Clearly you're recent addition to the core file (recommened, hopefully) has been corrupted or targeted by a new virus. Uninstall Ad-Aware and make sure you remove all files containing it. Download Ad-Aware 1.05 SE from http://www.lavasoft.com and reinstall. Scan for spyware and see if anything is found, then get the update and scan again. If this doesn't prevail, uninstall Ad-Aware again and remove all registry entries made by is and then do the steps again.

I don't know if this related to your problem or not, but I'm also running Ad-aware 6.181 and after downloading Reference File 01R347 26.10.2004 a couple of days ago I got the reference file invalid or missing message but nothing about it being infected. I discovered that the new reference file had not downloaded completely (the auto-update feature was stalling at 5%). I downloaded and put it in 01R347 26.10.2004 manually and Ad-aware works fine except that if I use the auto-update feature now it wants to download a reference file from 2002. Updated Ad-aware, Spybot and NOD32 scans don't find anything. I don't know but, while I'm not discounting the possibility of a virus/malware infection by any means, I'm beginning to suspect a problem on the Lavasoft side - possibly a corrupted reference file? I don't know for sure. I'm going to wait a bit and see if anything develops.
P.S.
I'm using 6.181 because SE won't work on my Winme system.

rsberger:   Please don't take this the wrong way, but 9 viruses in a week?  Are you keeping  your Norton updates current.

rsberger,

Also try going to www.trendmicro.com and click on "Free Online Scan". It'll take a few minutes to download and install. When it's down, check(tick) all available drives, then click "Scan". It will sometimes pick up things that Norton's does not.

Mike.

Not only am I updating my Norton Antivirus but I had just received the pop-up that it had been automatically dated.  Go figure!

JBravo,

I had the same indications - I couldn't figure out how to get passed the "5%" update screen.

I removed version 6 and installed SE.  It's working fine, and has found items that version 6 did not find.  I am using WindowsME as my operating system with no conflicts.

Maybe you should try SE? 

I now have several questions:

1)  When I bring up Ad Aware I am now getting a message that says as follows:

                             

1) It's been suggested that I uninstall AdAware and re-install a new version.  How do I remove all the files relating to it, including the ones in the Registry?  I don't like to mess around in the Registry so I'll need a little assistance here.

2) I have Windows XP.  Some have suggested version SE while others suggested 6.181.   Which one should I use?? 

3) I take it I find either or both of these on the lavasoft site.  Am I correct?

4) Someone suggested I download and install microtrend.com.  Is it good (or doesn't matter) that I have Norton AntiVirus and this installed?

Again, thanks to all

rsberger-

Pardon my just jumping in but to answer your question No. 2- "which version should I use with XP?...Ad-Aware 6.181 or Adaware SE?...

As of November 1, Lavasoft ceased support for Adaware version 6.181, and when users tried to update their definitions, they reverted back to the original def's. (dated 2002) and new definitions would not load past 5%.

Same thing happened to me, checked Lavasoft's forum, Administrator had posted on 10/31 the above info.

So, regardless of which OS you are using, Adaware version 6 (build 6.181) is no longer supported with Definition updates, so you are wise to uninstall the old Ad-Aware 6. version, and use only Ad-Aware SE.

Message Edited by Wrenda on 11-03-2004 05:03 PM

Thanks to all of you.  I uninstalled the older adaware and installed SE.  Seems to be working fine.