User Reviews
Ad-Aware 2007
Ad-Aware 2007 is a privacy tool, that scans your memory, registry, hard, removable and optical drives for known data-mining, aggressive advertising, and tracking components. It then lists the results ...
Average of 101 user ratings: 
- Feb 13, 2008
- For version:
- 7.0.2.6
All glitter 
- Interface: 1
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 1
- Overall:
Used to be the best. Now it's all glitter and how can we get everyone to buy our glitter.
Review by: jerbear86
First post
- Jan 25, 2008
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Not quite what it used to be
- Interface: 4
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 3
- Overall:
AdAware used to be excellent; however, it is becoming a bit outmoded compared to newer, faster, more efficient paid and freeware anti-spyware scanners. Even "AdAware SE plus edition" (paid version) now leaves a bit to be desired. Free or paid AdAware versions sometimes are now also prone to glitch when you have other, newer anti-spyware installed, and sometimes won't let you download updates from Lavasoft's website. But if you can get AdAware to run with no such problems, it is a handy extra scanner -- I would NOT depend on it as an essential tool these days.
Review by: kol2008 (15)
Read all 15 reviews by kol2008
- Aug 25, 2007
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Average program
- Interface: 3
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 2
- Overall:
This used to be a great program a few years ago but it is seriously lacking teeth nowadays. Updates are about once a week and it hardly finds anything on my system as apposed to several other programs that regularly find cookies and occasional files. I would pass on this until the developers spend some time improving it.
Review by: mybuzz (3)
Read all 3 reviews by mybuzz
- Aug 13, 2007
- For version:
- 1.06r1
A much better version than the 2007 version.
- Interface: 3
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I Love This Version Much Better Than The AdAWare 2007 Version. This One I Can add My Skins, the 2007 Version cannot have a Variety Of Skins Added.
Review by: MouseChaser (18)
Read all 18 reviews by MouseChaser
- Jul 14, 2007
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Saved so many systems at once
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have used this on several systems, and it has brought some of them back to browsing life. I had friends who could not escape an ad website from startup and Ad-aware gave them back control of their internet browsing. I would recommend this software to everyone.
Review by: chiconics
First post
- May 13, 2007
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Good back-up
- Interface: 2
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 5
- Overall:
It can never be a primary tool for anti-spyware, but it is still an essential tool and a good second or third in any arsenal against the scum of the earth. and as far as automatic updating goes, don't want it, don't need it. it is never good for any program ever to have that sort of unacceptable behavior. nothing beats manually initiating every action on your pc. so kudos to them for leaving an annoyance out of their code.
Review by: jackfrost (35)
Read all 35 reviews by jackfrost
- Feb 08, 2007
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Everybody needs this program...
- Interface: 4
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Ad-Aware SE belongs in every computer users arsenal against spyware (nee: Malware) and it should be used often. Spyware sucks and you can use this great program to find and eliminate it. The scanner is better than that of many commercial programs but it does not have a resident shield. Signature updates are frequent. Run Ad-Aware SE with a companion program such as Spybot or Tenebril's Spycatcher Express, both of which have resident shields, and you won't need a commercial spyware catcher.
Review by: Djohnfot (5)
Read all 5 reviews by Djohnfot
- Jan 31, 2007
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Handles the problem . . .
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This program works! I will give it an excellent rating because it does so well. JMM
Review by: JMMannion (15)
Read all 15 reviews by JMMannion
- Jan 04, 2007
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Download it
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Stop reading these reviews. They all say it rules. Download it. It's maybe the only program around that's FREE, WORKS, and its very TRUSTWORTHY. It won't mess up your PC like other poorly-programmed wanna-be's.
Review by: Azguard98 (19)
Read all 19 reviews by Azguard98
- Dec 20, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Why is this so popular?
- Interface: 4
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 3
- Overall:
I admit, when I was less experienced with malware and virus problems and how to fix them, I too downloaded adaware regularly. But compared to some of the power apps like Spyware Terminator, and what used to be Ewido, ad-aware is a kids toy. It misses tons of "baddies" and does a terrible job removing stubborn ones that it does find. On the good side, the developers do keep up to date as far as regularly updating the database. but this app just does not do the job well enough. Same review can be applied to the never dying "Spybot".
