- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: January 26, 2009
- Total Downloads: 111,190,802
- Downloads last week: 122,005
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 5231 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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 Patrick M. Kolla :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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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 5231 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 289 user reviewsSee all 289 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Cleans up your mess and prevents it from returning.
Cons: It does not have any features that I am not comfortable with.
Summary: It is the best spy ware and it will clean up your browser like non-other
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"One of , if not THE best spyware killers"
Pros: The ease of use, wide coverage and thoroughness of searches are key, as is the immunize feature.
Cons: There are no cons I've found, except maybe the time it takes to download updates.
Summary: Spybot S&D is about the easiest bot finder; one click and you're good to go. The protection feature is another key point, and just as easy to use. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"every time it upgrades it keeps getting easier to use."
Pros: It has gone from a slow, sluggish product to one that will run in the background, allowing you to do other things while it's working. It is also fairly easy to use, and I trust it implicitly
Cons: the 'exclude" feature does not really exclude the selected programs from the cache/cookies cleaning. A minor nit, but it can be annoying at times, since it clears out many passwords at the same time...
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
"Excellent program had the occasion to use it few time."
Pros: Performs as expected and more....
Cons: None that I can see.
Summary: You have to understand the principle behind this program. It is not for everybody...
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Version: Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.6.2
Pros: Good Program
Cons: No ptoblems
Summary: Works perfectfly.
- See all 289 user reviews Write review
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