- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: April 05, 2005
- Total Downloads: 8,537,269
- Downloads last week: 39,718
- See full specifications
A newer version of Trend Micro HijackThis is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 615 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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 knowledgable folks before deleting anything.
What's new in this version:
.
More popular Spyware Removers downloads
- 742,403 downloads 1. Ad-Aware Free Anti-Malware
- 571,835 downloads 2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
- 100,087 downloads 3. IObit Security 360
- 97,718 downloads 4. Spybot - Search & Destroy
- 27,975 downloads 5. Trend Micro HijackThis
- See all Spyware Removers downloads
User reviews of Trend Micro HijackThis 1.99.1
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 615 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 5 of 254 user reviewsSee all 254 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
186 out of 208 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 1.99.1
"The most useful tool in fighting spyware/adware/malware."
Pros: Its free.
Everybody knows and uses it.
Helps in removal of spyware/adware that most Antispyware programs can't completely clean.
Provides logging of everything it scans.
Provides backups of everything you clean.
Scans and fixes things that antispyware programs never even touch or fix.
No installer...it really isn't needed.
Cons: Absolutely not newb friendly. You had better have some computer know-how before using this program. That, or you have a source for submitting the log HijackThis outputs for help.
Needs a more colorful interface.
Could have more built into it to help new users.
For some reason, even without an installer HijackThis inserts itself into the Add/Remove programs list in the Control Panel after first use.
-
140 out of 175 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 1.99.1
Pros: It does exactly what it says. Easy to use, very fast, and it's free.
Cons: Not for the novice user. I scanned my system and it returned about 15 registry entries, all of which where legit entries. If you do not know what you are deleting, don't delete anything. Always consult Google before removing an unknow program or registry entry.
-
91 out of 109 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 1.99.1
Pros: A few minor updates..Great for the pesky spyware and adware that manage to avoid being detected and automatically removed by spyware+adware software. This has a whole bunch of other tools, and it is very detailed about what is installed and running. just check what to remove and it's gone. This can be a little overwhealming if you dont know much about what is installed there is a log analyzer that will help out on the situation, hjt.iamnotageek.com
-
97 out of 121 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 1.99.1
Pros: You have to know what you are doing, with this one. It will list most of your programs as being infected on the first scan. If you know your files,folders, and programs are Ok, put them on the ignore list from future scans,(if you are sure they aren't infected) Like I said, not for a novice. Hijack This scans and removes very fast, and makes a nice addition to your spy remover arsenal. 5 stars and two thumbs up.
-
76 out of 99 people found this review helpful
Version: Trend Micro HijackThis 1.99.1
Pros: this is one of the most helpful software in discovering what happens on your computer . Fantastic diagnostic program , very light & efficient , can monitorize precisely running preocess helping detect spyware or viruses hangin' around whole computer
Cons: ...unfortunately is not a program for rookies . U need to know a little of your computer before starting using it
- See all 254 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
Previous Versions:
