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- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: August 04, 2004
- Total Downloads: 8,030,350
- Downloads last week: 51,270
- See full specifications
A newer version of HijackThis is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 616 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
If persistent spyware is bogging down your computer, you might need HijackThis. The tiny program examines vulnerable or suspect parts of your system, such as browser helper objects and certain types of Registry keys. Pressing the Scan button generates a log of dozens of items, most of which are just customizations. Don't check off an item and hit the Fix checked button unless you're sure it's malware. Clicking Info on selected item tells you why the entry was flagged as suspicious, but not whether it's actually malware. To find that out, search the Web for that item's name or go straight to a forum, such as SpywareInfo or Computer Cops. Saving the log creates a text document you can post to these forums.
The latest version adds powerful tools to the Config window. The process manager and hosts file editor help you excise virulent infections. The unique ADS Spy tool scans for alternate data streams, which some browser hijackers use to hide from spyware removers. The program still installs into whatever directory in which you unzip the file, which can make it hard to locate. HijackThis is a serious tool for any user who needs to root out a serious infestation, but wield it with caution.
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Publisher's description
From Trend Micro :HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the registry and hard drive--areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, just the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites. As a result, false positives are imminent, and unless you're sure about what you're doing, you should always consult with knowledgable folks before deleting anything.
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User reviews of HijackThis 1.98.2
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 616 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 114 user reviewsSee all 114 user reviews
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3 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Version: HijackThis 1.98.2
Pros: I thought all this did was just do a quick scan and log files, nope!! This is very small, affordable (hint hint) and It removed stuff that others couldn't find for example I've used Microsoft AntiSpy, Ad-aware, Spybot, Bazooka, Win patrol, Spywareblaster all removed other spyware, adware and parts of someothers, except this I did remove manually parts of the toolbar. Never even used IE either. been a while and couldn't get the thing off, I thought it was gone and this finally rid me of the dreaded ebates(moemoneymaker) toolbar for IE. It's very powerful so for ensurance go to "hjt.iamnotageek[dot]com" and get help if ur not sure.
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2 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Version: HijackThis 1.98.2
Pros: Small, free and it works. Need I say more? Ok, then. It also set to default to backup deleted items. It seems like a risky program to use but its actually quite safe. Great for the occaisional item missed by AdAware and Spybot.
Cons: Not all items that are detected are dangerous, most are actually rather benign. Some objects don't stay deleted and are respawned by their host programs (like Netzero and Internet Explorer itself). Dunno if that's really a "con" but I figure it's worth mentioning. Other than that, HiJack This! is an essetial for keeping your computer in good shape. Also try AdAware, Spybot, Bazooka, and AntiVir.
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: HijackThis 1.98.2
Pros: This program will help remove stuff you don't want, such as hidden start-up items, extra toolbars, etc. It's actually not that hard to use, though many say it is. Just read a tutorial, or use the 'more info' button, and with a bit of your own knowledge, you should be able to deal with it. A general rule of them would be: If you recognize a program name that you use in the line somewhere, keep it. If you don't look into it a bit, or post it on a forum so other knowledgeable folks can tell you what they think.. I used this program to remove a particularly nasty piece of software that just kept coming back. With a bit of computer knowledge, this will blow spyware away. Oh yeah, no cost to you too.
Cons: "It's a deadly blade"
If you remove something, be sure you did make a backup...or else, if it was a harmless piece of software, you probably just damaged your browser.
Lists a bunch of irrelevant entries, but if you know the program, just add it to your ignore list and soon your list won't look so intimidating anymore.
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Version: HijackThis 1.98.2
"Completely eradicated my hijack problem where others failed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
Pros: 1. Free
2. Scans and displays registry keys
3. Output to log file so you can send the scan to someone who knows what it means.
4. Widely-used, so you can google on what the scan means, and fix it yourself.
5. Quick and effective.
I was able to eliminate a hijack-trojan in my IE browser. Here is a short list of utilities that COULD NOT permanently fix the error:
McAfee Antivirus, SpyWare Doctor, Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta), Yahoo Anti-Spyware Toolbar, Ad-Aware SE, SpyBot S&D, and NoAdWare.
Most of the products above would restore the default settings of the browser, but they would not detect and repair the root-cause of the error (in this case, an unwanted sehlp.dll file). Because of this, the programs would fix the browser, until the browser was stopped and restarted - at which time, the hijack would return.
Only HiJack This allowed me to view the registry-settings involved and let me pick and choose which settings to fix and which ones to leave alone. I couldn't be more satisfied with the product.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: HijackThis 1.98.2
Pros: fast
Cons: Doesn't select what is good or bad, so you have to determine yourself what to delete
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