Corrupt Definition File
Hi,
I've been using Ad-aware since Ad-aware 2007 v7.0.2.5 but suddenly I started having a BIG problem.
I updated my ad-aware 2007 def(inition)s and it worked fine. It worked even after I rebooted program. But when I rebooted it again there was the following error message:
(that winsnap commercial got there cos my "print screen" button didn't work so I downloaded that program, which is chargeable so there's the commercial blocking the picture )
"Corrupt definition file"? Heh, how can it corrupt itself when I restart the program? The same thing just keeps coming. Upgrading to Ad-aware 2008 didn't work. Well I think it's obvious cos the def file is corrupted, not the main program.
- reinstalling doesn't work (Full -> with regedit, control panel, manually)
- upgrading from 2007 to 2008 doesn't work
- I reinstalled the aawdef but it didn't work
- I downloaded the (aaw)def file through lavasoft.com but it didn't help
- need any more information?
________
Linux2009
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The following part of your post I didn't understand:
I reinstalled the aawdef but it didn't work (Full -> with regedit, control panel, manually)
The file: core.aawdef is the definition file for Ad-Aware 2007 (and 2008 as well)
Regedit? You don't need to edit the registry to correct a corrupted definition file. Nor do you need to go into the Control Panel so I don't understand what you did there.
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That error message indicates a corrupted definition file and suggests you remove the old one and try to get a new Definition file.
The reason you may have gotten a corrupted (or incomplete) download of the new defintions file is because of the increased traffic to our update servers and interrupted the download so it was incomplete. That notice is posted here:
http://lavasoft.com/support/supportcenter/
Instructions on how to delete the corrupted definition file is here:
The definition file on your system might be corrupted.
To check, locate the directory C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware folder. Delete the file: core.aawdef and try again
Note: As the "Application Data" folder is a hidden file by default in windows, make sure you have configured your PC to show hidden files
Assuming you are on Windows XP
Click Start.
Open My Computer.
Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
Select the View Tab.
Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
Click Yes to confirm.
Click OK.
............
P.S. For a freeware printscreen program try the free version of this one (it's what I use)
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The following part of your post I didn't understand:The file: core.aawdef is the definition file for Ad-Aware 2007 (and 2008 as well)
Regedit? You don't need to edit the registry to correct a corrupted definition file. Nor do you need to go into the Control Panel so I don't understand what you did there.
yeah, I added that text to wrong place
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I've done the aawdef reinstallition. It didn't work then and it didn't work now.
But thanks for the print screen program and also thanks anyways.
Btw.
"I updated my ad-aware 2007 def(inition)s and it worked fine. It worked even after I rebooted program. But when I rebooted it again there was the following error".
The aawdef file didn't get corrupted because of the intenet connection interruption. I mean it got when I rebooted ad-aware for the seccond time after running it again.
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I've done the aawdef reinstallition. It didn't work then and it didn't work now.But thanks for the print screen program and also thanks anyways.
Btw.
The aawdef file didn't get corrupted because of the intenet connection interruption. I mean it got when I rebooted ad-aware for the seccond time after running it again.
You restarted your Ad-Aware and still get the same error message? The screenshot you posted says "corrupted definition file".
Or do you mean it got corrupted when you rebooted (restarted) your computer.
I just did the update and can't reproduce the problem.
If you are still having issues, I really think it would be best to contact Tech Support at the link I posted above. They can work with you one on one to resolve it. <- - - that is if you are using the Plus or Pro version. (sorry I thought I had read you were using Pro, but I must have confused this topic with another I was also reviewing)
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I mean: 1. I updated defs.
2. Rebooted ad-aware
3. Ran the scan
4. Closed
5. Started again and scanned
6. Closed
7. Opened and I had that error message
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You scanned with Ad-Aware. I'll try that to see if I can reproduce it.
Was anything found? If so, can you post the log results from that scan?
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can you post the log results from that scan?
hunh? I have reinstalled the whole Ad-aware.
There went all log files and defs
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Ok, yes - if you reinstalled the entire program you will have to get definition updates again and you won't have logs to show.
