Ad-Aware Won't Start

Security programs such as Ad-Aware are often targeted by malicious software. A virus may remove a part of the program or even the executable itself to prevent it from starting. Sometimes a problem starting Ad-Aware is due to another security program running. Some security programs will detect another program as a threat and prevent it from loading or installing. You can troubleshoot Ad-Aware start issues by uninstalling the current installation followed by reinstalling the program and launching it while in Windows safe mode. This narrows a wide range of possible Ad-Aware start problems down to an all-in-one solution.

Things You'll Need

• Ad-Aware installer (see Resources)

Instructions

Uninstall Current Version

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously. This opens a "Run" box on the bottom of your screen.

2. Type "Appwiz.cpl" in the "Run" box and then press your "Enter" key. This opens the "Programs and Features" component in the Control Panel. The programs are listed in the center of your screen in alphabetical order. Ad-Aware should be near the top of the list.

3. Right-click "Ad-Aware," and then click "Uninstall." Click the "Yes" button on the "Are you sure?" screen. Allow the uninstaller to remove the program, and then reboot your computer once notified that Windows has finished uninstalling Ad-Aware.

Install and Run Ad-Aware in Windows Safe Mode

1. Press the "F8" key on your keyboard repeatedly as your computer boots up. Stop pressing the key once you see the "Advanced Boot Options" screen.

2. Use the "Arrow" keys on your keyboard to select "Windows Safe Mode," and then press the "Enter" button. This loads Windows with limited resources and services. This also prevents any third-party utilities that may conflict with Ad-Aware from running or installing properly.

3. Double-click the "Ad-Aware" installer. Click "Yes" on the "User Account Control" dialog window. This launches the "Lavasoft Ad-Aware" install executable. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.

4. Double-click the "Ad-Aware" icon on your desktop or in your Windows Start menu to launch "Ad-Aware." Click the "Start" button at the bottom of the program menu to begin scanning your system for malware. The program will notify you when it has completed.

5. Restart your computer after successfully completing a scan.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Uninstall or Change a Program
• Microsoft Windows: Start your Computer in Safe Mode
• Lavasoft: Ad-Aware Support FAQs

Resources

• Lavasoft: Ad-Aware Download