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User Reviews

Ad-Aware 2007
Ad-Aware 2007

Ad-Aware 2007 is a privacy tool, that scans your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known data-mining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components. It then lists the results ...

Average of 101 user ratings: 5


  • Feb 13, 2008
  • For version:
  • 7.0.2.6

quote  All glitter  quote

  • Interface: 1
  • Features: 1
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 1
  • Overall: 2

Used to be the best. Now it's all glitter and how can we get everyone to buy our glitter.

user Review by: jerbear86
First post


  • Jan 25, 2008
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Not quite what it used to be  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 3
  • Overall: 3

AdAware used to be excellent; however, it is becoming a bit outmoded compared to newer, faster, more efficient paid and freeware anti-spyware scanners. Even "AdAware SE plus edition" (paid version) now leaves a bit to be desired. Free or paid AdAware versions sometimes are now also prone to glitch when you have other, newer anti-spyware installed, and sometimes won't let you download updates from Lavasoft's website. But if you can get AdAware to run with no such problems, it is a handy extra scanner -- I would NOT depend on it as an essential tool these days.


  • Aug 25, 2007
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Average program  quote

  • Interface: 3
  • Features: 2
  • Ease of use: 3
  • Value: 2
  • Overall: 2

This used to be a great program a few years ago but it is seriously lacking teeth nowadays. Updates are about once a week and it hardly finds anything on my system as apposed to several other programs that regularly find cookies and occasional files. I would pass on this until the developers spend some time improving it.


  • Aug 13, 2007
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  A much better version than the 2007 version.  quote

  • Interface: 3
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

I Love This Version Much Better Than The AdAWare 2007 Version. This One I Can add My Skins, the 2007 Version cannot have a Variety Of Skins Added.


  • Jul 14, 2007
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Saved so many systems at once  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

I have used this on several systems, and it has brought some of them back to browsing life. I had friends who could not escape an ad website from startup and Ad-aware gave them back control of their internet browsing. I would recommend this software to everyone.

user Review by: chiconics
First post


  • May 13, 2007
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Good back-up  quote

  • Interface: 2
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 2
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 3

It can never be a primary tool for anti-spyware, but it is still an essential tool and a good second or third in any arsenal against the scum of the earth. and as far as automatic updating goes, don't want it, don't need it. it is never good for any program ever to have that sort of unacceptable behavior. nothing beats manually initiating every action on your pc. so kudos to them for leaving an annoyance out of their code.


  • Feb 08, 2007
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Everybody needs this program...  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Ad-Aware SE belongs in every computer users arsenal against spyware (nee: Malware) and it should be used often. Spyware sucks and you can use this great program to find and eliminate it. The scanner is better than that of many commercial programs but it does not have a resident shield. Signature updates are frequent. Run Ad-Aware SE with a companion program such as Spybot or Tenebril's Spycatcher Express, both of which have resident shields, and you won't need a commercial spyware catcher.


  • Jan 31, 2007
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Handles the problem . . .  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This program works! I will give it an excellent rating because it does so well. JMM


  • Jan 04, 2007
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Download it  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Stop reading these reviews. They all say it rules. Download it. It's maybe the only program around that's FREE, WORKS, and its very TRUSTWORTHY. It won't mess up your PC like other poorly-programmed wanna-be's.


  • Dec 20, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Why is this so popular?  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 3
  • Overall: 3

I admit, when I was less experienced with malware and virus problems and how to fix them, I too downloaded adaware regularly. But compared to some of the power apps like Spyware Terminator, and what used to be Ewido, ad-aware is a kids toy. It misses tons of "baddies" and does a terrible job removing stubborn ones that it does find. On the good side, the developers do keep up to date as far as regularly updating the database. but this app just does not do the job well enough. Same review can be applied to the never dying "Spybot".


  • Dec 17, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  Excellent adware remover  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This piece of software found a lot of adware and spyware items I didn't even know I had which other scanners could not detect. The interface is about the same as the previous versions of ad aware with the shield still belonging to the full edition. I like the fact that it doesn't come with "automatic updates" and that it uses little system resources when on. Overall its worth the price and you should download it if the other spyware scanners aren't doing it for you.


