CNET Editors' review
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.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 706 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 20 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Always useful"
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
Have used this a long time. easy to see unwanted problems, such as hidden BHOs
Cons
noe found so far
Summary
As an additional check of what's installed, it's very good.
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"Very useful program to clean out the junk in startup."
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
Powerful, useful, identifies what is starting and what menus are impacted by programs.
Cons
You have to know what you are doing!
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"Excellent free program"
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
It works with internet explorer to detect BHO.
Cons
Not for the novice or faint of heart.
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"IT WORKS, THE END"
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
IT WORKS GREAT
Cons
IT DOESN'T SUCK
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"I depend on hijackthis to keep my computer clean."
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
hijackthis is great, I hope it always stays available.
Cons
I wish them the best.
Summary
I would hate to have to do without hijackthis.
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"I had hijack this on my other computer, Loved it."
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
Well I don't know what to say but it's the best I've ever seen used. I had my Browser hijacked once and used it onit and bam, It was out of there.
Cons
Don't know of any.
Summary
What can I say, Try it you'll love it too.
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"Very unhappy with Trend Micro's "Hijack This""
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
No known Pros.
Cons
Described as "free". Free only for 1st 100 finds. Then $29.95/yr min. After installing $29.95/yr version, my XP went from a little slow to now very slow after using this to "optimize" my system.
Summary
Described as "free", they don't tell you that if you want more than 100 finds fixed, you have to pay $29.95/yr, which I did (+$6.95 multi download charge) - deceptive practice. While checking out, they bombard you with ads for their various other products that confusingly sound like the one you are buying (Hijack This) and at additional costs. After running the $29.95/yr version of Trend Micro's Hijack This to optimize my XP system, I found that it seriously messed up my computer because my XP went from a little slow to now very slow at next boot. Now Icons are mysteriously disappearing from and sometimes re-appearing on my Task Bar, disks, folders and files open very slowly (2 min to open up a 2K Notebook text file), very slow boots and shut downs. I Had to go back to my 98SE. MY ADVICE: Absolutely do NOT download this horrific Trend Micro Hijack-This software!
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"really wonderful thing"
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
wonderful software, fast and simple yet many options and fully capable
Cons
you can rely on it
Summary
it is a helpful program
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"a useful auxiliary security utility"
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
nothing escapes it
Cons
May not have technical support.
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"gave me direction"
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.5 beta
Pros
It works! My problem may not have been big to others but it was major to me. I now feel human again and now can browse without seeing other browsers taking over.
Cons
HijackThis can be a bit overwhelming for Joe Average, you just cannot "gung ho" this application. Use with caution.
Summary
I was frustrated trying to remove a BHO. I downloaded HijackThis and within minutes I was able to see what and where my problem was. I went online, got more info, and then was able to remove this "thorn" easily, thus ending weeks of aggravation.
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