CONNECTION ERRORS
PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW BEFORE POSTING AND FOLLOW THEM. OTHER DISCUSSION/TROUBLESHOOTING TAKES PLACE ELSEWHERE, we need to keep this thread tidy. Thank you
Hello Everybody,
There are a vast number of users reporting problems with updating Ad-Aware, so I have created this topic for you.
For those of you experiencing Connection Errors when trying to update Ad-Aware AE, please try the following steps.
- Read this topic: I cannot update the Definitions File. What should I do?
- Run a scan with Ad-Aware and any other Anti-Virus/Malware program you have installed to check there is no malware on your computer.
- If you still receive these errors, then please try and update using the Start Menu.
- Start
- All Programs
- Lavasoft
- Ad-Aware
- Ad-Aware Updates
NEW: If you can update through the Start Menu, then right-click on "Ad-Aware Updates" and send a shortcut to your desktop - this will speed up the updating process whilst a resolution is being worked on.
[*] NEW: Read the Workaround topic.
[*]If you have tried ALL of these steps and it still does not work then read on.
- Start
Lavasoft is aware of the update problem some users are experiencing, but has, so far, been unable to replicate this problem. They believed that Software Update 8.0.4 fixed this issue (it did for me), however, some of you report that it did not. More worryingly, though, is that some of you report this update actually has now caused this error.
To help Lavasoft find the cause of this problem, it will be helpful if you can post the following information as a reply to this topic - be sure to hit the "Add Reply" button.
- Your Operating System and any Service Pack installed
- Your Ad-Aware Version (to find this click the "about" button on Ad-Aware's main interface) and which edition you are running i.e. free/plus/pro.
- Any firewall software you have installed
- Your update log. Please attach as a file do not just copy and paste. Instructions on how to find this are given below:
- You will first need to configure your computer to view hidden files. Tutorial here
- Navigate to the following folders:
- Vista: C:\ProgramData\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\Logs
- XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\Logs
[*]Use the board's attachment system to upload your file.
- Vista: C:\ProgramData\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\Logs
- You will first need to configure your computer to view hidden files. Tutorial here
We appreciate your help in trying to isolate this problem. If any of you have any ideas what might be causing it then let us know in your topic.
Please follow the above instructions exactly, if you do not then, to keep this thread clean, your post will be deleted. Please try not post twice, edit your post if you can.
EDITS:
27-04-09 - Added please follow instructions below GoddersUK
06-05-09 - Added info about workaround topic Casey
14-05-09 - Start Menu shortcut suggestion added Spike-NZ
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Posted by Halloween on April 25, 2009, 9:50 P.M. EST - USA:
Casey, here is the information and log you requested:
1. Windows Vista Ultimate operating system, most current service pack;
2. Ad-Aware version: 8.04, April 21, 2009 - Anniversary edition - paid subscription;
3. McAfee Security Suite; Spy-bot; and Windows Defender; and
4. Firewall is controlled by third party - McAfee Security Suite.
Log to follow.
Hope this helps resolve this issue.
Halloween
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Caseyboy, As per your request:
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 All up to date with patches.
Adaware version 8.0.4 (Issues arose after this update...)
Standard Windows Firewall
Anti-Virus: Avast latest version and latest defs.
As mentioned, all was working fine prior to the update to 8.0.4 and I can get it to properly update if I revert back to the AAWService.exe file from 8.0.3. 8.0.4 AAWService.exe asks for UAC authentication when ran (even from apprication button) 8.0.3 did not. Not sure if this is related.
Let's get this anoying issue resolved! :-)
Caseyboy, I for one can tell you that before the 8.0.4 update all update methods where working fine here. Now following this update, none of them work. It appears related to the new version AAWService.exe file as copying over the old version allows 8.0.4 to update (naturally it also updates the aawservice.exe file and then stops working) so to update, I must continually do this process daily. It appears that when I replace the AAWService.exe file with the old version I may now update via the button in the app or the notification icon but still cannot via the Start Menu method and continue to get a Connection error. :-)
See my investigation below from thread "http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?showtopic=25186&st=20&start=20":
Ok so today there was a new definition released (0148.0017). I did the procedure I described below (replacing the 8.0.4 AAWService.exe with the older one from 8.0.3) and it updated to the new definition file. It naturally also updated the AAWService.exe file back to the 8.0.4 version and rebroke the update but until Lavasoft fixes this atleast I can "easily" ensure my AdAware remains current and up to date...
