Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' note: Please note that running this program without supervision of an experienced helper can cause your computer to not operate correctly.
CNET Editors' review
Combofix is a freeware utility that scans your PC deeply for spyware and malware, especially in combinations. It's a powerful tool that can remove stubborn infections but also delete files you need, if you let it, so inexperienced users who run Combofix without expert guidance do so at their own risk. Used properly, it can clean your PC much more deeply than typical tools, free or not, and not just of malware but other junk, too. It finishes with a detailed log that reports each step.
Combofix is portable freeware that runs when you click its extracted program file. We disabled our antivirus and firewall software, as Combofix recommends. Most programs advise you to close everything before you install them, but Combofix means it, and it'll tell you if an open window or running process needs to end before it can proceed. The program also automatically backs up your settings and creates a System Restore point, which is reassuring.
Combofix is mostly automatic in operation. It scanned our system and started deleting files at a rapid pace. A look at the scrolling log reassured us: Combofix was throwing out hundreds of tiny JPEGs left over from an uninstalled app. Other cleaners (which shall remain nameless) had missed them, and we were pleased to see them go. Most scans take less than 10 minutes, but infected PCs may take much longer; ours was clean, thankfully. Finishing requires a reboot. Things seemed to load and run faster; an extra benefit of this deep cleaner.
Publisher's Description
From sUBs:
Combofix was designed to scan a computer for known malware, spyware (SurfSideKick, QooLogic, and Look2Me as well as any other combination of the mentioned spyware applications) and remove them. ComboFix allows the manual removal of spyware infections. It's a specialized effective cleaning tool, which is useful compared to other malware and spyware removers. After Combofix finished, a report will be created. You can use this report to search and remove infections which are not automatically removed.
What's new in this version: Windows 7 compatibility.
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All versions:
3.5 starsout of 86 votes
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Current version:
2.8 starsout of 25 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Worst of the worst"
Version: Combofix
Pros
None at all
Cons
Salitiy virus, desperate developers, POTENTIAL TO DESTROY A COMPUTER
Summary
The developers and distributors of Combofix are mainly scam artists but are also considered desperate because they often release versions of corrupt Combofix software bundled with computer viruses, such as the Salitiy virus. People who installed Combofix earlier this year and last year become infected with the dangerous virus and Trojans. This software will also destroy a computer as it was not designed well.
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"I'm no geek and have fixed 3 friends' computers with it"
Version: Combofix
Pros
Amazingly strong and deep cleaning.
Cons
none. nada. zilch.
Summary
I agree that it's important to follow directions. If you carefully do, Combofix will clean just about anything.
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"System Destroyer"
Version: Combofix
Pros
None a can of worms
\Cons
Removes too many legitimate programs. Not easy to recover from
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"May have worked, but other programs stopped working"
Version: Combofix
Pros
I was trying to get rid of an intermittent Chrome redirect. I don't know if it worked, since other things stopped working.
Cons
A scary program to begin with (requires all security to be turned off). Runs long, but OK. Deleted many files. All my shortcuts stopped working (I have a couple of 100). I tried restoring to the point Combofix created - that didn't work. Went back a couple of restore points before that - didn't work either, so I don't know where I am right now, but I sure wish I hadn't run Combofix!
Summary
SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes did not repair the Chrome redirect, but this was not a solution either.
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"Killed my laptop"
Version: Combofix
Pros
None. Complete waste of time.
Cons
After running this I could not open any of my programs. I had to restore my system to an earlier date, which left me with all the same issues.
Summary
Not sure how others got so lucky. I'd rather wipe my computer & start over than waste my time with this again.
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"Works well for me"
Version: Combofix
Pros
I have used this program hundreds of times. Always finds and removes infections. If downloaded from the RIGHT place, does not include extra crapware. Get ONLY from Bleeping computer (dot) com.
Cons
None with combofix. Cons are with Download .com
Summary
This tool is one of MANY I use to clean computers. No one tool does it all. I run about 12 cleaners and fixers and they work almost every time. Download .com has started to add junk software to their downloads. Many from the very companies whose software I am cleaning every day. Shame on CNET for taking this route and dealing with THESE companies. I'm sure that it all revolves around money. They must get kickbacks.
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"Doesn't fix most issues"
Version: Combofix
Pros
None at all.
Cons
1. Says on the vendors site only should be used under the advice of a computer professional, how do you know if someone from a security forum is a professional?
2.Very complicated to use effectively.
3. Even if used correctly under the advice of a so-called professional, it still doesn't fix most issues.
4. Can cause more problems then what it is worth.
5. Very time consuming, other removal tools scan and fix much faster.
6. Can cause Windows to fail to boot.Summary
Combofix is a tool which only should be used as a last resort after trying all other tools, in most cases it is much easier to just back up your files and re-install Windows. I run my own computer shop and remove malware on a daily basis, Combofix is the worse removal tool when it comes to a success rate.
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"life saver. I dont understand the 1 star reviews"
Version: Combofix
Pros
It worked and im free of a the virus that kept me up for the last 2 days
Cons
Had to redownload some programs it corrupeted.
Had alot of 1 star reviews here on C-net , im happy now but hopefully i dont experiance the problems some of the other reviewers did. -
"Danger Will Robinson! Browser Hijacker Ahead!"
Version: Combofix
Pros
ComboFix used to be a great removal tool. I suppose it still works in that regard. However, you ultimately trade a virus for a browser hijacker. NOT recommended. Shame on C-Net for allowing it on their site.
Cons
Claro Search Engine browser higjacker included at not charge. If you select the "do not install Claro" option you get Claro anyway.
Summary
There is a special place in Hell for ComboFix and Claro for pulling this trick on people who put their trust in C-Net to check out what they make available for download.
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"Removed a VERY nasty Google Redirect ... but baggage!!"
Version: Combofix
Pros
I had a VERY, VERY NASTY Google redirect virus on Chrome, and this WORKED when nothing else did!! (I tried just about *everything*, believe me ...) My computer is now back to completely normal. Yay! For this, Combofix gets an A+ ... BUT ... (see 'Cons') ...
Cons
My download came with very pesky 'Claro Search' and 'Coupon' add-ons that set my home page and search options to 'claro-search.com.' Fortunately, I was able to simply remove them through Control Panel > Uninstall programs. I then had to go to all of my Chrome and IE settings, and re-set my homepage and search options. (Tools > Settings). This alone took 20 minutes, at least.
Summary
While I was VERY pleased that this program completely removed my VERY NASTY Google redirect virus (when NOTHING else worked), I was disappointed that a download via CNET came with an unwanted trojan(?)/virus(?)/add-on(?) ('Claro Search'). (Was it because I installed the update when it asked me to?)
As far as comments from other users about disastrous registry results and major malfunction, this did not happen with me. (Dell laptop/Windows 7)
If you feel comfortable installing programs like this, and you feel you can later remove unwanted additional pesky add-ons (like 'Claro Search' and 'Coupon (something)') by yourself, well ... Combofix worked for me.
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