So, where are you at this point? Did you download new definition updates yet? Still getting the error screen? If so, please post up a new screenshot. It should be working ok unless the update servers are busy. I just ran the latest updates here and everything working fine.
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Ok, yes - if you reinstalled the entire program you will have to get definition updates again and you won't have logs to show.
That much is pretty obvious...
Did you download new definition updates yet?
Yes.
Still getting the error screen?
2 actually.
If so, please post up a new screenshot.It should be working ok unless the update servers are busy.
I'm not stupid..
I just ran the latest updates here and everything working fine.
Did someone tell you that I'm dummy or a newbie? Well... actually I'm not. Just because there reads 'newbie' I AM NOT.
I mean off course it works with you. Off course you have no problems. Off course it works 100% with you. Off course it works with YOU. Yes, I know that there seems to be no problems in downloading updates than with me and I know that there are LOTS of people who has no problems (just like you wrote) as they don't come here complain.
Btw. I think you are closer to the servers than me (I'm in Finland) so isn't it obvious that your downloads aren't 'laggy'?
I thought I could get Ad-aware 2008 plus or pro but if it's this hard to actually get it to scan some cookies, I'm gonna think twice..
Btw 2. It is pretty annoying that I use my linux ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron to everything except to some games that I run with Windows.
What is the annoying part?
- The annoying part is that I need to use all that 'crap' -> CCleaner, Easycleaner, Ad-aware, firewall, anti-virus, defraggler and so on.
And then I have this one problem with this program that takes so long to make it work fine. I propably don't even need to tell what that is..
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By Linux2009 (not by some newbie)
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I know where the core.aawdef is.
And I'm using Vista so it's in here -> C:\ProgramData\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\core.aawdef
And btw.
I have no idea what you are talking about referring to newbie?
It's writing not talking.
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I'm in Central Florida, USA FYI.
I have no idea what you are talking about referring to newbie? Anyway, I think I may have found the problem.
I think that the updating messages are incorrect. I just tried deleting my core.aawref file and opened Ad-Aware. It tells me to use Webupdate and when I do it says it is up to date (but it isn't....it is downloading update and not telling you that). So if you just wait a bit it will finally pop up a message that the update is finished.
I'll report this to the Development team to see if they can fix those confusing messages. You definition file really is corrupted and needs to be deleted so these next steps should fix it and get you a fresh new uncorrupted update file.
Try this please.
1. Go to this folder
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware
and delete the file: core.aawref file
2. Close Ad-Aware.
3. Reopen the Ad-Aware program and you should get this error message:
4. Press *OK* to close that and then press the *Update* button.
5. You will get a message that says your defintion file is up to date (but it isn't):
Ignore this message It is wrong!
It is actually downloading a new definition file (core.aawref). Just wait a bit (depending on your download speed, it took me about 5 - 10 minutes, it will be longer on a dialup connection)
...and then You'll get finally a message popup that looks like this:
During the wait don't close Ad-Aware or terminate any processes and don't press the *webupdate* button a second time (that is where you will get the "busy" error message). Just wait.
6. When you finally see that *update complete* message - you should have the latest updates definition file now.
Close Ad-Aware and reopen just to confirm?
Let me know if your experience doesn't follow the above routine and you still have a problem.
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I tried the Vista (and it was on automatic updates at startup) and it wanted to get some software updates, then it went ahead and got the definition updates with no problem.
The XP machine I'm on here (not on automatic updates) is still having a problem and displaying the incorrect update messages as per my screenshots, but if I just wait through until I get the updates completed message, then I have correct definition update.
So we just have to figure out why you are getting corrupted defintion files. I'd still like to know what file size (and the MD5 if you have it) of the new core.aawref file is?
At present it should be:
size: 6.67 MB (7,003,140 bytes)
MD5: 12ED791D351C13193A46728554B14D12
Also, what firewall are you using on the Vista?
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This is what happened:
________________________________________________________________________________
1. I open Ad-Aware.
________________________________________________________________________________
2. I press update (is it a bug that it goes to web update even I just press the normal update?).
________________________________________________________________________________
3. When the upload bar has finished...
________________________________________________________________________________
4. ...this pop-up pops up.
