Member Avatar for Lappe7959

Help.. I think something may be wrong with my computer, it is extremely slow and when I go to run adaware it just shuts down on me.. this is very frustrating!! Any ideas on how I can fix this?

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As recommended, using Safe Mode resolved the immediate problem for . For cases where Ad-Aware still exits on launch or the machine remains sluggish, the following practical follow-ups help finish the cleanup and prevent reinfection.

Try a second-opinion scanner or a clean-environment scan. Download a reputable standalone scanner (for example Malwarebytes or an emergency kit) on a known-clean PC and transfer the installer to the affected machine. If the infection blocks installers or updates, create bootable rescue media on a clean computer and scan the disk before Windows starts. This removes files that cannot be touched while the OS is running.

Inspect and remove persistent startup components. Use Autoruns (Sysinternals) to review Logon entries, Scheduled Tasks, Services and Drivers, and disable unknown items. Run dedicated rootkit detectors (TDSSKiller, GMER) if hidden drivers or kernel components are suspected. After removals, run chkdsk and sfc /scannow to repair disk and system files, then clear old System Restore points (they can reintroduce infections) and create a fresh restore point once clean.

Finish with data and browser hygiene. Reset browsers, remove unfamiliar extensions, and examine the hosts file for redirects. Scan any personal backups on a clean machine before restoring. If performance or stability does not recover, back up personal data and perform a full OS reinstall—this is the most reliable cure for deeply rooted infections. For persistent or rootkit-level infections, professional malware removal is recommended. Keep antimalware tools updated and avoid installing untrusted, bundled software going forward.

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Member Avatar for DMR

Try rebooting into safe mode and running Ad Aware form there.

To boot into safe mode, hit the F8 key as the computer is restarting; just at the point where Windows is first starting up (right after the text screen where all of the BIOS info scrolls by).

Member Avatar for Lappe7959

I think the problem is that my sister downloaded Kazaa on to our computer and it infected us, will pressing F8 work anytime something like this happens?

Member Avatar for DMR

For all versions of Windows, pressing the F8 key at boot-up is the standard method of bringing up a startup menu where you can choose what mode to boot into. The menu options differ between different versions of Windows, but Safe Mode is always one of the options.

In safe mode, Windows starts/loads only the most basic components that it needs to function. Many malicious programs are programmed to start automatically when Windows is booted in normal mode, so by booting into safe mode you keep these programs from loading, and thereby keep them from interfering with your spyware and virus removal efforts.

Does that answer your question?


(By the way- yes, Kazaa and other filesharing programs are some of the worst offenders when it comes to distributing adware and spyware.)

Member Avatar for Lappe7959

Yes, Thank You

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