Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Prevx offers to clean up your computer by tracking down harmful viruses, spyware, and more. While the program looked to be a winner, it was impossible to know because of its substantial trial limitations.
Prevx impressed us immediately with its professional interface, which features a small collection of commands. We never visited the Help file because navigation felt intuitive at every step of the way. We successfully scanned our computer for corruptions with a single button. When the scan finished, Prevx listed each issue, where and what it was--we found only spyware--and the level of threat it posed. Another aspect we enjoyed was its pop-up feature, which opens a small warning window when something questionable is on the verge of being downloaded or viewed. We were pleased with the ease and readability of Prevx--until we tried to rid our computer of the offenses it identified. We were then told we'd need to purchase a license to clean up our infections, and therefore we can't say how quickly or effectively it did this duty. We appreciated its layout and scanning, but we were unable to get the full picture of its effectiveness.
Prevx claims to offer free detection and adware/MBR rootkit removal during its trial period. We can't confirm this since we only encountered spyware. While Prevx looked great and started off even better, we can't recommend it since we're not sure how well it does what it claims to do, which is clean computers.
Publisher's Description
From Prevx:
Use Prevx 3.0 free (see terms) to check if your PC is infected by malicious software such as rootkits, trojans, viruses, worms, bots, spyware and adware. Millions of people use Prevx 3.0 in this way for added security. They like the ultra-fast scans and the fact that Prevx 3.0 does not slow their PC in any way. Should Prevx 3.0 detect infections missed by your existing security product(s) you can always upgrade to add malware removal and protection at any time or report the infection to your existing security vendor. It's a great way to boost your PC security free of charge. Many Prevx 3.0 users run the fast scan to check their PCs several times a day.
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All versions:
3.2 starsout of 41 votes
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Current version:
3.2 starsout of 41 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Horrible and impossible to remove"
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
My bank insisted I use the program at no charge and I suppose it was working OK. But, I should have known you get what you pay for in this life.
Cons
There is no support either from the bank who insist you email (no telephone number available) Prevx, where you run into a brick wall since they just ignore you. For over a week I have tried to solve a problem Prevx is causing each time I boot up but no one will help me.
Summary
Don't take a chance and install the horrible program. At first I just wanted it fixed but now I want it off my system..............
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"excellent layer of protection"
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
runs perfectly with other antivirus
excellent anti phishing
secures financial transactions
extremely lightweightCons
freeware is not complete suite, will not clean up.
Summary
fantastic addition to arsenal.
i think this is a trial now and becomes webroot secureanywhere. it said 30 day trial, but i dumped it so don't know if it becomes a free to use after 30 day product (with detection but not removal live it used to be?). please update me if someone was brave enough to wait after 30 day period.
Updated on Apr 19, 2013 -
"Used PrevX for years & been virus-free AFAIK"
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
Been using 3.0 for last couple of years. Works seamlessly in the background. Provides an icon in the System Tray (WindowsXP-Pro/SP3) to assure me it's active. Rarely warns me about sites I visit (but I almost never visit "strange" ones).
Cons
I don't have any cons.
Summary
Best antivirus package I've ever used ... and it's cheap.
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"Useless customer service, program didn't work"
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
I didn't pay anything.
Cons
Had two levels to pick from, free SafeOnline or an 'upgraded' one (3.0 if I recall). Chose SafeOnline since it seemed to offer what I wanted from the info provided, and wanted to see how it worked first. Installed but kept getting an error message whenever it tried to do anything. Contacted Prevx's customer service and they told me that I must have downloaded it before and I need to get the paid version. Not only had I not downloaded it before I hadn't even heard of the program til a few days ago. (And frankly even if I had, this is an offer thru my bank to get this program for free regardless - if I don't want the paid version I shouldn't have to.) Replied to inform them that if that was the best their customer service had to offer then I don't want their product, and I'd be letting my bank know as well. Got another reply that they "might" be able to fix it if I let them have remote access to my computer. Yeah no thanks.
Summary
If they can't bother to have decent customer service, then what of their product? I've found similar complaints online, so its not just me. Don't bother with Prevx - waste of time...
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"pain in the ass, please for your own good don't get it"
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
finds some malware and tells you where it is (when I mean some I MEAN SOME)
Cons
- tells you that legit nonmalware programs are viruses (this happened so much)
- begs you to pay to get rid of the malwareSummary
please dont get this for your own good especially if you are a gamer it always flagged my games as viruses
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"Worth the money. Cleans and protects system for a year."
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
I've used it over and over again at the office and with friends. Thumbs up, gets the job done and saves hours.
Cons
None for me.
Summary
May have to install in safe mode, depending if Malaware hijacks browsers. Initial scan on line seems lengthy but necessary. Reboot in regular mode and After that it gets the job done. Our family each have a license.
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"Lightest and fastest out there."
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
Very fast scan. Extremely light on resources.
Cons
Lots of false positives. This was fixed by setting heuristics to low (default is medium).
Summary
I've had this for over a year-I have been infection-free.I have no idea what the negative comments are about. My only concern is that Webroot acquired Prevx. I hope in version 4 they don't make this the bloatware Spy Sweeper became.
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"Install At Your Own Risk"
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
The interface "looks" appealing and professional.
Cons
When you want to remove it, it turns into a squatter; it clamps down and will not leave your hard drive (although you may be able to remove it from your active list of installed programs in the Control Panel).
Summary
If this is the kind of trouble that one has to go through to use a "try it free" product, then take a pass on this one. And I honestly don't know why CNet didn't do a better job vetting this product. Hopefully I can find a way to get it off of my hard drive without doing a hard format.....
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"Crappy piece of work!"
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
none i can think of
Cons
worst product ever, lets system stay unprotected
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"Efficient, reliable, and simply excellent!"
Version: Prevx 3.0.1.65
Pros
An excellent scanner.
Works best with a antivirus program such as Microsoft Security Essentials.
Authenticating feature.
Easy navigation.
Has self protection feature.Cons
Cons?! There are none.
Summary
The purchasing problem can be circumvented by using this as a scanner rather than as a malware removal program. Don't forget, this program allows you to track down the malware, pinpointing it's exact location, which you can then remove manually or with another program.
Of course, I'm using Prevx version 3.05.220, which is a more updated version. Nevertheless, I guarantee that this program is reliable and efficient.
It's features are superb, it's scanner is top notch, and you feel very secure with it turned on.
Updated on Feb 19, 2011