Is this issue acknowledged by Lavasoft and being looked into?
Thanks and I hope this helps,
Kheldan
QUOTE(Kheldan @ Apr 23 2009, 01:54 PM) *
OK, I work in the Automated Testing space and have worked for Compuware, Mercury Interactive and Worksoft. I have over 15 years in this domain and decided to do a bit of digging into this issue for our Lavasoft developpers. Here's what I've found.
With the upgrade to 8.0.4 from 8.0.3 the AAWService.exe file has been updated. The new version actually has a new Digital signature dated April 21st 2009 the old one had a date on the signature of March 9th 2009.... I took a copy of the old file AAWService.exe from my Vista Shadow Copied file and overwrite the newer one (after stopping the Lavasoft service and exiting AdAWare AE). I then restarted AdAware and lo and behold, Update now no longer has the UAC prompt that started with 8.0.4 come up AND I no longer get the error on updates, it runs, updates AAWService.exe to the newer version, restarts and the error is back in effect, UAC popup and "Connection Error, Check your settings" when I try and click update... so it is clearly something with the new version of the AAWService.exe file.... I can repeat this process as many times as I like. Copy over the new AAWService.exe file with the older one, restart AE, click on update, it installs the newer version of the file and BOOM, I can no longer update. This file was broken or something happened with the Certificate as it is now requiring UAC popup and no longer works.
Hope this helps in identifying the root cause and fixing the problem. :-)
Kheldan
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Update.logHello
I'm having problems updating too.
Operating system is windows vista SP1
Using adaware AE 8.0.4 (problem occurred after this installation)
Vista firewall used
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I have vista home premium sp 1 with all current updates, I run the standard windows firewall, and have trend micro anti virus plus antispyware. I also run the free versions of spyware doctor, superantispyware, and spyware blaster. I recently wanted to try the free version of adaware ae, I hadn't used adaware for a couple of years, and decided to try the new version a couple of weeks ago. It worked fine until the most recent upgrade. My computer also runs on a netgear wireless network.
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Not only is the update button not working anymore (never had that problem, now I have!), can update via the start menu entry though, the tray icon is gone as well (not set to hide), and the tray app doesn't appear to be running at all... Not quite there yet with AE. Would provide more info, but I'm leaving on vacation tomorrow and have other things to do still.
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Have heard this song and dance many times from Lavasoft when they make the issues themselves.
This time is different... been using this program for 8+ years and have many friends that also use the program (paid and free versions) that have decided to give up on Lavasoft. I myself along with 100+ friends have decided to call it quits and go with a better program... one that at least tests their updates before making them available for their customers to download. This is where the problem is no matter what they tell you.
So good luck Lavasoft with all your headaches on fixing this new issue; I'm sure another one will be right around the corner for you to loose more customers in the near future.
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hi! folks,
this is my configuration:
os: windows vista home premium (updated to last "windows update" release);
ad-aware AE e3dition 8.0.4 - definitions files 0148.0014;
mc-afee security center antivirus/firewall (windows firewall disabled)
I hope this contributes to resolve this annoynd issue
el.nath
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hiya,
XP SP3
AdAware 8.0.4 Free Anniversay Edition
mcafee firewall
i tried updating via the start menu but now the tray icon (near the clock) is gone
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Im also having the same problem.
When trying to up date, CONNECTION ERROR-CHECK YOUR SETTINGS
I am running Vista Ultimate 32bit
happening since last update
MODEDIT: Could you please upload your log if you have it? Thanks, GoddersUK
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I could not even get to the definitions from your site to do a manul update. So me telling you what my OS will not help you to fix your link to your update site.
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In response to the connection errors post my system Details are as follows:
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Basic - Service Pack 1
Adaware Version: Ad-Aware Free Anniversary Edition 8.0.4
Using Standard Windows Firewall, Windows Defender and AVG Free 8.5.285
I've attached my update log as requested.
Plenty of posts on this. I've ran Adaware on and off on several PC's for six years and never experienced anything like this before now. I gonna stick with you guys as you've a good rep, but I can understand those that are tired. Find a solution soon....