  • Dec 10, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06r1

quote  A real smooth operator  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

I really like Ad-Aware v.1.06r1! Does its job, is reliable, dependable and integrates with Windows '98 without issue. The scan is proving to be comprehensive and is relatively quick when compared to similar programs in its class. The manual updates are straightforward, rapidly downloaded and installed without complications. Sufficient flexibility and scope within the program for the 'User' to define their own operating parameters and preferences. The only reason I have not given a higher rating is because I am, currently, only using the 'Freeware' version so do not have experience of the application in its fullest capacity but would not doubt it to have the same flawless performance. I think this application must be fast becoming a leader in its field and thank the Lavasoft team for offering the 'Freeware' version, which is not ungenerous in the features available. No hesitation to recommend this fine software to other Users.


  • Aug 23, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Not the best  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 2
  • Ease of use: 3
  • Value: 3
  • Overall: 3

I don't know what the hype is over this. The only reason I would recommend this is because it seems trustworthy and does a pretty good job. But really, there is no real time protection (you have to pay..i have Spyware Terminator and its real time protection for free). Doesn't catch as many things as other programs do.


  • Aug 19, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  A must for every computer  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Keeps my computer away from spyware and it's free


  • Jun 19, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  A very good program ...  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

A very good program caught adware on my comp when the other ones couldn't. Be sure to Check in the quarantine list everyday and delete whats in there! Be sure to not click on the Ad-watch option as it'll try and get you to upgrade. Easy to close though. Hold down Alt+Ctrl+/delete yo bring up the Windows task manager, click on Ad-Aware and then end task. Hea hea. What do you expect? It's freeware and they all hope for you to upgrade or donate. Good idea to stick with the "Perform smart system scan" as the other ones aren't near as good.


  • Mar 14, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Why do people think it is so great???  quote

  • Interface: 3
  • Features: 1
  • Ease of use: 2
  • Value: 1
  • Overall: 1

The only points I could come up with is that it is free and the interface could be worse. All those people who say it is so great probably have loads of ad/spyware on their systems... With ANY other program I still find loads of threats after adaware is finished and didn't find anything. So people snap out of your illusion that your system is clean...

user Review by: thedorkone
First post


  • Mar 04, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Great anti adware sw  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Ad-aware is easy to install and setup. great sw to clean your PC adware. I've being using it for 1 year and feel comfortable enough to recommend it. It helped me clean my PC many times.

user Review by: BBressan
First post


  • Feb 24, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Don't bother!  quote

  • Interface: 3
  • Features: 1
  • Ease of use: 2
  • Value: 1
  • Overall: 1

I had the pro version. The ad-block feature did nothing but pop up all the time telling me that some program I was installing was trying to change or add something to the registry. I know that you idiots! I'm the one installing them. Gimme a break! I did scans all the time and it never found anything. Spybot found stuff and so did A-Squared, but this, nothing. Why waste your computers resources and and slow down important scans like your anti-virus due to this bloatware when it doesn't do a thing. Come on people. Wake up. AVAST and Spybot and Spywareblaster is all any computer needs. The rest, and I've tried them all, are a waste of time and resources!


  • Jan 17, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  One of the best  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

I loved this program. Another computer in the family was having some terrible issues with speed and performance, and this took care of it all, no problems. It's helped to remove some nasty spyware on my computers in the past, so I know I'll continue to use this program.


  • Jan 03, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Another must have!  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Every computer that has internet or installs software such have this!


  • Dec 15, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  The best free scanner  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

Used this now for over 2 years. Easy on system resources,small footprint,very stable, relatively fast scanning,best skins and the easiest to use and update. Very good detection and cleaning capabilities especially on registry intrusions.


  • Dec 01, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  A must have.  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

One of the very best program of it's type period.


  • Dec 01, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Terrific, if a bit daunting  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

A solid performer that catches some things others don't, but all the options are a bit unexplained and a little much for the average user. Fast scanning, but that annoying sound upon detection takes a little effort to change. Could use a more in-depth help file and real-time protection not available in the free version. Full scanning for the retentive is slow and hasn't found anything for me that a smart system scan didn't. Great cookie scanning, but still best if used with other similar tools.


