- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (See description); $29.95 to buy (Buy it now)
- Operating system: Windows XP/Vista
- Date added: March 03, 2009
- Total Downloads: 11,396,819
- Downloads last week: 3,849
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1359 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
This rock-solid antispyware tool gets an upgrade for Windows Vista compatibility, but with its spyware-removal limitation, the protection offered is only as good as the money you pay for it.
The interface is easy to understand, and the Home section should steer new users to the necessities: starting a scan, checking shield status, and updating definitions. As in older versions, the Quarantine section will let you restore any components accidentally altered after a system scan. The Sweep option includes a flexible scheduler, the ability to change the default scanning method level, and other options to customize the program. In addition to its real-time, browser, and ActiveX shields, the app offers several barriers to other threats such as Windows Messenger Service exploits, keyloggers, rogue start-up items, and pesky rootkits.
There were no problems running the app on Vista, but be sure to uninstall any other third-party antivirus apps to avoid conflicts. Unfortunately, Spy Sweeper maintains its detection-only trial limitation, making it impossible to test how well it actually removes malware. Anybody concerned with keeping malicious software and viruses off their computer shouldn't bother with the trial unless they're pretty sure they're going to buy the full version.
Publisher's description
From Webroot Software :Webroot Spy Sweeper delivers spyware detection, blocking and removal, with 360 degrees of protection. Dangerous spyware is blocked before reaching your PC, and any existing spyware on your computer is located and destroyed. The new Gamer Mode allows for fast, safe gaming and online video viewing. Webroot's WARN global response system utilizes the millions of subscribers to block the latest online threats. The new version of Webroot Spy Sweeper now detects and blocks even more forms of spyware at the point of infection.
Version 6.1 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
CNET Editor's Note: Removal of current infection is limited to the paid version.
What's new in this version:
Version 6.1 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.3 stars out of 1359 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 46 user reviewsSee all 46 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
"SCAREWARE- don't waste your time (or money)"
Pros: None- until uninstall
Cons: 100's of bogus alerts after thoroughly scanning w/other reputable programs, resource hog when sweeping- slows system down to a crawl at best, a halt at worst, read the other reviews for more CONS
Summary: Obviously trying to secure a subscription purchase with fake alerts- wish I had read all the reviews before I dowloaded and wasted 5+ hours with a full sweep... shame on you, Webroot, because your program used to have a good reputation! DO NOT BUY... read more >>
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Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
Pros: NONE, NONE, NONE
Cons: Webroot let the same virus in to my computer 3 times now. Each time the tech support would not answer my support tickets. I had to call them each time to ask for help, each call kept me on hold for an average of 45-60+ min. Told to reformat computer.
Summary: Same virus hit my computer on 3 different occasions. Webroot, I found out can only react after the customer or the RD dept finds a virus. I was told to send them a file that contained the virus and they would create a removal program. I told them th... read more >>
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Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
Pros: The product is average. Not neccessarily great, but not bad either. Finds and stops most intrusions.
Cons: The company. Apparently what is most important, as it is with most companies... money!
Summary: I used this product for 2 to 3 years and it worked well for me. When Microsoft's Security Essentials came along, I no longer needed to pay for software like this. I had decided to let my subscription lapse as I no longer used the product. I received... read more >>
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Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
"SPYSWEEPER IS A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY"
Pros: There is not one good thing to say about this version 6.1.
Cons: It will gum up your machine. Make it hard to start. It will not scan smoothly.
Summary: It will turn off any anti-virus program you are running. It will try and void your current subscription to that product. It will beg you to back up your computer on the crappy webroot site. It will gum up your machine. Make it hard to start. It will... read more >>
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Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
"Excellent spyware protection."
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nothing, worked perfect.
- See all 46 user reviews Write review
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