CNET Editors' review
When it comes to software, the desktop is the best neighborhood, and nearly every piece of software tries to move in there. Some merely set a shortcut, but others "do things," often things you don't want and, worse, can't undo.
You have several options for restoring your desktop settings when software hijacks them, most of which aren't difficult but nevertheless often prove challenging to those users who really don't care what's "under the hood" of their computer any more than they do their car or their washing machine. For them, Random Rhythm's Desktop Hijack Fix offers a fast, simple, and free way to restore a damaged or corrupted desktop. It can also back up your desktop settings.
Desktop Hijack Fix has an ultrasimple interface with only three buttons: Restore desktop default settings, Backup current settings, and Remove policy restrictions, with a message indicating whether desktop policies were currently enabled. Since there was nothing wrong with our test system's desktop, we opted to back up our settings before proceeding. We pressed the button, and a pop-up advised us that our settings had been backed up. A new button appeared on the desktop labeled Restore backup settings. We clicked Restore default backup settings, and our background color and wallpaper disappeared, replaced by the default Windows blue. However, our icons didn't change, nor did our taskbar settings.
The back up settings button let us update our stored settings to the current, default desktop settings. Next we clicked the button that removed our desktop policy settings, a more serious step that removed several policies, but our desktop suffered no ill effects. So far, so good. Next the acid test: restoring our original, preferred settings. We clicked the button to restore our settings, and Desktop Hijack Fix put things back the way they were, including our wallpaper slideshow.
This fast, simple freeware can cut through your desktop issues with a few clicks, leaving you with default settings and an opportunity to start again with a clean, fresh desktop. Run it before you try any software that monkeys with your desktop. When something happens, and it will, you can fix it with Desktop Hijack Fix.
Publisher's Description
From Random Rhyhtm:
Desktop Hijack Fix can be used to fix most problems in which your normal background is not displayed. Usually in the backgrounds place there is another image or website which has hijacked the desktop. You can use Desktop Hijack fix to restore default settings for your desktop and remove any changes that had been made. You can also use this tool to remove policy restrictions associated with malware.
You can use Desktop Hijack Fix to restore default settings for your desktop and remove any changes that have been made. It can also be used to backup your current desktop configuration to be restored later if you choose to not restore the default settings. During running operation this tool has been designed to alert you if you desktop or related settings have been hijacked based off your previous configuration. If malicious software has been indentified the tool can quarantine the virus file. Desktop Hijack Fix has the ability to scan for and remove policy settings that may have been imposed by malware. When malicious software hijacks your desktop it may put policies in place to keep you from undoing the changes it has made and prevent you from removing the malware itself. This includes preventing access to the display icon in the control panel, task manager, regedit or even the whole control panel.What's new in this version: Version 1.4.1 added system tray icon and compatibile with Windows 7.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 6 votes
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Current version:
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Results 1-6 of 6
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"Wonderful! Great!"
Version: Desktop Hijack Fix 1.3.6
Pros
After several days of downloading and trying other software to rid myself of this annoying hijack screen problem, I stumbled on this.
It's easy to use ... wish I had found it earlierCons
There's nothing I don't like about this software.
Summary
Easy to use
Quickly fixes the hijack screen problem right before your eyes. (no need to restart to see the results)
Great! Does the job! -
"it's a life saver!!"
Version: Desktop Hijack Fix 1.3.6
Pros
Verrry Helpful,takes a bit of getting used to,personally no used to operating without a desktop,spoiled I guess.
Cons
has to ne run from within windows,be handy if you could load on a flash drive and run from there. Hot complaining yhough !!
Summary
Excellent little program,easy download,fairly simple install,gets right to the job at hand,very efficient. Saves a kot of Head Ache &Heart Ache.
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"it's not the size, it's how good it is that counts"
Version: Desktop Hijack Fix 1.2
Pros
simple and easy to use
just one click and it will do the restCons
it's design is kinda simple but that doesn't matter!
Summary
I have had my desktop hijacked for about a year now and I been trying everything to fix it. But then I find this program and it just *poof* and it was back to normal! This is a must have, it is simple to use and gets the job done. It may be small but it packs one hell of a punch!
I personally recommend this program to fix your desktop problems -
"Great Job!"
Version: Desktop Hijack Fix 1.2
Pros
Very easy setup and use. This allowed me to get functionality right away.
Cons
I lost a major program, but it can be reinstalled
Summary
Likes: Ease of use
Dislikes: Needs a help section -
"Very little tool but very powerful"
Version: Desktop Hijack Fix 1.2
Pros
It is very good, It did what i wanted it to do for me.
It is very useful.
Cons
none
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"It gave me my desktop back."
Version: Desktop Hijack Fix 1.2
Pros
My PC seriously got bombed by trojan,spy/malware and other hijacks ALL AT ONCE! Even after removing the harmful files it all desktop looking a disaster.....most of my permissions were changed (taskbar, registry) my taskbar time clock was showing in military time, my C: and D: drives were completely gone and my start menu items were gone.
I eventually came here looking for help and discovered this prog and just with a few single button pushes it restored everything back to normal ( my permissions, hidden items and icons) with this simple programs i was able to restore my system back and also make a backup just case something else may happen in the future.
This is download is must for all users and recommended for others in situations like mine and a good program to have before something does happen.
Cons
Nothing much....it wasn't able to relieve a few small bumps and bruises, but if your somewhat computer savy it will give you a good head start and getting your back to normal.
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