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- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/NT
- Date added: December 10, 2007
- Total Downloads: 10,582,376
- Downloads last week: 24,954
- Product Ranking: #5 in Spyware Removers
- See full specifications
- CNET Community
- This product is on 215 member lists. Add to my list Add to my Watch List
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 662 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff on November 08, 2008
If persistent spyware is bogging down your computer, you might need HijackThis. The tiny program examines vulnerable or suspect parts of your system, such as browser helper objects and certain types of Registry keys. Pressing the Scan button generates a log of dozens of items, most of which are just customizations. Don't check off an item and hit the Fix Checked button unless you're sure it's malware. Clicking Info on Selected Item tells you why the entry was flagged as suspicious, but not whether it's actually malware. To find that out, search the Web for that item's name or go straight to a forum, such as SpywareInfo or Computer Cops. Saving the log creates a text document you can post to these forums.
The latest version adds powerful tools to the Config window. The process manager and hosts file editor help you excise virulent infections. The unique ADS Spy tool scans for alternate data streams, which some browser hijackers use to hide from spyware removers. The program still installs into whatever directory in which you unzip the file, which can make it hard to locate. HijackThis is a serious tool for any user who needs to root out a serious infestation, but wield it with caution.
Watch the CNET video review of Trend Micro HijackThis:
Publisher's description
From Trend Micro:HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive--areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites. As a result, false positives are imminent, and unless you're sure about what you're doing, you always should consult with knowledgeable folks before deleting anything. Version 2.0.2 includes unspecified updates.
What's new in this version:
Version 2.0.2 includes unspecified updates.More popular Spyware Removers downloads
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- 26,069 downloads 4. SpywareBlaster
- 24,954 downloads 5. Trend Micro HijackThis
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User reviews
- All versions: 4.2 starsout of 662 votes
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- 1 stars
- Current version: 4.0 starsout of 239 votes
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- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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4 stars
33 out of 38 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"Good product"
Pros: I didn't give it five stars because it's not exactly perfect for everyone but it's good enough for advanced Windows users and for people who understand computers and running processes. I downloaded this product since I'm an ok Windows user trying to find out my problems. I didn't have any spyware, however this program really helps you find out those suspicious and unknown items that are hiding somewhere inside your computer. All you do is check the ones you want to remove and then delete it. Simple, small, easy and hard to use at the same time. On computer tech sites, if you ask for help, people would often ask you to post your Hijack log. I would say this product is favored by many people.
Cons: So like I said, I gave it four stars because it's not exactly perfect but good enough for those who knows computers well. I would recommend this product even if you don't know how to use it, you can always log your contents and ask for help in a computer tech support site.
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5 stars
20 out of 23 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"excellent advanced tool"
Pros: for getting rid of pesty malware or spyware. Try it and post a scan log on a site such as computer cops or download.com's forum.
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3 stars
21 out of 25 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"A detailed anti-spyware tool."
Pros: It generates a detailed list of suspicious items.
Cons: However, it takes an expert to decide what should be removed. Not for the beginner.
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5 stars
14 out of 17 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"Finally.."
Pros: Managed to get rid of a few files that insisted to stay on my computer.
Cons: Use with caution, this is a very powerful program.
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4 stars
17 out of 23 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"Find the Key Problem!"
Pros: Removes Keys to disable the program's actions and maybe delete it!
Cons: Doesn't really remove the full problem... Use CCleaner, RegMech and Ad-Aware 2007 to clean fully
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3 stars
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"Awful, use OSAM Autorun Manager instead"
Pros: My computer was infested with the AdWare. It created a lot of job-files in my Tasks folder and HijackThis didn't show me that :(((
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1 stars
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"Not for the neophyte"
Pros: Free download.
Cons: The virus I got would not let the program open. In the end I used Superanti spyware and that worked.
Summary: I found better products.
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1 stars
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"Hated this application! DO NOT DOWNLOAD!!!"
Pros: If any program takes control of my computer without my permission in any way - then I cannot find a pro about that program. This is such a program.
Cons: Shame on the developers of this one, it is supposed to be a tool to help you eliminate intruders and instead it decides to make msn.com your IE default homepage then changes your IE Tools Internet Options settings so you are unable to change it back!
Summary:
I had to download another application to fix my IE settings so I could change my default home page back!
Updated on May 30, 2009 -
3 stars
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"Too much information?"
Pros: It's good to have such a detailed analysis.
Cons: I'd prefer that it avoid false alerts.
Summary: This programme was unfortunately used by advisers who seemed to be incapable of distinguishing between real and imagined problems, which caused me a lot of unnecessary trouble.
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3 stars
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2
"Easy to download, no instructions on using."
Pros: Very fast, gives maximum coverage of potential problems.
Cons: No idea what is safe to remove. Afraid to take action with problem software.
Summary: Not sure if I like it or not. Still have problems, concerned that I might have removed necessary items while leaving bad items.
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