Please
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I could not even get to the definitions from your site to do a manul update. So me telling you what my OS will not help you to fix your link to your update site.
Taz, It's been REALLY slow this afternoon for some reason... took me over 3 hours to manually download the file but it did install correctly. This is another issue however and not related to the Cannot Connect error.
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The facts are very simple - the most recent updates to version AdAware Anniversary 8.0.4 (the ones with all the lzma files and the obsolete chm help files) are completely incompatible with an up-to-date os version of Windows Vista Ultimate SP1, and render the new AdAware program unable to update through the UAC and unable to activate AdWatch Live. ( A process called Lavasoft Adminstator Tool flashes in the taskbar and causes a delay which triggers the AdAware Update Manager as unable to detect an Internet connection, shutting down the Update manager immediately). Also, restarting, as requested in notification tray continually fails to activate AdWatch Live. And finally, when this version is uninstalled, it does not uninstall completely and leaves registry values that continue to call for Boottime Autocheck autocheck * even though the program no longer exists - and this causes a startup message of "lsdelete program not found, skipping autocheck".
So like they say on SNL...............Fix it!
System OS: Vista Ultimate SP1 with all current updates
System Security: McAffee Security Center complete(av, antispy, firewall. iss, etc.); ; Windows Defender currently up-to-date
MODEDIT GoddersUK: Have you got a log you could upload, thanks. Also contrary to what you say, AAW is fully compatible with a fully updated install of Vista SP1 because that's what I use and it works fine. Regarding the UAC prompt - that is the Microsoft endorsed way to do this, althought it's not required for auto-updates
Merging reply for tidyness:
Reply: I have uninstalled this program and am currently trying to fix the registry entries that it failed to uninstall. And....I know how the UAC works, but in previous versions, this was not a problem in manual update mode. It is a simple matter of properly naming files.
There is no update log to upload, because there is no updating in this recent version ---- that is what is not working. The Update Manager is closed immediately, so any log would simple show the "connection failure" ( which is what the problem is).
I really doubt that you are using Vista Ultimate SP1 with the most recent AAW 8.0.4 version update that is downloadable at your CNET mirror site. Try that one - that is the miscoded culprit. >>> http://download.cnet.com/Ad-Aware-Annivers...dl&tag=top5
Hi, sorry if I was unclear, this was not a matter of how UAC works, but Microsoft's guidlines for triggering it - I'm guessing that as this is a manually triggered action they deem it more likely to be the result of nastyware then a scheduled one.
And I am using the latest version of Vista, Home Premium (but that is unlikely to be any different from ultimate). I am also using the latest version of Ad-Aware as pushed out by Lavasoft. I'll check the md5s and let you know if the CNet one is dodgy. GoddersUK
md5:
# MD5 checksums generated by MD5summer (http://www.md5summer.org)
# Generated 28/04/2009 17:11:45
6bea12e8024eff1bba7f8bf40293d7ea *Ad-AwareAE.exe
is yours the same as that?
Merge reply:
The download verified ok; it wasn't a mirror problem or a transfer corrupted file. I only redownloaded at CNET because I experienced the problem beginning with the last LS site update from 8.0.3 to 8.0.4 and uninstalled the program. Then I went to your site and downloaded a new version after being directed to the CNET mirror, hoping to correct it. But it caused even more problems. Twice.
The problems are clearly in your ( i.e., Lavasoft's) latest updates and they are definitely Vista compatibility issues. I am currently on an XP machine with the same 8.0.4 updates and the manual update is working ok.
As I stated, I have uninstalled AAW on my Vista machine again and am trying to remove some of the AAW registry remnants that failed to uninstall. But I think I will just wait a few weeks and try a Lavasoft download again. I am sure that by that time someone at Lavasoft development will have realized the coding errors on those updates and hopefully we will see a properly working version 8.0.5. ( or at least a version with a proper uninstaller so I can stop seeing those boottime messages! )
But I really don't think you will find the problem by looking at update logs because the update does not occur - all you will see is a connection problem, which is the very problem we are trying to trace. Very simply, the AAW Update Manager no longer properly loads in Vista when called upon as manual update. The coding changes on that last program update need to be fully re-examined ( not the def file updates, but the program version updates).
