Features
-
License:
Free to try; $29.95 to buy (Buy it now)
- Editor's Rating:
- Average User Rating:
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Downloads:
11,298,195
- Operating Systems:
Windows Vista, Windows XP
- Additional Requirements:
No additional requirements
- Limitations:
See description
- Date Added:
March 03, 2009
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Previous Versions:
Publisher's description of Webroot Spy Sweeper
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.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- Microsoft Windows,
- Microsoft Windows Vista,
- Webroot Software Inc.,
- spyware
Editor's review of Webroot Spy Sweeper
stars
- "Sweep for threats"
- Version reviewed: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
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.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.4 stars out of 1333 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 22 user reviewsSee all 22 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
Pros: none that I can think of.
Cons: my brother installed this webroot and got error half way. After that, his IE and firefox can't make internet connection at all. I have to come out trying to fix this junk. Don't waste your money. Lots of good free/cheap stuff out there.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
Pros: When you have a 'good' edition, and the updated programs are frequent, it works as advertised. Whatever one I'm running now, that replaces the horror of the last 'update' of only 3 months or so, it' fast, clean and low load.
Cons: They release a new program every few months it seems and it's a gamble what you're getting. I've had this program for years and mostly it's been great. But have had a few 'not ready for prime time' releases.
Summary: My pros and cons pretty much cover it. I was ready to scrap it until this last update. And the update is a whole new program that uninstalls the one running and you have either Jekyle or Hyde waiting on the reboot. Have had it for 4 years and mos... read more >>
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Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
Pros: I guess that it works, in that it says that it does.
Cons: It is as if they are planting bugs in the software to sell their $29.95 timely support service. One would think that a smarter plan would be to reward customers with timely support.
Summary: I have had this and Window Washer for some years. Now Webroot has made me mad though, in that I have had problems with both. It would not have been a big deal, if I would have received some semblance of support.
They really are hyping... read more >> -
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
"Effectively ZERO free support, other major problems"
Pros: It is basically functional
Cons: No effective non "pay per incident" support, detected a virus their web site says does not exist, other major problem - see details below
Summary: Free phone support=hour(s) on hold, email support unanswered (2 times), auto reply (1 time) - had nothing to do with my question. Was never able to get any valid response.
One time, Spy Sweeper (SS) detected a virus (mal/virus-a) but wh... read more >> -
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.1
Pros: The interface is very user friendly. That's it.
Cons: 1) This bogged down my booting process to the point where it took me 10 minutes to be able to do anything after booting my computer.
2) Uninstalling this is a nightmare. It pollutes the registry and the uninstall tool doesn't remove all of it.Summary: Bottom line: It bogs everything down once it's installed, and it's a huge pain to get it off your computer. Don't buy this.
- See all 22 user reviews Write review
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