- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (See description); $29.95 to buy (Buy it now)
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: August 20, 2007
- Total Downloads: 11,338,687
- Downloads last week: 3,204
- See full specifications
A newer version of Webroot Spy Sweeper is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1350 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 is a tool used to stay safe from spyware, adware, keyloggers, and Trojans, all of which can lead to identity theft and fraud. With Webroot Spy Sweeper installed on your PC, you can use the Internet without fear of infection. Webroot Spy Sweeper uses powerful Smart Shields that block threats before they can infect your computer and even scan incoming and outgoing emails for infection. Webroot Spy Sweeper quickly and effectively provides maximum protection with minimal interaction. With an easy-to-use console and customizable options, Webroot Spy Sweeper makes maximum protection a snap, plus Webroot offers FREE US-based phone and email support. You won't have to scan and restart your PC over and over with Webroot Spy Sweeper - one sweep and your PC is clean.
Note: Removal of current infection is limited to the paid version.
What's new in this version:
Version 5.5 includes inbound and outbound e-mail attachment scanning and enhanced real-time threat protection capabilities.
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User reviews of Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5
- Average user rating: 3.4 stars out of 1350 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 78 user reviewsSee all 78 user reviews
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81 out of 81 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5
"They killed the beauty of this product."
Pros: I used to love Webroot Spy Sweeper
Cons: Yeah. Webroot has killed the beauty of this product. They used to offer this product as trial version for 15 days without any limitations. I agree with CNET editor's review by the way:
"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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73 out of 75 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5
"There are better choices then Spy Sweeper!"
Pros: I first bought this program in 2006 and used it on and off (more off then on). I didn't renew even though I could have for $19.95. It was recently given to me as a gift on a CD in version 5.2. Installed on my Win XP Pro SP2 drive to my many regrets (dogged a fast system. uninstalled immediately). I tried to install on my Vista Home Premium and was immediately prompted to contact Webroot support to obtain a Vista compatible version, I did. Believe it or not, it runs better on Vista then XP for me but I have some concerns.
Cons: I compare other anti-spy programs to Spy Emergency 2007 which is my first choice. Why? because it's fast, light, looks great with skins and detects and deletes infections with it's huge data base nearing 1.000.000 signatures. Spy Sweeper has a paltry 230,000+ (to few signatures in todays market). A full sweep is very slow though fairly effective. It slows me down in a full sweep where the other mentioned program doesn't at all.
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50 out of 50 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5
"WARNING DO-NOT install on Windows vista ultimate w/o SP1"
Pros: Works just fine on XP but...Only scans and, will NOT Remove anything. So, if it finds some bad stuff YOU'RE gonna have to shell out some dough.
Cons: If you install this program on Windows Vista Ultimate w/o SP1 get ready to use safe mode to get RID of it. You will experience your very first Vista Blu-screen of death. (I really dont remember what the error was) my advice stay away from this program. You've been warned!!!
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73 out of 76 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5
"Does not play well with others"
Pros: Nice UI. Fairly quick but comprehensive scans. Shields pro-actively protect key system areas. Reasonable price if you shop around.
Cons: RAM footprint is OK but CPU usage for me was high. I installed it as backup to for KIS 7. They are not compatible. Real problems particularly at start up. Tried to tun it to 'on demand' only but regardless of settings it tries place a start up entry in the registry after each scan and reactivates the shields whether you want them or not.. Tried to find alternative combination that might work. It does not get along with any of the main security suites. The shields are looking to do the same job as the security suites. If you use stand alone AV, firewall etc it would probably be a decent app.
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31 out of 51 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5
"It's available with or without the Anti-Virus."
Pros: The anti-virus add on just costs $10.00 more. Where I had issues with the last version (supposedly compatible with "Vista"), this version has resolved the problem of "Vista' compatibility. This application is an effective anti spyware product with several active protection and scan options. But it still lags in comparison to "Spy Emergency 2007". This version runs fine with "Vista" and the company offers good tech support except after a new release. Everybody is calling them then.
Cons: It's a resource hog and noticeably slows system startup and other applications like "Firefox". It's not that bad on ram usage but is terrible with your processor , even on a powerful computer. The signature data base is over 188,000 but thats light next to other, like applications. "Webroot" is working on their software, trying to improve them, but this one still isn't ready for prime time. Because of these cons, I can't recommend this product.
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