The Ad-Aware 2007 service has been updated today to version 7.0.1.4. Get the component update using Ad-Aware 2007 Update Manager:
aawservice.exe is located in the default directory of Ad-Aware 2007:
from the ad-aware forum....
What is the use of aawservice.exe ?
aawservice.exe is the executable file that is the heart of the AAW2007 engine. Current malware operates at the kernel level, or even as rootkits, so to fight those you have to be at the same level they are. You can't get to the kernel level from the API, it requires the use of services and drivers.
Why does it is installed and ran automatically when I install Ad-Aware 2007 Free Edition ?
The free (Personal) edition uses the same engine as the Plus and Pro, just has some features turned off.
Why when I close Ad-Aware 2007 this service keeps running ?
See answer 2 above. Additionally, it is easier for malware to stop a service from starting than stop one that is already running.
Why when I stop and disable this service, then launch Ad-Aware 2007 I get an error message ?
As explained above, aawservice.exe is the executable for AAW2007. When you disable the service you disable the application.
Okay, if you don't want the service running in the background then you will either have to control the service manually or select a different product. If you decide on the latter then you will want to avoid such things as NOD32, Counterspy, Sunbelt Personal Firewall, or a² Antimalware just to name a few
http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=9893 and the problem is being worked on....
http://000file.googlepages.com/aawsevice.html watch this video on how to set to manual