Hi all,
I've recently updated my copy of 'Ad-aware Personal' and when I go to scan the system a few seconds into the scan the Windows Data Execution Prevention (DEP) feature brings up a message saying something like 'Windows has closed the program to protect you computer'. I only know the DEP is doing this because I looked it up on the Microsoft support website and I've tried following the steps on there to fix it but it still doesn't work . Could I get a little help maybe??

Thanks heaps

FROM Microsoft...

If your computer is configured to turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and
services only, the Change Settings button will not be available from the DEP error message.

You can view the DEP configuration for your computer in System in Control Panel. To do this,
follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2. Click the Advanced tab, and then under Performance, click Settings.
3. In the Performance Options dialog box, click the Data Execution Prevention tab.

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4. NOTE: if Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services ONLY ~or~ Turn on DEP for ALL
programs and services Except those I select: is selected.

WHEN YOUR COMPUTER IS CONFIGURED TO TURN ON DEP FOR Essential Windows Programs And Services Only, You CANNOT ADD AN EXCEPTION FOR A PROGRAM.

This is the behavior that is by design in Windows XP SP2.
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Did you understand these two lines ?

Don't forget you need to reboot after setting these boxes for them to work.

Alot of people have had problems with Service Packs and running other softwares, even Microsofts own
softwares.

I hope this helped.

Yes thankyou for your help but I've followed those steps from the microsoft website but it still didn't work. When I try to scan my system now it doesn't even come up with the DEP message anymore, just closes 'ad aware' automatically

Try these steps please:
Ad-Aware SE terminates or PC reboots during scan
http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=3013


If still no joy, post a log from this free tool called HijackThis
Instructions on creating a HijackThis Log
http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=216