Please uninstall ad-aware via the vendor's uninstaller's tool. Since support for this software stopped in 2007, you will most likely need to run CCleaner afterwards to remove remnants. As I said in an earlier post, you can later replace this obsolete software with MBAM, which most of us use.
CCleaner, a
freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. There is a
Slim version available as well at
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds - 4th options down. It removes unused files (cache, temporary Internet files, etc.) from your system, allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner (I suggest making a back up as a "just in case"). You will need to run both the cleaner and the registry cleaner after uninstalling ad-aware, then
reboot. Most of us also use this software as a cleaner as well.
Next try the
Winsockfix Utility:
Windows XP –
http://majorgeeks.com/WinSock_XP_Fix_d4372.html.
Reboot.
If this fails to fix the problem, please try an Avast Repair:
- Go to Control Panel > Add/Remove programs > Avast Antivirus.
- Scroll down and choose Repair function in the pop-up window.
-
Reboot.
Have you made any changes to the default settings of Avast since you installed it?
Please check the following to check the settings:
Open Avast GUI > Settings > Updates >
A. Engine and Virus Definitions:
- Automatic Update (default)
- For “Manual” or “Ask When Update Available ” > Settings > Status Bar > Uncheck the last box
B. Update Parameters: all boxes unchecked (default)
- If you use DSL, you may want to set #2 above to "My computer is permanently connected to the Internet."
- If you use dial-up, you will want to use #2 above to "I only connect to the Internet using dial-up modem."
C. Proxy Settings: Auto Detect using IE Settings (default)
- Some people have found that using "Direct connection / No Proxy" have worked for them.
- Use "Specify Proxy Server" if you use a proxy and complete the information below it for the proxy server > click "OK."
Please let me know if or what of these suggestions help, or if you have any questions. Thank you.