CNET Editors' review
Spybot - Search & Destroy has been in the antispyware game for a long time offering features we've come to expect in the best apps in the category, but bugs and false positives make it difficult to recommend.
The program checks your system against a comprehensive database of adware and other system invaders. It also features several interface improvements, including multiple skins for dressing up its appearance. Scan results now appear arranged by groups in a tree, and a sliding panel lets you instantly view information about a selected item to help you decide whether to kill it or not. The Immunize feature blocks a plethora of uninvited Web-borne flotsam before it reaches your computer. Other useful tools, including Secure Shredder, complement the program's basic functionality for completely destroying files. Hosts File blocks adware servers from your computer, and System Startup lets you review which apps load when you start your computer.
Unfortunately, the program has the tendency to lock up at times and even during the install process for this review, we encountered several errors. The ambitious feature list and functionality make Spybot a good choice for those in search of a second antispyware program, and recent updates have made it run faster. It still makes errors in flagging spyware that isn't, and overall there are others in the category that do a better job.
Watch the CNET video review of Spybot - Search & Destroy:
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.
More Popular Spyware Removers downloads
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- Spybot - Search & Destroy
33,210 downloads
- Anvi Smart Defender
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- SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition
13,443 downloads
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 5,561 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 688 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Spybot Search & Destroy does what is says it will."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
It's easy to use for the slightly above average PC users. Provides lots of information on what you are picking up via the internet and provides some level of control over your ability to stop a variety of threats.
Cons
It's easy to do something to your PC that the average user probably shouldn't be messing with.
Summary
Overall it's a good product that allows you to keep your PC clean from preventing malicious programs to gain access, and allows you to delete things you don't want completely.
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"The problem (likely malware) was fixed by Spybot"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
I used the free version
Cons
none so far
Summary
Something was using all our internet bandwidth. Our anti-virus found nothing and when I ran Spybot, it found and fixed the problem.
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"WHATEVER THEY DID TO IT KILLED IT!!!"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
I have used it for years with few problems.
Cons
My current program apparently became corrupted. I downloaded the new version and it screwed up the computer. I couldn't get on the Internet or much anything else. After numerous attempts to try to figure out why it was happening, and correct it, I was forced to remove it. After that everything seemed to be fine.
Summary
Well, it used to be a decent program but obviously they have done something to it that makes it pretty much unusable. By the way, I'm running Windows 7 and use Firefox.
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"GREAT PROGRAM. CATCHES THINGS THAT OTHER PROGRAMS MISS."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
SIMPLE TO RUN. VERY EFFECTIVE
Cons
NO AUTOMATIC UPDATE
Summary
RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE. ALL MY FRIENDS USE IT.
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"great product"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
a++++++++++++++
Cons
a+++++++++++++++++++
Summary
a++++++++++++
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"GREAT SPYWARE PROTECTION TOOL"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Easy to use. Had on XP have been using on 7 seems to be doing the job!
Cons
can't think of any
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"Great program for finding adware and viruses"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
This program found a Trojan virus buried in the System 32 directory
Cons
Can't think of any
Summary
I love this program I run it about twice a month for piece of mind and computer
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"Not as good as it used to be"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
There really aren't many any more
Warns you against key registry changes, but often fails to stop them if you do not want themCons
Misses many well known threats such as MyWebSearch Adware and doubleclick.net tracking cookies. Teatimer is a resource hog for many of those who wish to use it. Does NOT really work well at all with Windows 7
Summary
The updates are sometimes more than a week apart, meaning that you're liable to get infected with something while they catch up. I used to use this program with my old Windows XP and I loved it. It blocked bad websites and ran through tracking cookies and other minor threats like a charm. Now I find it almost useless, I have it installed but rarely use it anymore. While running windows 7, there is a bug with the immunization process that often causes users to simply not be able to use the function. It's slow and awkward and locks up a lot. I just don't see the need for it anymore. Sorry Spybot, you have been passed by. I'd use any other program, even Ad-Aware... over Spybot now...
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"Can't open the download file.Site does not accept SerNo"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Can't open the download file.Site does not accept Serial No. e-mailed to me. I give up !
Cons
Can't open the download file.Site does not accept Serial No. e-mailed to me. I give up !
Summary
Can't open the download file.Site does not accept Serial No. e-mailed to me. I give up !
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"Remains a Key Member of my Security Defence Team"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
- Real Time Protection
- Start Up Programs Listing
- Good Knowledge Source for AntimalwareCons
- A Resource Hog and could definitely benefit from a major overhaul. Last one was back in January 2009.
Summary
With some 120 million users, Spybot continues to be reliable antimalware software, but there's no doubting that with no major review for 3 years, it's falling behind the competition.
Have just discovered Version 2 Beta 4 now released. I prefer not to download Beta's but look forward to release of the stable version 2
Notwithstanding, I maintain this in my defence team because of Tea Timer. This is the Real Time Protection element of Spybot, and there isn't much FREE software of this type around except SpyBlaster (also on my team) and Spyware Terminator which I find too invasive.
Does spybot perform ? I don't know, but my PC is clean, and so I continue to use and recommend it for Real Time Protection.
Updated on Dec 31, 2011
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