________________________________________________________________________________
5. Then this.
________________________________________________________________________________
6. Then this.
________________________________________________________________________________
And finally when I put it to scan...
________________________________________________________________________________
lol .
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What's the idea I can't edit my messages? -.-
administrator may have prevented you from editing posts
ok! Well... thank you. People are gonna see what I have on my computer..
THANKS A LOT!!
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What's the idea I can't edit my messages? -.-ok! Well... thank you. People are gonna see what I have on my computer..
THANKS A LOT!!!
There is a 12 hour window for edits. After that, no you cannot edit your posts. That rule is in effect for everyone and necessary because of forum spammers who would post a message and come back days later to change it into a spam message or edit to insert malicious links. 12 hours should be adequate for most. If you have pressing need to edit something, please send me a private message and I'll be happy to fix whatever you wanted to edit.
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I must say this a very unusual problem. If the size is right, it should be complete.
To check the MD5 of a file - most of us have a utility to do that OR
You can scan the file core.aawref here: (free online file scan)
That is a file virus scanner using multiple virus scanners - but it will also compute the MD5 of the file and give that in a report at the end.
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size: 6.67 MB (7,003,140 bytes)
it is
MD5: 12ED791D351C13193A46728554B14D12
Where can I see that?
Also, what firewall are you using on the Vista?
No, my firewall isn't blocking the connection. I'm using Comodo and I've tried downloading the core.aawdef when Comodo has been turned off and it didn't help. I also tried downloading when my anti-virus was turned off but that didn't work eather.
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To check the MD5 of a file - most of us have a utility to do that OR
12ed791d351c13193a46728554b14d1
This is my MD5.
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I'm stumped at this point. Don't know why you are getting that error message then because your definition file is fine.
I sent in a request for the Support Team to take a look here to see if anyone else is getting this particular problem. It might be Monday before they get a chance to see it.
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I tried reinstalling the whole program as the core.aawdef can't be corrupted. I mean usually if two files are exactly the same size, the other one can not be corrupted.
Even MD5 is the same so the core.aawdef file isn't corrupted. It's just a fake error message that you have put there.
But back to the reinstallition.. I reinstalled the whole program. I removed it with control panel, then the temp and log files manually, then from registry, then I even cleared my web browser cache, as if there would have been something wrong, and finally I rebooted.
After reinstallition, I downloaded ad-aware through filehippo cos download.com was too laggy. The installition went well until the end. In the end ad-aware updated softwares with no problem, but still this def(inition) problem stayed .
Not so nice thing after all...
If the solution isn't gonna get found, I have one for you... What about if I would completely remove ad-aware and not install it again .
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You are correct. With the MD5 the same, your core.aawref is NOT corrupted. I don't know why you are getting that message that it is and I tried to reproduce it on Vista (just in case it is some Vista setting or feature causing it), but I can't make it happen.
I think it is an error of some sort you are getting from the program that isn't right.
I have one thought. Could you check to make sure of two things.
1. Check your DEP settings in Vista. If it is enabled, make sure that both Ad-Aware and Ad-watch (if you have plus or pro) are allowed? I'm not on my Vista machine right now, if you need instructions on how to do that let me know (I'm thinking you are probably already aware of how to do that)
2. Go to Start > Run and type in the box: services.msc
Look for the "Lavasoft Ad-Aware" in the list. Rightclick on it. Choose *properties* under the "logon" tab.
Make sure there is a checkmark in the box that says: "Allow service to interact with desktop"
Anyway, hang on while I seek some answers from the Home office in Sweden if they have gotten any other reports of this particular problem and any possible solutions. It may be Monday before they get back into the office.
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Hi again,
No, this problem isn't caused by Vista as it wouldn't acces ad-aware to work 100 %. I went to services.msc (faster way is to press "windows + r"(I'm still not a newbie)) and there was already permission to access the desktop enabled.