Mod. Edit. Tidied up post by removing quote. Casey
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I found an easier short term solution for this problem.
I didn't find previous versions of AAWService.exe and Ad-AwareAdmin.exe available.
But I have changed the current versions of these files, setting the Compatibility mode to "Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows XP"
Works perfect and you don't need to replace files.
You go to C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Adaware and right click on AAWService.exe, select properties in popup menu and the Compatibility tab.
Do the same for Ad-AwareAdmin.exe and you will be able to update from the icon tray either.
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aniversary 8.04
firewall off
avira free: off
all windows updates XPsp3
updated manually from server
rescan: no malware found
log attached
no hijack
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I agree it's compatibility issue
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Vista Home SP1
McAfee internet security suite
All the usual problems to do with connection settings since that last update.
Totally up to date. No virus. No malware.
Patiently waiting for an update to sort out this glitch.
My mom had the same glitch a few weeks ago but was able to update from the star menu. The glitch thats caused this problem appears to have fixed her glitch. She has no problems now. I have a PC here running WinXP SP3 and thats absolutely fine.
MODEDIT: GoddersUK: Do you have the logs?
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I have the following problems after updating Ad-Aware Free AE to version 8.0.4:
1. I cannot update from within the program. When I click the Web Update icon in the Main Status window of the GUI, the Update Manager doesn't start, and nothing happens. However, the Update Manager still can be run from the Start menu - Start -> Programs -> Lavasoft -> Ad-Aware -> Ad-Aware Updates
2. Ad-Aware tray icon doesn't appear anymore in the system tray when the windows start, and it doesn't appear even if I open Ad-Aware. AAWTray.exe never appears in the processes list of Windows task manager. Only AAWservice.exe appears in this list, but only after running Ad-Aware (Ad-Aware.exe), it doesn't start with Windows even though it is set as Automatic under Startup Type column of the "Services" management console. This didn't happen in previous Ad-Aware Free AE versions.
Important Side note for future versions: It would be nice in future versions of Ad-Aware, for those who don't use any Ad-Watch Live! Modules if both Ad-Aware tray icon (AAWtray.exe) and AAWservice.exe didn't start automatically with Windows and if they would stop running as long as Ad-Aware.exe was not running and Ad-Watch Live! was turned off. That way we wouldn't have to keep using services.msc command and Autorun manager tools to fix this
3. I cannot turn on the Processes protection module of Ad-Watch Live!, which I could in previous versions of Ad-Aware Free AE.
*EDIT*:
After I tried (with no success) to turn on the Processes protection module of Ad-Watch Live!, only in the next Windows boot Ad-Aware tray icon finally appeared in the system tray, and both AAWTray.exe and AAWservice.exe appeared in the processes list of Windows task manager, just because Ad-Watch Live! (Processes protection module) was now enabled, it was automatically enabled during next Windows boot.
Upon right-clicking the Ad-Aware tray icon and selecting 'Update' it showed the Error "Failed to start update".
If I then disable all Ad-Watch Live! modules and reboot Windows, everything returns to what I described on 2.
*EDIT2*: In other words, in order for the Ad-Aware tray icon to appear in the system tray I need to both enable Ad-Watch Live! (Processes protection module) and reboot Windows. If I turn on Ad-Watch Live! (Processes protection module) but don't reboot Windows, Ad-Aware tray icon doesn't appear (AAWtray.exe doesn't run) and I don't know whether I have any real-time protection or not.
The problem described on 3. seemed to have gone in the following Windows boots. Problem 1 remains.
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition SP3
Ad-Aware Version: Ad-Aware Free Anniversary Edition version 8.0.4
Firewall software: Only the default Windows Firewall
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Hi to all,
Have same issue on two DELL LAPTOPS with same setup... Connection Error, check your settings pops up from both the Taskbar Icon and from the Start menu...
I have:
VISTA HOME PREMIUM; SP1
Adaware Free Anniversary Edition 8.0.4
Norton 360; v 3.0.0.134
Update Log attached.
Looking forward to fast fix to this issue - especially, since now manual intervention is needed.
@ Javacat, I have moved your post to a new topic. Casey
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WinXP-Pro-SP3
AAW 8.0.3
Windows XP default firewall
Please note I experience the update problem with 8.0.3.....
