I am so mad because I know that I have some type of spyware or keylogger on my system. I have been using Adware for over 3-4 four months. My computer has been acting strange for awhile. I have tried everything to get this problem solved. No as of yesterday the message I get is "error connecting to server" Please tell me what has happened here. I need immidate help !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kimrodney

if your webupdate has ceased to function, it could be that a malware has comprimised your HOSTS file, which is used to override DNS requests (name to IP address translation)

Run an ad-aware scan and see if Ad-Aware picks up anything when it scans the hosts file

otherwise you can manually open the hosts file with notepad

This file's location is c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

if you see any referenced to lavasoft download servers, then you can delete these lines. Some malwares will add an entry in the hosts file that cause anti-virus / anti-spyware software to connect to the wrong IP address

If this fails, then you should try downloading the definitions manually from
http://download.lavasoft.de/public/defs.ref
or
http://209.87.177.246/public/defs.ref

When you have downloaded the definition file, go to "Settings" -> "General", and click the "Using Definition File" button. Then browse to the file to open the one you downloaded.... you should place the definition file in your Ad-Aware program folder, usually c:\program files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware SE Something\

Thanks

//Steve

I, too am having problems updating my definitions. Adaware 6 Pro. When I tried to update my very old definitions I got a message saying that none was available. So I followed the instructions given above and manually downloaded the latest updates. But they would not install in the manner described. Furthermore, my old definitions are named reflist.ref, and the new download is called defs.ref.

Thanks,
pyramid@fsaccess.net

Hello!
I am experiencing the same problem (and another one). I'm using Ad-Aware SE Personal Build 1.06r1 and haven't been able to connect to the update server for about a week. My HOSTS file only lists "127.0.0.1 localhost". Ad-Aware detects 24 tracking cookies and 34 objects in the MRU list. On trying to remove the cookies, the programme halts with the "Quarantining Selection" screen, but doesn't hang up in the sense of having to terminate it via the task manager, but rather by clicking the X of the main window. I tried un-installing and re-installing, without any change. My virus programme hasn't detected any viruses, worms or trojans. What should I try next to solve the problem(s)?

TIA
bms

pyramid,

Could you please look at the bottom right hand corner of the Ad-Aware main screen, and check that you have "Ad-Aware SE Professional Build 1.06r1".

"my old definitions are named reflist.ref" would suggest that you have an old version of Ad-Aware. If this is the case, you will need to update to the above mentioned version before proceeding.

Hope this helps

Spot on ...

Adaware 6 Pro

Please Please Help me! I don't understand what is going on. I went and purchased the real thing Ad-Adware SE Plus Edition and still can't connect to the internet. I am very puzzled because my defintions say installed but with a date of 2-5-2006, Ad-Aware SE plus Build 1.05. How can I resolve this issue. Please don't send me the same email telling me to look in the local host file because I don't know how to. You would have to tell me step by step.

kimrodney. Are you receiving an "Error Connecting to Server" message still?

yes, and I went and purchased this on Monday and it has build 1.05 with defs 2-5-2006. I don't know how to get to the local host file.

Sorry to ###### in, but I am curious. If this was purchased last Monday, why is it only Build 1.05?

kimrodney... where did you purchase your copy of ad-aware?

Yes, I don't mine you butting in but I don't have any reason to lie, like I purchased the merchandise and I really didn't. I bought the Ad-Aware se plus edition from Wal Mart. Thanks In Advance

Steve, I purchased the Ad-Adware from Wal-Mart. The seal on the packaged was not broken or tampered with when I purchased this software. I have bought on zillions of software in years and everytime you buy software it always ask you do you want to update your definitions after installing. I believe something on my computer is keeping me from getting the updates. When I had the trail version of Ad-Adware it worked fine so that's why I went and bought the full version. Right at the end of trail version it wouldn't let me update my definitions. It's not that I don't have an illegimate version. All I won't to do is get this resolve and get my computer back to normal.

I opened Ad-Adware and got this right hand corner Build 1.05 then before trying to update def I got this info: installed definitions file:SE1R106 02.05.2006 then installed core application 1.05 Plus

I have had the same problem; I get the "error connecting to server" message every time I try to update my definitions.

