Please review below as I have done as recommended per instructions yet the manually placed "defs.ref" file is not incorporated to do a scan:

I have updated the definition file by downloading the zipped definition from http://dlserver.download.lavasoft.com/public/defs.zip
I unzip the "defs.ref" file and copy it to "c:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE\"
Then I load Ad-Aware. The definition file still shows the old one, so then I click on the settings icon (the cog wheel), then click "General". At the bottom right, there is a box saying "Using Definition File". I click the "Open file" icon next to that box and then browse to the definition file in "c:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE\" I select it and press open and I should now have the latest version for the program but but I still get the following when opening Ad-Aware to do a scan:

"Error while loading the Ad-Aware definitions file."

Configuration Window: "Using definitions file>C:\PROGRAM FILES\LAVASOFT\AD-AWARE SE PERSONAL\defs.ref"

Initialization Status: "Warning! Definitions not loaded or invalid!"

Any suggestions?
Thanks.

You must replace the 'defs.ref' file with Ad-Aware closed.

Why are you still running AAW SE? What O/S are you running?

I have had it closed during all attempts.
98FE
One other thought--I downloaded the defs file named "Ad-aware SE Reference File SE1R321 22.12.2008" from http://www.softpedia.com/get/Others/Signatures-Updates/Adaware-SE-referencefile.shtml--is it possible these are not for AAW SE?

the older operating systems cannot accept the new updates. it's a problem which has been noted, but isn't going to be fixed (I believe) simply because SE is obsolete.

i recommend using a product which supports your operating system;

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Casey