  • Nov 23, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  A senior's experience  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Ad-Aware was one of the first to deal with spyware/malware, far before the deal ever appeared as the cushy number for rising and often inexperienced softwares. They know what they're talking about, this is professionalism at it's best. Also, Ad-Aware SE Plus - shareware - and its Ad-Watch monitoring component is, I believe, worth a little sacrifice for the peace of mind it delivers. In my opinion, a minimum, besides the firewall and the anti-virus, includes Ad-Aware.


  • Nov 23, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Only 4*. why????  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Why SnapFiles have only given this 4 stars is beyond me. Its brilliant! It is updated regularly, tells you exactly what it doing, and most importantly it removes spyware! With a simple interface and two levels of scanning, it should be useful for even rookies.


  • Oct 22, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Awesome!  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

I have looked for something that was user friendly, easy to understand and did what it said it was going to do! So far this is living up to all of that and more! I have already sent this is to all of my family and friends so they can protect themselves too!

user Review by: kd7odg
First post


  • Oct 20, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Great protection for your pc  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

In simple steps, nice and simple to use and clears your computer of adware efficiently. An essential download.


  • Sep 01, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Excellent program  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This program is fantastic, with all the features it has it has saved me several times. Plus you can't beat the fact that its a FREE PROGRAM with FREE updates on a regular basis. I have used it on two computers one being an older one that had a ton of stuff this picked up that others did not. Awesome program highly recommended.....


  • Aug 23, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Adaware really protects my computer  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Overall: 4

I have been trying a lot of differrent spyware removers but cannot find one as good as adaware. I rest asure that my computer is safe.

user Review by: Johny_B
First post


  • Aug 15, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Reliability easy to set up and use  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This product is very easy to set up and use. Hats off to Ad-Aware. Thank you !

user Review by: MIKKEY
First post


  • Aug 12, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Essential  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

I bought new computer 3 weeks ago, downloaded MSAntiSpyware which has found zilch so far. Finally got around to installing Ad-aware tonight and it picked up 14 tracking cookies. On old computer, Ad-aware picked something up almost every scan for 3 yrs. I absolutely recommend it.

user Review by: Nikstar333
First post


  • Aug 09, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  A valuable tool  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Ad-Aware SE Personal 1.06 and Spybot-Search&Destroy 1.4 form a great team to fight spyware on your computer. Before these I used Microsoft AntiSpyware, but I was forced to find other, because I don't have English Windows version. Lucky these two find and remove more spyware than MSAS alone. If you don't have Windows XP SP2 (=with ActiveX blocker) you might consider to download SpywareBlaster 3.4. These three (without MSAS) work together excellent without errors, problems or other conflicts and can be uninstalled without rests via control panel if you are not satisfied, which I don't think, because these three are the best free alternative for MSAS.


  • Jul 31, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Do not rely solely on ad-aware!  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

I love this program and would not be without it. But, NO ONE PROGRAM CATCHES ALL MALWARE. I have 4 programs: AdAware, Spybot, A Squared and MS Antispyware Beta. -One day this week I ran 4 scans, the 1st 3 found nothing. The last, MS, found "VCatch" spyware. AdAware was one of the 3 that missed it. -Today I ran my 4 scans. 3 found nothing. One found a Data Miner tracking cookie from "Realnetworks". The one that nailed it was AdAware! Real co. is bad for cookies.That's why I prefer Winamp or Windows players instead. Snapfiles is a reputable site, but some download sites are not. Some list both good programs and baddies that actually plant malware while claiming to rid you of it! This is how I got "VCatch" Spyware. VCatch is such a rogue program.


  • Jul 31, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.06 SE Pers.

quote  Excellent  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Using this program for many years.Never had problems.Works great and does the job excellent.Recommend to everybody who is interested to have his own computer clean.


  • Jul 26, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Adware1.06  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Another terrific free application. Liked the results I got on every computer I have used it on. Never failed to unearth much junk and removed 98% of it. Am even considering buying the PLUS version at $39.99 Has anyone used this one and would you recommend it for XP users who already use the MS product?


  • Jul 13, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Trustworthy  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Once I had to work in a really very slow doing, so full of trash. Put Ad-Aware in action, and cleaned up all the mess. I have been using for more then one year and is always doing his job, nice and clean.


