When I run Ad-Aware, the program stops scanning/freezes when it reaches the temporary internet files. Has this happened to anyone? Thanks.

Yes, that can happen, Schony

This time try this:

Start > Run > type in cleanmgr

Follow the prompts to clean offline files & temporary internet files.

Start > Run > type in %temp%

Delete all files within that folder.

If any do not delete, and you get a dialog box popup saying "they're in use" continue deletion of all that can be, then:

Start > Run > type in msconfig

Observe the console that appears, and choose "diagnostic startup".
Follow directions, a reboot will occur that will be interupted in the boot sequence by a DOS console.
That B&W screen will list several options, all of which can be highlighted one at a time with the arrow keys
on your keyboard. (no mouse action here)

Choose "safe mode", press your "enter" key, agree to the popup, and it will open winXP to your desktop.

Don't worry that it looks funny. That's normal, it's using bare minumum display drivers.

Start > Run > type in %temp% and get rid of the remaining temp files within that folder.
Exit back to your desktop and run the ad-aware application scan.

(logon as a user in the administrator group to be successful getting into safe mode)

Note: I moved your post out of the HJT log section. It had no log attached to it.

Read the pinned topic in forum guidelines back there,
follow the instructions doing anything yet to be done.
Post your log and we'll continue helping you there.

Any (?) up to posting a log, go ahead and ask here as a reply, if you like.

Maybe some of these procedures you're unfamiliar with, I dunno.

additional note:

I just noticed you have a log posted in HJT.
Doing the above shouldn't adversely affect the status/validity of your log.
You should be patient and follow the instructions given in that thread,
as I did see an undesirable program running.
It might be at least part of your problem,
but wait for specific instructions b4 uninstalling/installing anything, OK?

If ya can't wait, let us know you've made changes ...

When I tried cleanmgr, I got a message saying that there was an error and "Disk Space Cleanup Manager for Windows has encountered a problem and needs to close."

You could try again, making sure thats the only program running on your desktop at the time.

Do you use Internet Explorer for a browser?

Another way of cleaning the temporary internet files is this:

Open IE > Tools > Internet options and the default tab (General) halfwaydowndeals with these files.

Choose to delete cookies (and OK that)
Choose to delete files (and offline files, to ... and OK that)

It would not hurt to delete your prefetch files, also.
These are files set up by the OS to speed up or facilitate some program operations (including some that shouldn't have a "fast track" like undesirable or poorly writtten programs).
Legitimate program operation will reestablish these files as your operate.
Performance will not suffer to any noticeable degree,
yet without deletion periodically they will simple accumulate.
Many for no good reason, they were used once,but not any longer.

Go to:

C:\Windows\Prefetch and delete the files within that folder.

You should be in safe mode (for good practice).
Do not delete the folder itself.
You will not even see the folder unless you tick "show hidden folders"
also untick "hide system files".
Both of those configuration changes can be made using the folder option console.

Open the local drive (C:\) from My Computer.
Choose Tools > Folder Options > View tab and both choices are in about the middle of the list.
Approve when prompted to verify your choice.

No easy answers today, huh?

Any luck getting ad-aware to complete?

I was able to delete the temp files and run Ad-Aware. Running Spybot now. Should I post a HJT log after that? To this topic?

yes, post a log. Good Job.
Start a new topic in the security forum, please.

You should also run those other programs mentioned, after spy-bot & ad-aware ...
the McAfee Stinger and visit the online scans...
Then update windows b4 you post, OK?

Heck, add Ewido to your PC like you have the others. Free trial.
http://www.download.com/Ewido-Security-Sui...4-10326287.html

add A2. freeware to keep. Update like all the others first, then run it.
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/

Having winXP will let you get this one free to keep, too. they'll want you to validate your winXP.
add MS Anti-spyware:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=en

Using AV program? if not pick one of these and install it after the online scans ...

AVG http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1 (my favorite)
Avast http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html
Antivir http://www.free-av.com/
Bit Defender http://www.bitdefender.com/bd/site/products.php?p_id=24

I use all of the above (just one anti-virus & one firewall) and it's no big deal.
They are OK together, they overlap services to give you "layered protection"
and
don't really take up much space or consume much system resource.

I update 'em once a week, and run only the firewall & anti-virus from startup.

It takes a while to do this all. Don't rush, pay attention. Do it tomorrow if ya need.
After you post leave things as they are and it'lltake a day or so to get a reply.
Pick Options to the right after you post, and choose "track this topic" to get anemail when that first reply is posted.