Unable to d/l any updates from any site... .ZIP files show 0 bytes when trying to extract.
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Could not update either.
Running windows xp, sp3 and Ad aware anniversary edition 8.0.4. with windows xp firewall. Tried the workthru but no luck.
But going to Start menu, programs and then to Lavasoft and updates was able to download updates. I sure hope the problem is resolved real soon for everyone.
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I have tried everything these threads told me to. I'm running XP service pack 3. so me trying to put it to run xp w/ service pack 2 will not help me.
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With the second Workaround, it didn't apply to me because for Compatability Mode, there is no option to select Windows XP SP2, since I am already using XP. There were just options for Win95, Win 98/ME, Win NT, and Win 2000. You should probably make it clearer in the Workaround instructions, that the 2nd Workaround is just for Vista.
Done
Thank you for the information you have provided.
Casey
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Hello. First of all, thank you for a great program, especially for free.
Statement of problem:
Everything worked fine under the prior version. After I upgraded to v. 8.0.4, I wasn't able to update anymore. I cannot update from the main menu, using Web Update, nor from the Start menu, using Ad-Aware Updates. In both instances, I receive this error:
Connection error, check your settings.
Upon initial installation of the program, it did install the updates, but updates haven't worked since then.
Notes:
Even if I tempoarily turn the firewall off, I still cannot update.
I tried both Workarounds and neither of them worked.
With the first Workaround, my services were already set up properly.
With the second Workaround, it didn't apply to me because for Compatability Mode, there is no option to select Windows XP SP2, since I am already using XP. There were just options for Win95, Win 98/ME, Win NT, and Win 2000. You should probably make it clearer in the Workaround instructions, that the 2nd Workaround is just for Vista.
Here is the information you requested:OS: Windows XP SP3 (all updates)
Version: Ad-Aware Free Anniversary Edition 8.0.4
Firewall: Standard Windows XP Firewall (Ad-Aware is listed as an exception)
Also using: AVG8 - Free v. 8.5.325
The log file is attached.
Thank you for looking into this problem and for providing a great program.
Dominick J. Fontana
My replies are here, to keep the topic clean, as requested:
Sure thing, Casey. I'm glad I could help.
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None of the two workarounds work for me either in what comes to updating from within the program using the Web Update icon. However, differently from Dom Fontana, I can update from Start menu - Start -> Programs -> Lavasoft -> Ad-Aware -> Ad-Aware Updates.
About the Workaround 1: The same as with Dom Fontana: The option "Allow service to interact with desktop" was already enabled. Changing this option and rebooting doesn't help in my case.
Other thing I noticed: Even if I set the "Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service" Startup type to "Automatic", in the next reboot this service always shifts to "Manual" Startup. If I then reboot once more, the Ad-Aware Tray Icon disappears from the System Tray. I don't know if this abnormal behaviour could be related anyhow with the Update issue.
About the Workaround 2: The same as with Dom Fontana.
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Hello, I'm not able to update the Ad-Aware 8.0.4 AE free edition on my Windows Vista Home Basic sp1 system. Suggestions don't work so I'm attaching the log file in case it will help resolve the problem. Also installed is AVG 8.5.325 Free Edition.
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Hi,
I run all that steps but it didn't help.
System: Win XP SP3 with all patches
Ad-Aware Version: 8.0.4 (Anniversary Edition; free)
Firewall: Standard Windows Firewall
Log: see att.
Best wishes and... good luck!
[===scouTOM===]
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Have tried to use the workaround methods to fix this problem. i cannot get updates for my adware this problem occured after and adware update in april i have uninstalled this program twice and reinstalled it to no avail on the updates i need to get this fixed or i will probably just have to get rid of this program for good and i do not want to but it is no good without the updates i am running windows vista home service pack 3 i believe ad-aware anniversary edition windows firewall running avast anti virus
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Thanks for posts - Workround 2 appears to have sorted out my laptop running Vista; my desktop running XP has not been affected by this problem at all!
Curiouser and curiouser...
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I placed a "work around" that I believe that most if not all windows xp users can use, since I don't have a vista machine, I am guessing it might work also.
http://www.lavasoftsupport.com/index.php?s...mp;#entry103852
I figure a link would be easier then repeating the speech
enjoy.
Utrying2
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