  • May 15, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  I'd suggest you get it if you dont have it  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

Its a very good program, it finds quite a lot of nuisances though the full system scan can take quite some time. The quarantine feature is very handy in a free spyware tool and all in all the look, feel and usefulness of this program cannot be underestimated. Not to mention the few plug in features that are available on the official website. The only bad thing about this program that I can come up with is probably the number of new update revisions that seem to take place. Whilst compared to many other programs I am quite dubious about the number of new updates being produced. Is it just the same thing with a different name? I wonder... other then that slight suspicion I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.


  • May 14, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Adware in combination  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

My system uses Norton Symantec Security and Spyware Doctor,though I really have not had much probs with my laptop because of these two + I do keep them updated. I decided to download Adware because it was Free and it picked up 4 infections, one severe. I feel very secure, Ad-Aware is great in combination.

user Review by: Charles
First post


  • May 04, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Something better  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 2
  • Ease of use: 3
  • Value: 2
  • Overall: 2

I have tried Ad-Aware and it was great......until I found ....and then I found an even more amazing program.... that handles more than what Ad-Aware can and it has many other features with it that are helpful to any Web user. Ad-Aware seems pretty plain and basic to me now that I have tried these other 2 programs. Ad-Aware does a decent job, but needs to get up to date with the newer better programs that are now out there.


  • Apr 28, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Pretty good  quote

  • Interface: 3
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 3
  • Overall: 4

It does what it says and works fine. However, I like Microsoft Anti Spyware a bit better.


  • Mar 31, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Very good spyware remover!  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This ad-aware and spyware remover is fantastic. It is definitely the best free one you can get. It is so fast and easy, and I worked it out that you only need to click 3 times in order for it to do a full system scan! It is a fantastic product, and I would say to anybody to get it. And for it to be free, you wouldn't believe how good it is! If your PC is running slow like mine WAS, I would highly recommend you get this. It is fantastic, and it really does make your internet alot faster, as well as your hole computer!

user Review by: soupyjnr
First post


  • Mar 19, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Excellent program  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

I have 2 pc's and restore them each a couple of times a year. I have d/l many different programs and have kept coming back to ad-aware. It is very user friendly. A must d/l for anyone who likes to keep their pc up to date and clean!


  • Mar 15, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  A very good adware/spyware remover  quote

  • Interface: 3
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 4
  • Overall: 4

Good adware/spyware remover considering that it's free, but personally i think it is more of a adware remover. i tried this last dec and the scan took about 4h!!!! but it did speed up my pc performance by about 50-80%. this is like one of the best i ever used. i recommend people using slow processor (mine is 2.0GHz) and small RAM size (mine is 56MB) to use this. Give your pc a boost and makes it real fast to reboot and load stuff. p.s might be better if used in conjunction with other spyware remover. some recommend spybot... i m not so sure

user Review by: christine
First post


  • Mar 03, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Terrific software!!  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This is a wonderful program that I will definitely tell others about. I would PAY for this program. We love it!

user Review by: Sonstar
First post


  • Feb 24, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Good choice  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This is a good choice when used in conjuction with Spybot S&D, and used regularly.


  • Feb 04, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Wonderful program  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This is a really effective adware/spyware remover program which I highly recommend. Thanks LavaSoft!


  • Jan 25, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Very effective  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 2
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

Despite the lack of features and the fact it's free, it still does a good job of removing Spyware, although I would class it to be more of a Adware remover. Foud some tracking cookies that Microsoft Anti-spy and spysweeper failed to pick up on.


  • Jan 21, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Oh  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This is just so good! I was wondering why my computer had slowed down a little, and a friend tip med about this. Now its running like a storm again :D

user Review by: morrissey
First post


  • Jan 15, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Works great  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 4
  • Overall: 5

I really like this program. It's easy to use and really helps my computer a lot. Speeds up my computer up to 50% or more whenever I use it(when it's being slow). Like I said, great program.

user Review by: darkelfkain
First post


  • Dec 28, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Shocked....  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Ad-Aware like most programs these days are considered freeware and like most freewares apps these days there is some kind of catch... Man I swear there is no catch here! The quality and ease of use of this program is very high. I thought I didn't need it before was because I have Norton Internet Security and Anti-Virus so naturally I thought my PC was safe. But because everyone says its worth a try I decided to download it... Absolutely shocked! Ad-Aware found 59 infected files?! Of course they were deleted bla bla bla, but the fact that they were there concerned me. Cookies were most of these threats were and I would defineately recommend downloading Ad-Aware if you do not have any adware/spyware removal programs. For the outstanding price (FREE) I think Lavasoft have done very well. Keep it up!

user Review by: Rascal999
First post


  • Dec 14, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Very useful  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

I found this be VERY useful to my many customers that are dumb enough to download just about anything. And of course, they call when they get a slow down only to fing that they were the cause. Authors.....Very nice, keep it up!


