Member Avatar for sherrisss

I need help... I downloaded ad-aware 2007 and saved it on my desktop. Once I tried to install it, it gets stuck in the "entering licenses" state. I tried to hit cancel and that didn't work. Then I get message that states "Runtime Error 216 at 0040714E".

I know I have these pesky popups and I believe a virus, but that's next on the list for help.

Can someone tell me how to get around installing Ad-Aware on my pc so I can see what else is lurking on my pc.

thanks,

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Darvus

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A few practical steps that complement what and have suggested.

A recommended sequence that often works when an installer hangs or throws a runtime error because something on the system is interfering:

  • Create a clean rescue USB on a known-good machine (save copies of current anti‑malware tools and a rescue-ISO there).
  • Disconnect the suspect PC from the network and boot it into Safe Mode (or Safe Mode with Networking only when a download is required).
  • Run a startup/autorun inspector (for example, a Sysinternals-style autorun tool) and disable any non-Microsoft entries that look unfamiliar. Reboot back into Safe Mode.
  • Run on-demand scanners from the rescue USB: a current on-demand antimalware scanner and a rootkit detector. If installers fail to run at all, boot from a reputable rescue ISO and perform an offline full-disk scan.
  • After cleaning, delete temporary files and old system restore points, then try the installer again while still in Safe Mode or from an Administrator account.

If these steps fail, collect offline artefacts for comparison (Autoruns text export, a process list) and consider a backup-and-clean reinstall. Avoid running executables or archived installers from unknown file‑sharing hosts; those are commonly used to distribute trojans that block legitimate security software.

Additional notes:

  • Running tools from a clean, separate machine to prepare media avoids further contamination.
  • If the product being installed is years old, prefer current, supported scanners or the vendor’s latest installer downloaded directly from the official site.
  • As a last resort, after backing up personal files (scan the backups with a clean scanner), a fresh OS install removes persistent infection that resists removal.

These steps are intended to be practical and low-risk for recovering an infected system where installers are being interrupted.

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Member Avatar for Earl1983

Here's 2 install) just run it)

Member Avatar for Darvus

(I realize this is a bit late and you may have resolved the issue already, but just in case...)

Sounds like you may have one of the Vundo malware variants. These people are getting sneakier all the time. First, they started interrupting scans and closing the programs once installed. Seems they've preempted AAW 2007 from even being installed in the first place.

Unfortunately, things like AAW and Spybot are more like immunizations than cures. Great to have to prevent an infection, but almost useless once you have one (like most antivirus products). The good news is, there are "antibiotics" available, almost all of them free.

Lavasoft (makers of AAW) are aware of the problem and are looking for a solution. In the meantime, here's a post to their boards with a good fix for a suspected Vundo infection.

http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=13331

I can't guarantee it'll work, but this comes from similar posts about your very problem. Your not the only one experiencing this issue.

Good luck!

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