Review by: pcs800 (169)
Read all 169 reviews by pcs800
- Dec 17, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06r1
Excellent adware remover
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This piece of software found a lot of adware and spyware items I didn't even know I had which other scanners could not detect. The interface is about the same as the previous versions of ad aware with the shield still belonging to the full edition. I like the fact that it doesn't come with "automatic updates" and that it uses little system resources when on. Overall its worth the price and you should download it if the other spyware scanners aren't doing it for you.
Review by: Kmanslick (4)
Read all 4 reviews by Kmanslick
- Dec 10, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06r1
A real smooth operator
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I really like Ad-Aware v.1.06r1! Does its job, is reliable, dependable and integrates with Windows '98 without issue. The scan is proving to be comprehensive and is relatively quick when compared to similar programs in its class. The manual updates are straightforward, rapidly downloaded and installed without complications. Sufficient flexibility and scope within the program for the 'User' to define their own operating parameters and preferences. The only reason I have not given a higher rating is because I am, currently, only using the 'Freeware' version so do not have experience of the application in its fullest capacity but would not doubt it to have the same flawless performance. I think this application must be fast becoming a leader in its field and thank the Lavasoft team for offering the 'Freeware' version, which is not ungenerous in the features available. No hesitation to recommend this fine software to other Users.
Review by: Dragon10 (37)
Read all 37 reviews by Dragon10
- Aug 23, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Not the best
- Interface: 4
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 3
- Overall:
I don't know what the hype is over this. The only reason I would recommend this is because it seems trustworthy and does a pretty good job. But really, there is no real time protection (you have to pay..i have Spyware Terminator and its real time protection for free). Doesn't catch as many things as other programs do.
Review by: ssavoy (5)
Read all 5 reviews by ssavoy
- Aug 19, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
A must for every computer
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Keeps my computer away from spyware and it's free
Review by: Zeazera (2)
Read all 2 reviews by Zeazera
- Jun 19, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
A very good program ...
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
A very good program caught adware on my comp when the other ones couldn't. Be sure to Check in the quarantine list everyday and delete whats in there! Be sure to not click on the Ad-watch option as it'll try and get you to upgrade. Easy to close though. Hold down Alt+Ctrl+/delete yo bring up the Windows task manager, click on Ad-Aware and then end task. Hea hea. What do you expect? It's freeware and they all hope for you to upgrade or donate. Good idea to stick with the "Perform smart system scan" as the other ones aren't near as good.
Review by: darkocean (27)
Read all 27 reviews by darkocean
- Mar 14, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Why do people think it is so great???
- Interface: 3
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 1
- Overall:
The only points I could come up with is that it is free and the interface could be worse. All those people who say it is so great probably have loads of ad/spyware on their systems... With ANY other program I still find loads of threats after adaware is finished and didn't find anything. So people snap out of your illusion that your system is clean...
Review by: thedorkone
First post
- Mar 04, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Great anti adware sw
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Ad-aware is easy to install and setup. great sw to clean your PC adware. I've being using it for 1 year and feel comfortable enough to recommend it. It helped me clean my PC many times.
Review by: BBressan
First post
- Feb 24, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Don't bother!
- Interface: 3
- Features: 1
- Ease of use: 2
- Value: 1
- Overall:
I had the pro version. The ad-block feature did nothing but pop up all the time telling me that some program I was installing was trying to change or add something to the registry. I know that you idiots! I'm the one installing them. Gimme a break! I did scans all the time and it never found anything. Spybot found stuff and so did A-Squared, but this, nothing. Why waste your computers resources and and slow down important scans like your anti-virus due to this bloatware when it doesn't do a thing. Come on people. Wake up. AVAST and Spybot and Spywareblaster is all any computer needs. The rest, and I've tried them all, are a waste of time and resources!
Review by: tomcat (17)
Read all 17 reviews by tomcat
- Jan 17, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
One of the best
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I loved this program. Another computer in the family was having some terrible issues with speed and performance, and this took care of it all, no problems. It's helped to remove some nasty spyware on my computers in the past, so I know I'll continue to use this program.
- Jan 03, 2006
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Another must have!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Every computer that has internet or installs software such have this!
Review by: Ghost_grey (58)
Read all 58 reviews by Ghost_grey
- Dec 15, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
The best free scanner
- Interface: 5
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Used this now for over 2 years. Easy on system resources,small footprint,very stable, relatively fast scanning,best skins and the easiest to use and update. Very good detection and cleaning capabilities especially on registry intrusions.
