Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
Spybot Search & Destroy is a free antispyware utility that targets adware, malicious code, and other threats. It also cleans security tracks, shreds files, and tweaks the Registry. The optional TeaTimer feature protects the Registry from real-time attacks. Spybot isn't a replacement for a full antivirus program, though it does detect and remove some threats. It's a constantly updated, on-demand adware and malware scanner you can run regularly to sweep your system. Spybot S&D is free for personal use.
Spybot's Setup screen let us choose which components to install, including skins, languages, and integration with Security Center. A pop-up message warned against removing ad robots lest their associated apps stop working, but we were more interested in what the average user experiences when running Spybot, so we just left things as they were downloaded.
Before it scans your system, Spybot asks to back up your registry -- let it. It only takes a minute or two. Even though the risk is low, Spybot has the power to delete what you let it delete, and a backup can save your bacon if something goes wrong. When we finished the setup process, Spybot asked if we wanted to read the tutorial or the help manual or start using the program. We opted for the extensive manual, which covers everything from basic options to settings for visually impaired users. Spybot's been around since the days of Windows 95, with many updates, so users have abundant resources: tutorials, FAQs, how-tos, forums, and so on.
It sounds like a long path to running Spybot, but in fact it's a quick and easy process. The main tool, Search & Destroy, has three buttons: Check for Problems, Recovery, and Updates (Spybot's menu also offers Recovery and Immunize features). The program offered a Hint of the Day while it scanned, though our initial scan took a lot longer than the tool tip took to read. Spybot found adware burrowed into our test PC. We had to run Spybot again as an Administrator and reboot to clean it all. But that's thorough cleaning and fine with us. Security-minded users should definitely try Spybot Search & Destroy.
Spybot-Search & Destroy-Search your hard disk and registry for threats to your security and privacy. -Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Safer-Networking:
Spybot - Search & Destroy can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot also can clean program and Web-usage tracks from your system, which is especially useful if you share your computer. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. For advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware and to malicious program installations. The handy online-update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listings of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents.
What's new in this version: Version 1.6.2 features support for the latest Opera releases, support for Google Chrome, and improved support for fast user switching while Spybot is running.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 5,634 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 761 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Great program in it's own class"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Spybot fills it'd own class with no programs. Works very nicely with my other protection programs.
Cons
None in the last
Summary
I have been using Spybot for what seems like a lifetime and it has never let me down. It's a first class program and this version is great. And it's FREE, WOW
Cons
Davey-O
Updated on Apr 3, 2013
None in the last 15 years or more -
"Very well constructed, easy to understand and use."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Excellent, seems to be easily configured.
Cons
Does not run automatically.
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"confusing to use"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
seems to pick up discrepancies
Cons
Keeps asking for administrator. I am the administrator but not sure how to relay it to this program
Summary
really can not give a fair one with out it working to its fullest
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"gr8est app since sliced bread"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
It's great for protecting my PC from the hackers on the cable company ISP network takes care of the spyware n adware
Cons
takes alot of RAM I need more RAM now
Summary
Spy Bot Search and Destroy even detected when I was making changes via msconfig I like their shredder also
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"Easy to use, does the job"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Does a great job of findng the crap the weasels put on the machine
Cons
Still should run other products to catch what it might miss
Summary
Hard to beat.
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"Definitely Worthwhile !!"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Easy to use in default mode; catches most spyware/adware; has some nifty extra features such as settings protection, registry snapshot, immunization, IE BHO, etc. Also, their support is outstanding: when I was new to the program and had a problem with a setting, I contacted them and got an e-mail back from a team member the very next day.(The solution was so simple, I had completely overlooked it - uh, duh!)
Cons
On occasion it misses stuff; that's why I always use more than 1 anti-spyware program. Also, the settings can be very intimidating to a novice user - I'd suggest staying in default mode and taking your time to really learn the program before getting into the advanced settings. It's worth the effort, as this is a deceptively sophisticated program.
Summary
For years the "defacto standard" in anti-spyware programs, Spybot S&D is still worthy of a place in your system. It may not always catch everything, but it's additional features make it worth having. I definitely recommend it.
I have just recently upgraded to Version 2 (go to www.safer-networking.org ), and if you like v. 1.6.2 you're going to love their new version. I'm still checking it out, so I can't tell you much, but it seems to have some major improvements (faster scan times, malware detection, registry protection, to name a few.) I don't know why CNET doesn't have it yet, but I used a mirror : DownloadBestSoft.com which specializes in freeware and is well worth checking out.
Updated on Mar 7, 2013
Updated on Mar 7, 2013I have just recently upgraded to Version 2 (go to www.safer-networking.org ), and if you like v. 1.6.2 you're going to love their new version. I'm still checking it out, so I can't tell you much, but it seems to have some major improvements (faster scan times, malware detection, registry protection, to name a few.) I don't know why CNET doesn't have it yet, but I used a mirror : DownloadBestSoft.com which specializes in freeware and is well worth checking out. -
"Spectacular Solid..."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Clear something that I do not expect...
Cons
Well,it interrupt the startup..and had conflict with other spyware removal
Summary
It works very well overall..thanx
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"one of the greats! solid product for a decade for me"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
very fast and efficient
Always finds and fixes whatever apparent problem I may have
Be greatful to SBSD because i prefer it over big names software like McAfee or Norton.. Those other softwares slow down the computer and is way to damn active with pop ups and approval! its like damn shut up already!
Its great to do one each restart or at the end of the day
!!Cons
umm none IMO this is one of the best and efficient.. doesnt not slow your computer at all
Summary
I dont believe its really necessary for the average use to have any products constantly running or a firewall... Just be careful where you browse.. check a link url before clicking it.. just use good judgement.. if ya look at questionable sites or downloading.. just after you do run the program SPYBOT.. Then also run lavasoft ad aware the free version.. the two together have always worked so well for me and i have done a lot of downloading that is high risk.. and still have not lost files from virus/trogan.. just back up your files as often as you can on external.. god forbid you get super jacked on the computer.. do a reinstall of windows for the novice and for the more educated.. do a complete formatting and a fresh install so your like new!!
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"It finds it and destroys it.. great program."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
I find it very useful when it come to hidden and harmful spyware and malware as well as other things like fake anti-virus programs.. when other programs fail, Spybot SD delivers. it has helped me for many computers for many years and has proven once again to be valuable.
Cons
I would that they would make it easier to the average user to use with simple icons for target areas and updates.
Summary
overall I feel confident in this program..
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"Gives me confidence that I am safe"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Manually activated so it does not interfere with other automatic anti-virus software. Seems to do a good job in detecting and eliminating threats.
Cons
None. Except both Spybot and Avast seem to be unable to eliminate a recurring issues with an offline piece of code in a browser I don't use (Chrome)
