Manage updates with the Download AppCNET 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 5,648 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 775 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Horrible experience"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
I'm not sure if it ever did anything constructive
Cons
I uninstalled because it would tell me my connection had timed out as soon as I clicked on a link. Once I uninstalled it, my web connection stopped working and Outlook wouldn't download pictures, the info bar disappeared.
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"Not like before. Won't create repair files + others"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
I'm quickly losing faith in Spybot.
Cons
Customer Service is quick on donation requests but short on solving issues. Software constantly ask for it to be run in Administrator setting.... why? I own this laptop and am the administrator. It is already set with me as the administrator. Now I get a error message saying can not create a certain file and quits any attempts to remove problem files. Because of this I still have malware on my pc with one malware site supposedly having 256 issues!! i AM UNINSTALLING SPYBOT IMMEDIATELY OR AT LEAST THEY CAN OFFER SOME KIND OF REAL TIME RESOLUTION TO THEIR OWN ISSUES. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO DONATE IF THEY WOULD JUST GET BACK TO WHAT THEY ONCE WERE.
Summary
Read the cons..... Spybot used to be much more powerful..... now they're just slow and weak!!
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"This one is worthless"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Nothing at all.
Cons
Below average detection and removal of malware. Particularly poor removal of rootkits. User interface has many awkward elements. Almost completely ineffective. Manual definition file updates, so no real-time protection.
Summary
Another mediocre product that doesn't even come close to living up to its marketing hype. For suckers only.
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"Another step in a long line of winners for this company"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Finds problems consistently (even when I created them deliberately to see what happened). Easy to use if you pay attention to the instructions and notifications.
Cons
Does not seem as flexible as earlier versions, but that may be because I'm just getting used to it again. It does take a bit of time to run a scan and fix, even on a 2gHz+ machine, but that has more to do with the thousands of "scrap files" (I know there is a nicer term, but let's call it what it is) that go along with the evolution of the Microsoft family of operating systems.
For what you get the tradeoffs are worthwhile.
I do wish they had more data on what the different malware is. Their database has always been a bit less than informative.Summary
One of the best of the best, and both simple and at an excellent price (no nag ware or other garbage ad files included with this baby). I recommend it highly.
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"Great in finding hidden viruses"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
I recently caught a lot of trojans in my computer and this is one of the anti virus i used, it found a lot of viruses which other antiviruses didnt find. it is unique in its own way and does its own work
Cons
None because it did as promised.
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"The best virus finder out there."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
It has always found those extra little bugs for me. I have used it for a little while now, and it will find any and everything in your system. I also use Malawarebytes to complete the extra virus scan. Spybot may find all the adaware, spyware and hidden viruses very well, but will not always get the malaware.
Cons
You have got to manually update yourself on the free version.
Summary
Very good. I always say, if my Spybot finds a lot of stuff, than my regular antivirus firewall is no good, because I 100% trust my spybot.
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"Finds it all!"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Recently found trojan that two other paid anti-virus programs missed.
Cons
Somewhat clunky to use until get used to it
Summary
I have used this on several computers now over many years and I have found that it finds and removes what my two other paid versions of anti-virus programs have not. After rebooting to clean it up,it then ran again and found two other minor issues that were not found on the first run. I had not gotten around to downloading on my new laptop; after this experience I am downloading today to protect it too!! Get it, well worth it.
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"well worth the download"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
its been awhile since I last used spybot it did a good job then,and
continues to do the same now.Cons
none at all
Summary
it seems to do a good job getting to grips with the smooth running of my computer.a must have download.
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"Effective easy to use."
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
Simple &straightforward to use. Seems to be very thorough. My computer guys use it themselves.
Cons
Can take a while.
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"Great program that protects your computer"
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros
It has a continues updated database, it can immunize your browser from know malicious sites, it secures against bot's and the annoying malware bars like Babylon and Incredibar.
Software is free, but you can buy / donate.Cons
Old userinterface - should have been updated in version 2 that I consider upgrading to.
It does take a little CPU power while running in background.Summary
In order to make full use of the software, you must right-click and run under administrator rights.
If you have been attacked by Babylon or Incredibar malware, this software may help. Winning combination with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.
