans once a week.