PCTech Forums

I was experiencing some trouble with Ad-aware 6.0 on 2 of my computers. It would freeze at 5% when receiving updates. I have uninstalled it on both and have d/l the SE version.
I normally would post if there were updates for the 6.0 version but since I now don't have it anymore I can not very well do that.
If anyone is still using Ad-aware 6.0 and would like to keep the forum informed of updates please let me know.

Normally there is an update around the same time Cactus posts his update for the SE version. All you do is post it in the software updates forum with the information.

Ummm... I have Ad-Aware SE

SORRY Anyways, I think Lavasoft post updates in its forums no? Hmm... We can bring them here but I don't know which ones are for SE or no!! I check their forums approximately once a year lofl

Yes they do post them on their site but the program wasnt even loading the definitions.
No worries I got SE now

Well I still have Ad-Aware v. 6.181, I got the same result as you Geekgirl.

So I did some checking on Lavasoft’s forum, seems like a number of upset paying customers.
When you click on update the autoupdate file name that is set for download is
“Build: 000001 26.10.2002,Date:26.10.2002” (note 2002)

The Ad-Aware update installer renames the reflist.ref file to reflist.ref.old
before it starts to download if you have the backup feature checked, if not then the file reflist.ref is deleted.
After this file is renamed/deleted the installer tries to start the file download but
stalls out because of a file not found.

If you have the backup box checked just go to “C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6”
and rename the file reflist.ref.old to reflist.ref and AD-Aware will run fine again.

If you don’t have the reflist.ref.old file to rename then download
and extract it to “C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-aware 6” and AD-Aware will run fine again.

If you would like to receive an email notifacation when updates are available for AD-Aware.
Go to

Is there an advantage in sticking with 6.0 ? I just automatically dl'ed the SE..... was I right to do that ?

lilpink x

If your are using the free AD-Aware then the answer is yes update to the new SE version.

arrrrr i see

thanks Gecko!

lilpink x

Here are some of the Major changes to the newer SE version:


What’s new in Ad-Aware SE Personal edition?

Hardened against third party uninstall with encrypted preference files

Scanning engine improvements

Extended protection against DLL-injection, SE can unload process modules on the fly
Extended Memory scanning
Now scans all modules loaded by a process
Uses our all new CSI (Code Sequence Identification) technology to identify new and unknown variants of known targets


Extended Registry scanning

Now scans registry branches of multiple user accounts
Performs additional smart checks to detect dynamically created references
Scanning speed noticeably faster
Extended Scanning for known and unknown/possible Browser-Hijackers


Extended Disk scanning

Now scans and lists alternate Data-streams on NTFS volumes
Now Ad-Aware supports scanning of Cabinet files, (including spanned archives)
Scanning speed increased
Improved Hosts-file scan
Now Ad-Aware and Ad-Watch use much smaller reference files


Several User Interface improvements

Improved Graphical UI
Ad-Aware now supports custom graphical Skins
More user friendly Plug-in/Extension GUI (Plug-ins and Extensions now shown on separate screens)
New Scan Result view, includes a scan summary and detailed view
Ad-Aware now linked to the online TAC database


Multiple New Tweak options

Unloading of process modules during a scan
Obtaining command line of scanned processes
Ignoring spanned cab files
Permanent archive caching
Always try to unload modules before deletion
Disable manual quarantine if auto quarantine is selected
Write protect system files after repair
Use gridlines in item lists
Logfile detail section condensed


Several logfile improvements

Includes support for separate removal logfiles
Allows adding a Reference summary/index to logfiles
Logfile contains overall more detailed information
Ad-Aware SE is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003.

Ad-Aware Personal edition is free for non-commercial use. For use in a commercial/educational/governmental environment .

If you anybody is using the FREE AdAware 6.0 version, it is worth while to upgrade to the SE edition of AdAware.

Cactus