Review by: alnjk01 (135)
Read all 135 reviews by alnjk01
- Dec 01, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
A must have.
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
One of the very best program of it's type period.
Review by: Gizmo_151 (12)
Read all 12 reviews by Gizmo_151
- Dec 01, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Terrific, if a bit daunting
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
A solid performer that catches some things others don't, but all the options are a bit unexplained and a little much for the average user. Fast scanning, but that annoying sound upon detection takes a little effort to change. Could use a more in-depth help file and real-time protection not available in the free version. Full scanning for the retentive is slow and hasn't found anything for me that a smart system scan didn't. Great cookie scanning, but still best if used with other similar tools.
Review by: estople (9)
Read all 9 reviews by estople
- Nov 23, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
A senior's experience
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Ad-Aware was one of the first to deal with spyware/malware, far before the deal ever appeared as the cushy number for rising and often inexperienced softwares. They know what they're talking about, this is professionalism at it's best. Also, Ad-Aware SE Plus - shareware - and its Ad-Watch monitoring component is, I believe, worth a little sacrifice for the peace of mind it delivers. In my opinion, a minimum, besides the firewall and the anti-virus, includes Ad-Aware.
Review by: Leendert (34)
Read all 34 reviews by Leendert
- Nov 23, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Only 4*. why????
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Why SnapFiles have only given this 4 stars is beyond me. Its brilliant! It is updated regularly, tells you exactly what it doing, and most importantly it removes spyware! With a simple interface and two levels of scanning, it should be useful for even rookies.
Review by: TheDarkLord (9)
Read all 9 reviews by TheDarkLord
- Oct 22, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Awesome!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have looked for something that was user friendly, easy to understand and did what it said it was going to do! So far this is living up to all of that and more! I have already sent this is to all of my family and friends so they can protect themselves too!
Review by: kd7odg
First post
- Oct 20, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Great protection for your pc
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
In simple steps, nice and simple to use and clears your computer of adware efficiently. An essential download.
Review by: digipaws (17)
Read all 17 reviews by digipaws
- Sep 01, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Excellent program
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This program is fantastic, with all the features it has it has saved me several times. Plus you can't beat the fact that its a FREE PROGRAM with FREE updates on a regular basis. I have used it on two computers one being an older one that had a ton of stuff this picked up that others did not. Awesome program highly recommended.....
- Aug 23, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Adaware really protects my computer
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 4
- Overall:
I have been trying a lot of differrent spyware removers but cannot find one as good as adaware. I rest asure that my computer is safe.
Review by: Johny_B
First post
- Aug 15, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Reliability easy to set up and use
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This product is very easy to set up and use. Hats off to Ad-Aware. Thank you !
Review by: MIKKEY
First post
- Aug 12, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Essential
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I bought new computer 3 weeks ago, downloaded MSAntiSpyware which has found zilch so far. Finally got around to installing Ad-aware tonight and it picked up 14 tracking cookies. On old computer, Ad-aware picked something up almost every scan for 3 yrs. I absolutely recommend it.
Review by: Nikstar333
First post
- Aug 09, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
A valuable tool
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Ad-Aware SE Personal 1.06 and Spybot-Search&Destroy 1.4 form a great team to fight spyware on your computer. Before these I used Microsoft AntiSpyware, but I was forced to find other, because I don't have English Windows version. Lucky these two find and remove more spyware than MSAS alone. If you don't have Windows XP SP2 (=with ActiveX blocker) you might consider to download SpywareBlaster 3.4. These three (without MSAS) work together excellent without errors, problems or other conflicts and can be uninstalled without rests via control panel if you are not satisfied, which I don't think, because these three are the best free alternative for MSAS.
Review by: Mike98 (12)
Read all 12 reviews by Mike98
- Jul 31, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Do not rely solely on ad-aware!
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I love this program and would not be without it. But, NO ONE PROGRAM CATCHES ALL MALWARE. I have 4 programs: AdAware, Spybot, A Squared and MS Antispyware Beta. -One day this week I ran 4 scans, the 1st 3 found nothing. The last, MS, found "VCatch" spyware. AdAware was one of the 3 that missed it. -Today I ran my 4 scans. 3 found nothing. One found a Data Miner tracking cookie from "Realnetworks". The one that nailed it was AdAware! Real co. is bad for cookies.That's why I prefer Winamp or Windows players instead. Snapfiles is a reputable site, but some download sites are not. Some list both good programs and baddies that actually plant malware while claiming to rid you of it! This is how I got "VCatch" Spyware. VCatch is such a rogue program.