I am using Ad-Aware SE Plus, Build 1.06r1, with WinXP Pro. I have been able to download the new definition files manually, but this is annoying. My current definition file is SE1R106 02.05.2006.

My "hosts file contains only the one entry: 127.0.0.1 local host.

The latest WebUpdate log shows:

5-7-2006 4:55:33 PM...

Host-Name download.lavasoft.de.edgesuite.net wird aufgelöst.
Verbindung zu wird getrennt.
Nicht verbunden.
Host-Name download.lavasoft.de wird aufgelöst.
Verbindung zu wird getrennt.
Nicht verbunden.
Verbinden mit 207.44.136.40.
Verbindung zu 207.44.136.40 wird getrennt.
Nicht verbunden.
Error obtaining server list.



How can we solve this problem?

I purchased, at Office Max, Ad Aware Se Plus in Oct 25, 2005 and have a year's license. However, I cannot update to built 106. Your Web site directs me to purchase the new product. I will have to forgo using my prograam which is only Build 1.05. CompUSA has the prouct for sale at but does not know what edition it is. there is no information on the disk or package. How do I sign up for difination updates? Thank you.

I also am having the same problem.

I have tried with both Win 2000 and XP systems, hosts file is clean. Normal update does not work as mentioned in the FAQ but I am unable to connect to the webpage that contains the .defs file, it just times out.

However, at work, I have no problem. The difference here is that I have just Symantec AntiVirus not InternetSecurity running. I have both running at home, so it has something to do with the firewall. However, it is configured to allow everything from LavaSoft and even disabling InternetSecurity for the download does not affect the results.

I copied the .defs file from work and will try to load it tonight at home, but it is interesting that I've only had problems with this new .defs file. Could it have anything to do with the latest hack into LavaSoft? Such as new protections added to the .defs file?

I'll keep in touch.

kimrodney,

Not sure if the returns policy are the same as there sister company (ASDA) but in the UK items purchased can be returned if not working or faulty with-in 16 days,
So I recommend you take back your Copy of Ad-aware including the till recite and ask for a replacement as the copy they sold you is out of date and if they not got any Ad-aware SE 106's then ask for a full refund.
Then go purchase a copy from Lavasoft

GRAFX

Interesting stuff. I tried to update my definitions today and Ad-Aware told me that I had the 2/5/06 definitions and everything was up to date. I came to the LavaSoft website. Learned about the Authentication Beta, loaded that, and now Ad-Aware won't start at home.

Came into work today, checked my definitions on my work PC. They were 236 days old! So I updated, and it downloaded the 2/5/06 definitions. Now it says everything is up to date. Hmmm...problem at LavaSoft or with our applications?

Gary

GarySheehan,

how often do you use the WebUpDate feature as I recommend that you use it every time just before you scanthat way you will always have the latest Definition file

GRAFX

That's exactly what I do. I haven't scanned my work PC for......236 days

However, that still doesn't explain why we can only download up to 2/5/06.

Gary

GarySheehan,


You have in that case the latest Definition file as the latest is still SE1R106 02.05.2006 until SE1R107 is released witch should be later today (Monday)
see Upcoming Release SE1R107

GRAFX

OK. wasn't even aware a new version was coming out. Thanks!

Gary

Does anyone know if and when the new version is coming out?

Hey, thanks ROB P! You put me on the right track that took me to a solution for my problem.

I also have NIS on my computer, so I tried to check the firewall. It was messed up; there was no icon for it in my tray, and I couldn't open it from the start menu, and my computer would not shut down normally.

I powered off and back on and everything was working. I hardly ever shut down my computer since upgrading to WinXP, so I didn't think about this old solution that used to solve 90% of the problems with Win98.

ronE

kimrodney,

I can tell you one thing and that is Mr Stark will not release the new version till it is ready

GRAFX

Glad to have helped. I was able to downloed the latest.def file, copy it to a memory stick and successfully load it on my PCs at home. Now that there is a new version available I'll try it from home first.

An interesting sdie note. when I put my memory stick in my PC at home a trojan virus was immediately detected and removed. I worried that my PC at work was infected (although I scan every night) but could not find one. Is it possible that the trojan came from this infected file that Lavasoft is now releasing a Beta for?

I've installed the beta and will do so at home as well.