AlanHo Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 I have been trying to update the AdAware definitions file for several days. However, when I try to download the latest file I constantly get an error message and the file is not downloaded. Hence my data is 49 days out of date.I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling AdAware - but to no effect.Any ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 I had a similar problem with the same update, Alan.In my case an un-install and re-install did the trick.How are you removing the program? I think it's best to use the un-install facility within Ad- Aware rather than the Windows Add/Remove. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted July 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 popsThanks for the info - I have now removed the programme as you suggested and then done a regedit search of the registry and deleted 4 references to AdAware before reinstalling the programme.Still the same problem I am afraid.I am slowly losing my patience with AdAware. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 To quickly get the new update, delete the defs.ref file, then download the new one manually from here.To get your automated download fixed, a few questions:did the automatic update work with an earlier version of Ad-aware?do you use a proxy server to access the Internet?do you have a firewall that could prevent Ad-aware from accessing the Internet?One more question:does Ad-aware prompt you with "New definitions available ... Download and install this file?"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted July 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 I have just installed the earlier version (Build 1.05) and it works perfectly.I then downloaded the latest version from the Lavasoft site (Build 1.06r1) and the problems reappeared. The new download appears to be the same version I downloaded in May 2005.I use Windows XP Home firewallNo proxy server - broadband cableHave not had download problems previously - but am not sure when I first installed Build 1.06r1 and whether any downloads have ever been made with this version.I have always manually updated AdAware - hence the prompt that new definitions are available will appear after I click on the update button.I will now stay with Build 1.05 until some light appears at the end of the tunnel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scuzzman Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 Sticking with the version you currently have seems to be a logical answer, I would wait until another patchlevel to update again. That said, I'm kind of concerned about this:I use Windows XP Home firewallThis firewall is useless. It doesn't do anything really except block pings. You really should download a better firewall - I reccomend ZoneAlarm Free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 I strongly agree with scuzzman about Windows firewall. It's a complete waste of time.I use Sygate Personal Firewall http://www.sygate.com/. If you go for Sygate, ensure you download the Personal version.I couldn't get on with ZA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwp Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 it is all very well saying windows firewall is no goodi have tried both zone alarm and sygate.but if you don't know how to configure themyou may as well have no firewall at all.ieblock the apps that should go to the netand allow the ones that shouldn'ti find windows fire wall along with the usual apps avg adaware and spybot sd etc does the trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted July 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 Forgot to mention that my desktop is connected to the cable modem via a network cable to a Netgear WGR614 wireless router which enables my wireless laptop to share the broadband connectionThe Router has a Firewall - I can't pretend I understand what it does - but here is the info from the brochure :-FIREWALLA true firewall secures your network against hackers: Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and Denial of Service (DoS) attack prevention averts potential threats by scanning incoming traffic and Network Address translation (NAT) shields your networked devices from intruders. Powerful WEP encryption (40/64- or 128-bit) on the wireless LAN conceals your information from eavesdroppers. MAC Address Control prevents unauthorized access to your wireless network. VPN pass-through give secure Internet access to your office or corporate network.I have tried Zone Alarm in the past - but it caused so many problems (possibly because it is far from user friendly and I am not a techie) that I uninstalled it and fell back on the XP one which has not given me any problems at all. However - you might argue that it is not likely to cause problems if it doesn't do anything.For me my computer is a tool and not a hobby - hence I want to keep it as simple as possible with the minimum software for me to maintain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artist Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 I strongly agree with scuzzman about Windows firewall. It's a complete waste of time.I use Sygate Personal Firewall http://www.sygate.com/. If you go for Sygate, ensure you download the Personal version.I couldn't get on with ZA.Ditto! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 it is all very well saying windows firewall is no goodi have tried both zone alarm and sygate.but if you don't know how to configure themyou may as well have no firewall at all.ieblock the apps that should go to the netand allow the ones that shouldn't...I have the free version of ZoneAlarm both at home and at the office. I have not configured anything, except replying to pop-ups asking me if I want to allow such-and-such to access the Internet....For me my computer is a tool and not a hobby - hence I want to keep it as simple as possible with the minimum software for me to maintain.I agree that a computer system for a user should be as simple as possible. Unfortunately the reality is that all users must learn and do as much as possible to keep their systems and data secure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted July 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 I am going to abstain from the argument about rival firewalls - we all have our own preferences and I respect them. To date I have been kept out of trouble - if the situation changes then I will of course review things.I would however appreciate one of our more experienced security experts advice on whether my router firewall is effective or not.See my posting above for the details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pwp Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 I have the free version of ZoneAlarm both at home and at the office. I have not configured anything, except replying to pop-ups asking me if I want to allow such-and-such to access the Internet.that is what i said if you don't know what is good or bad you may as well not bother.i know a lot of apps are obvious but some are not and if youmake the wrong decision it difficult to undo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scuzzman Posted July 12, 2005 Report Share Posted July 12, 2005 I would however appreciate one of our more experienced security experts advice on whether my router firewall is effective or not.Absolutely! As long as you restrict incoming as well as outgoing packets, your router will make ANY software look like a joke! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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