AutoDialogs – AD.EXE

AutoDialogs is a Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista program that was developed to provide quick access to the folders you use most often in standard Open / Save as / Browse for folder dialogs (including all Microsoft Office versions and Windows 2000/XP/2003 dialog boxes), Windows Explorer and many other programs. Using AutoDialogs, you can automatically insert preselected folders into your dialog boxes using a system tray menu or a pre-assigned hot key. More information can be found at http://www.metaproducts.com/mp/mpProducts_Detail.asp?id=4.


Lavasoft AdAware – AD-AWARE.EXE

AdAware is a program by LavasoftUSA that searches for "adware" or "spyware" programs on your system. These are programs installed without your knowledge or permission that collect data (websites you visit, programs you have installed, etc) and transmit it to a company willing to pay for such data. Other types of programs create additional popup ads that annoy you while you browse the web. These programs can violate your privacy and degrade system performance.

AdAware searches your hard drive and registry then gives you the option of removing these programs. Sometimes removing Adware will cause the program service that installed it to stop working. For example, removing adware called "Gator" will cause KaZaA to stop until Gator is reinstalled. AdAware is a very useful tool. It can be removed from your Startup group and run from the Programs menu or desktop icon if you prefer.


LavaSoft Ad-Watch – AD-WATCH.EXE

This is the executable for Ad-Watch by LavaSoftUSA. It installs as part of the registered (professional) version of AdAware. Ad-Watch stays resident in memory and blocks adware or spyware programs from installing in the first place.

If you want this service, then ad-watch.exe will need to be running all the time. The /MIN switch supresses the splashscreen on startup. If you don't want this service, then that file can be disabled by running AdAware then turning off Adwatch via "Settings". If you do turn off Ad-Watch, be sure to run AdAware scans now and then to keep those popups under control.

Again, ADWATCH.EXE will only appear in the registered version of AdAware. If you're using the free version, you won't have this file.

Safe

LavaSoft