CounterSpy 2.1.917

• Quick specs
• Price: Free to try (15-day trial); $19.95 to buy (Buy it now)
• Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
• Date added: March 08, 2007
• Total Downloads: 1,346,144
• Downloads last week: 1,445
• See full specifications

Add to my list Add to my Watch List

A newer version of CounterSpy is available.

Download the latest version | Learn more about CounterSpy 3.1.2836

(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: CNET Staff

CounterSpy 3.1 continues the strong series of releases for this basic yet powerful antispwyare software. The program makes it simple to schedule and customize spyware scans or run scans on demand, while also offering an adjustable level of real-time protection.

Installation is quick and easy. A configuration wizard walks users through the basic settings options for the program, including necessary proxy info, the frequency of risk-definition update checks, the level of real-time protection, and the initial scan schedule. Oddly enough, the default scan is 1 a.m. and can't be edited in the wizard. It's easy to change scheduled scans from the program interface later, but why not offer an hour choice at setup? It should also be noted that CounterSpy strongly recommends that Windows Defender "should be disabled," in case you are a fan of that software.

In addition to the standard Quick Scan and Deep Scan (full computer), CounterSpy has a fully customizable option that lets you specify which areas of your machine are scanned and what the scan is looking for. CounterSpy also throws in a few extra tools, including a file eraser and a history cleaner, which are becoming more standard on security apps, and a PC Explorer tool, which is cooler. Click "Explore" and you'll see a drop-down menu and a display that provides quick access to system information like running processes, hosts file, LSPs, Downloaded ActiveX controls, start-up programs, and browser helper objects (when bad, they're called browser hijackers). Nifty.

CounterSpy claims that the latest release has faster scans and uses less system resources, so it's worth looking at both. Based on our limited testing, scan times seem a bit faster than comparable programs, but not the type of instant satisfaction. Quick scans, however, which examine specific vulnerable areas of your machine. Also, the endless options for customizing the area of your scan and how the scan works are impressive. As for resources, while deep scanning, the CounterSpy Service used about 30MB of internal memory, while the user interface took up about half that. The Service did occasionally jump up in RAM usage and CPU, but we managed to run (and use) Outlook, Photoshop, and Firefox with no snags while the full scan was running.

All in all, the feature set (a smooth, quick spyware scanner, comprehensive logging, helpful bonus apps like the aforementioned PC Explorer, well-organized settings, and intuitive interface); the fully functioning 15-day trial that gives users plenty of time to test, scan, and most importantly, remove threats from their PCs; the smart design; and the strong stability and performance are all major factors that contribute to the top rating for this antispyware app.

Publisher's description

Remove spyware and protect your computer from pop-up ads, browser redirects (hijack), lagging performance and other malicious threats. Counterspy's Active Protection system employs dozens of online 'guards' who continually monitor your PC for suspicious software attempting to install. CounterSpy is antispyware that gets its updated spyware definitions from three sources, including our own research team, Microsoft's own spyware research group, and directly from users, like you.

Version 2.1.917 includes Kernel Level Active Protection, hybrid antispyware engine, scan and clean on boot feature, and Vista compatibility.

Xilisoft Video Converter Platinum

Convert video files between various video & audio formats.

Download Now

More popular Spyware Removers downloads

1. 742,403 downloads 1. Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware
2. 571,835 downloads 2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
3. 100,087 downloads 3. IObit Security 360
4. 97,718 downloads 4. Spybot - Search & Destroy
5. 27,975 downloads 5. Trend Micro HijackThis
6. See all Spyware Removers downloads