  • Dec 14, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Very nice  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

In comparison to most freeware software of this genre, this software has a very large database of parasites.


  • Dec 06, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Good stuff  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

I have been using Ad-Aware for a long time & have always been pleased with the performance. I recommend it to anyone complaining about spyware or adware. A wk ago my son stated he had a VX2 problem and Ad-Aware reported that it had removed it. Later it said it could not be removed because files were in use. I tried to help & eventually found that there was a Photo-Sharing prog that was the real culprit. After Ad-Aware deleted the VX2, the source program renamed & re-installed it's spyware files. Since the source program shared .dll files they could not be removed. I tried editing and deleting some registry entries, starting in safe mode & then deleting, restoring the system to an earlier date and nothing seemed to work. I eventually suspected his new photo sharing program & uninstalled it.. hooray. That kind of stealth crap should be illegal. I appreciate Ad-Aware for great help & Snapfiles for a freeware site I can trust!


  • Dec 05, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  The company is not a good company no help  quote

  • Interface: 2
  • Features: 1
  • Ease of use: 1
  • Value: 1
  • Overall: 1

I tried the product to do 1 thing. Remove the VX2 that it said I had. I tried the free version did not work. I purchased it and it did not work. I run a scan and it said it removed it. I run a scan and the same files still infected. I asked for help. Takes over a week just to get a worthless response. Please install the product again then update and try again. I have done that also downloaded from other places to test before asking for help. Next I replied said I already did that. They send me the same word for word response another week. I asked for my money back still they REFUSE a Refund. Still waiting over 3months now and getting NO help at all. The company is not a good company at all. It is to bad they do not want a happy customer. I asked and asked for a refund nothing. I purchase Spysweeper from webroot.com there product worked I installed it and ran a scan. It not only fixed the VX2 but it found other things adaware did not find.

user Review by: JoeRefund
First post


  • Dec 02, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Must have  quote

  • Interface: 3
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

This is a must have for anyone who ever visits the internet. Easy as boiling an egg.


  • Dec 01, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Great  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 3
  • Overall: 5

Realy great program!

user Review by: FavoritSoft
First post


  • Nov 26, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  good stuff  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Like most reviewers I have used this product for a number of years after being directed to it from Gibson Research (grc.com) after using OptOut. Adaware will search out as the site puts it ScumWare and allow you to remove it from your computer. The definitions tables are frequently updated. I also use SpyBot which has more functionality than Adware. Using both gives a good level of protection from this "ScumWare" and if it is key loggers you are worried about try X-Cleaner Free and there is a virtual keyboard that you can use to input your passwords, that will fool the key loggers. Basically be smarter use this stuff and be safer.


  • Nov 25, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Must have  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Great product, but need to pay attention to what's being gotten rid of. It works good with Spybot.


  • Nov 24, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Top notch  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

I've used Ad-Aware for some time and I like it very much, it's easy to install and use. There are regular updates to keep up with the latest threats. My only gripe is that in the latest version 'SE build 1.05' they have disabled the auto run option. which means that you have to run the scan manualy instead of it starting up when you log on to your account in XP. Apart from that, it gets 9 out of 10 from me.