Review by: Bobb999 (9)
Read all 9 reviews by Bobb999
- Jul 31, 2005
- For version:
- 1.06 SE Pers.
Excellent
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Using this program for many years.Never had problems.Works great and does the job excellent.Recommend to everybody who is interested to have his own computer clean.
Review by: acekko (5)
Read all 5 reviews by acekko
- Jul 26, 2005
- For version:
- 1.05 SE Pers.
Adware1.06
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Another terrific free application. Liked the results I got on every computer I have used it on. Never failed to unearth much junk and removed 98% of it. Am even considering buying the PLUS version at $39.99 Has anyone used this one and would you recommend it for XP users who already use the MS product?
Review by: greyniteowl (5)
Read all 5 reviews by greyniteowl
- Jul 13, 2005
- For version:
- 1.05 SE Pers.
Trustworthy
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Once I had to work in a really very slow doing, so full of trash. Put Ad-Aware in action, and cleaned up all the mess. I have been using for more then one year and is always doing his job, nice and clean.
Review by: hiphip1 (2)
Read all 2 reviews by hiphip1
- May 15, 2005
- For version:
- 1.05 SE Pers.
I'd suggest you get it if you dont have it
- Interface: 4
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
Its a very good program, it finds quite a lot of nuisances though the full system scan can take quite some time. The quarantine feature is very handy in a free spyware tool and all in all the look, feel and usefulness of this program cannot be underestimated. Not to mention the few plug in features that are available on the official website. The only bad thing about this program that I can come up with is probably the number of new update revisions that seem to take place. Whilst compared to many other programs I am quite dubious about the number of new updates being produced. Is it just the same thing with a different name? I wonder... other then that slight suspicion I would definitely recommend this product to anyone.
Review by: DHirst (3)
Read all 3 reviews by DHirst
- May 14, 2005
- For version:
- 1.05 SE Pers.
Adware in combination
- Interface: 4
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 5
- Overall:
My system uses Norton Symantec Security and Spyware Doctor,though I really have not had much probs with my laptop because of these two + I do keep them updated. I decided to download Adware because it was Free and it picked up 4 infections, one severe. I feel very secure, Ad-Aware is great in combination.
Review by: Charles
First post
- May 04, 2005
- For version:
- 1.05 SE Pers.
Something better
- Interface: 4
- Features: 2
- Ease of use: 3
- Value: 2
- Overall:
I have tried Ad-Aware and it was great......until I found ....and then I found an even more amazing program.... that handles more than what Ad-Aware can and it has many other features with it that are helpful to any Web user. Ad-Aware seems pretty plain and basic to me now that I have tried these other 2 programs. Ad-Aware does a decent job, but needs to get up to date with the newer better programs that are now out there.
Review by: Copperti (3)
Read all 3 reviews by Copperti
- Apr 28, 2005
- For version:
- 1.05 SE Pers.
Pretty good
- Interface: 3
- Features: 3
- Ease of use: 4
- Value: 3
- Overall:
It does what it says and works fine. However, I like Microsoft Anti Spyware a bit better.
- Mar 31, 2005
- For version:
- 1.05 SE Pers.
Very good spyware remover!
- Interface: 5
- Features: 4
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
This ad-aware and spyware remover is fantastic. It is definitely the best free one you can get. It is so fast and easy, and I worked it out that you only need to click 3 times in order for it to do a full system scan! It is a fantastic product, and I would say to anybody to get it. And for it to be free, you wouldn't believe how good it is! If your PC is running slow like mine WAS, I would highly recommend you get this. It is fantastic, and it really does make your internet alot faster, as well as your hole computer!
Review by: soupyjnr
First post
- Mar 19, 2005
- For version:
- 1.05 SE Pers.
Excellent program
- Interface: 5
- Features: 5
- Ease of use: 5
- Value: 5
- Overall:
I have 2 pc's and restore them each a couple of times a year. I have d/l many different programs and have kept coming back to ad-aware. It is very user friendly. A must d/l for anyone who likes to keep their pc up to date and clean!
Review by: crayzlady (5)
Read all 5 reviews by crayzlady