Here is all the stuff of my update.log:
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24.05.2008 17:22:30: Initialized
24.05.2008 17:22:30: Server type: Free
24.05.2008 17:22:30: Fetching update xml from server
(compressed) https://free.2008.download.lavasoft.com/pub...-aware01.datlzm : Compressed file not found, retrying with uncompressed version
(compressed) https://free.2008.download.lavasoft.com/public/news08.datlzm : Compressed file not found, retrying with uncompressed version
24.05.2008 17:22:31: Updated news file
24.05.2008 17:22:31: Server type: Free
(compressed) https://lavasoft.hs.llnwd.net/public/closedlzm : Compressed file not found, retrying with uncompressed version
* 24.05.2008 17:22:33: Process is running as administrator
24.05.2008 17:22:33: Updating component(s) selected by GUI
24.05.2008 17:22:33: Downloading https://lavasoft.hs.llnwd.net/public/aaw2008/aawserviceexe : (compressed) * (compressed) verification successful, 611664 bytes received
24.05.2008 17:22:38: Downloading https://lavasoft.hs.llnwd.net/public/aaw2008/ceapidll : (compressed) * (compressed) verification successful, 804200 bytes received
24.05.2008 17:22:43: Downloading https://lavasoft.hs.llnwd.net/public/aaw2008/ad-awareexe : (compressed) * (compressed) verification successful, 3264840 bytes received
24.05.2008 17:23:07: Successfully updated dependency 1
24.05.2008 17:23:07: Sending terminate event to service aawservice.exe ( aawservice )
24.05.2008 17:23:07: Sending terminate event to Ad-Aware.exe
24.05.2008 17:23:07: Sending terminate event to Ad-Watch.exe
24.05.2008 17:23:07: Successfully installed dependency 1
24.05.2008 17:23:09: Restarting service aawservice
------------------------
24.05.2008 17:25:19: Initialized
24.05.2008 17:25:19: Server type: Free
24.05.2008 17:25:34: Server type: Free
------------------------
24.05.2008 17:25:37: Initialized
24.05.2008 17:25:37: Server type: Free
------------------------
24.05.2008 17:29:02: Initialized
24.05.2008 17:29:02: Server type: Free
24.05.2008 17:29:02: Server type: Free
------------------------
24.05.2008 17:29:02: Initialized
24.05.2008 17:29:02: Server type: Free
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Another idea, let's have a look at your update log.
Program Data > Lavasoft > Ad-Aware > logs > update.log
I'll compare it to mine and see if I spot anything abnormal
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This is because of my Vista update isn't it?
I don't think so
Does your Vista 'machine' have every updates? All from microsoft.com/download also?
Yes, including SP1 for Vista
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This is because of my Vista update isn't it?
Does your Vista 'machine' have every updates? All from microsoft.com/download also?
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You asked what is DEP?
Here is a good explanation about DEP in Vista:
http://blogs.technet.com/robert_hensing/ar...-explained.aspx
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This is because of my Vista updat isn't it?
I don't think so
Hunh? Then why are people complaining about Windows XP with SP3, writing that their ad-aware came buggy after getting sp3?
Does your Vista 'machine' have every updates? All from microsoft.com/download also?
Yes, including SP1 for Vista
So you are actually telling me that this is just because ad-aware is so buggy and lousy??? :) uh-oh
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NOW I'm REALLY surprised!
I scanned with ad-aware and ignored the 'corrupted definiton' error message as I knew that it wrong. So when I scanned with it, it DID work!
Even it found only 1 infection, I think that it DOES work.
So, why do I think like that? Well, I scanned with superantispyware and Spybot S&D and they didn't find anything. I mean usually they find a lot but now they didn't find anyting so I think that's the reason why ad-aware found just one.
After all, this is quite logic if you think that the core.aawdef file is exactly the same size and there's just an error in ad-aware because it comes up with that.
I'll let you know if it does find a lot next time.
OK, hiyah
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It's fine to say what other programs you use. Most people DO use more than one anitspyware program. Sometimes that can cause conflicts but not with the two you are using - they should work fine together.
I still don't know why you are getting the file corrupted message. Perhaps closing the program made the difference?
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