  • Nov 24, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Really good, but it missed something ...  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

I've been using this program for over a year and is works great. Except for one thing, today I downloaded Yahoo anti-spy, which I thought would be pretty useless, since this program should take care of all spyware, right? Not really. Yahoo anti-spy found 2 keylogger programs which Ad-Aware missed. It may not seem like much, but keyloggers are REALLY BAD, now I have to change all my passwords everywhere, since now some loser hacker in some run-down bungalow by the freeway knows them !!! =(


  • Nov 15, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  New gui's  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Not only does it work good there must be 30 plus skins for 1.05 se now go to lavasoft home page


  • Nov 03, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Ad-aware  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

An excellent program for scanning hardrive and memory for known data-mining, spyware and so on. It also come with the latest signatures via that you can update it, and another things is, when you want to remove any files, make sure that you fully understand what files you're moving cause if you remove the wrong files, it will infected some program in you're computer and cause them not to work. !!! But overall, it's a very nice program and I like it very much and you can also consider to register for ad-aware pro


  • Oct 27, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Simple and effective  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

My only complaint is that when scanning, there is no percentage or total # of files to be evaluated. Cannot tell how far along the scan process is. This is a minor thing! DD came home with 1200 'critical hits.' 600 were deleted immediately...600 and some change were deleted later. She was astounded at the difference once those files were gone. Most people don't get THIS bad before seeking help . There is nothing confusing or difficult for novice users. Speed boost for infected machines is usually significant ... obviously depends on number of installed malware programs. Ad-Aware gets most of the 'junk' with a few simple clicks. Have never had trouble with default settings, recommendations for waiting/isolating sensitive files should be followed. There is NO substitute for backing up sensitive information BEFORE deleting any program files....though I have never had this be an issue with this program.

user Review by: frostfairies
First post


  • Oct 24, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  I love ad-aware  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

A very good program that you can use to scan you're harddrive for potential spyware and not only you're harddrive, but you're memory too!!!!!. It also comes with an update that you can update the latest signature via but when you're using this program, when you want to remove any files, make sure that you know what type of files you're moving cause when you move the files wrongly, some program on you're system would not work. But overall, it's a very good program and if you can consider to get ad-aware pro. Ad-aware pro contains more feature inside the setting and for me, ad-aware pro is million million times better than ad-aware.


  • Oct 22, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Excellent  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This program is an excellent adware/spyware remover. I use it in my office for our entire network. It is much more thorough than spybot. very easy to use

user Review by: unrealshotandkilled
First post


  • Oct 05, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  This program is just right ...  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This is one of my tools of choice when I go out on service call for my support clients. The software effectively removes most of the adware and spyware issues. Some issues it cannot remove, but this is due to the nasty nature of those programs designed to not be removed easily - experience is the best tool for removing those. :) Many of my clients even find it an easy tool to use. The "free" version of the Ad-Aware tool is sufficient for most home and small business office uses. The full package is nice, but not necessary.

user Review by: Tekjnke
First post


  • Sep 30, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  No competition  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Easy to use, fast, clean and constantly maintained by the developers. This thing also picked up things that other spyware removers missed. My #1 choice, hands down.


  • Sep 24, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.05 SE Pers.

quote  Very good spyware program  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 4
  • Overall: 4

Easy to use and faster than spybot .but spybot has more added features for IE. both are Good.


  • Sep 21, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.04 SE Pers.

quote  Remarkable, and it is free!  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

We have all done it - strayed into a web-site ... follow a link here and there ... and before you know it you have spyware and adware installed on your machine. This program finds the offending software and blitzes it from your machine. It works each time every time. Cannot really say much more, it just works.


  • Sep 17, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.04 SE Pers.

quote  A must have for your computer  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Fast, efficient, and the links within the system box are well defined and presented. The only glitch I had was a hang-up (just once, after installing Windows XP) upon manually checking the quarantined items, than clicking Next. This was resolved by going to Settings and unchecking Automatically Quarantine Prior to Removal. It's better to manually quarantine each box upon completion of the scan, I feel. I suggest you save the Ad-Aware screen to your Favorites List so you can easily recommend it to others. This is a wonderful product and should be on everyone's computer. Spread the word to family and friends and share this very useful and necessary product knowledge.

user Review by: RoyTom
First post


  • Sep 15, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.04 SE Pers.

quote  Add ware 100%  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

Widows Friendly and very easy to use. The First time i used it i found 130 trackers and it killed the lot. A VERY USEFUL Program. EVEN A CHILD COULD USE IT. 10 out of 10


  • Sep 06, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.03 SE Pers.

quote  Good for beginers  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 4
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This program is great for people who are not familiar with computers.