- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (See description); $29.95 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: October 19, 2008
- 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 1351 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 now detects and blocks even more forms of spyware and adware to ensure your computer is safe against the latest online threats. Now fully compatible with the latest Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit PCs, Spy Sweeper also delivers integrated online backup and restore capabilities to protect your digital photos and other irreplaceable files against hard drive crashes, fire, theft, and accidental deletion. 1GB of online backup space is included for free.
Version 6.0 includes online backup and restore feature with 1GB of online backup space and adds compatibility with Windows Vista 64-bit.
CNET Editor's Note: Removal of current infection is limited to the paid version.
What's new in this version:
Version 6.0 includes online backup and restore feature with 1GB of online backup space and compatibility with Windows Vista 64-bit.
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User reviews of Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0
- Average user rating: 3.4 stars out of 1351 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 32 user reviewsSee all 32 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0
"Very Annoying Engine Update Process"
Pros: 1.) Does it's job moderately well although I occasionally find viruses that somehow slip under it's radar
2.) Fairly flexible options
3.) little or no interference problems with this program and other applicationsCons: Does it's job moderately well but the process of installing the new engine updates (not the virus updates) is very, very annoying.
Summary: 1.) Installing virus updates is easy but installing engine updates is VERY annoying.
a.) Must download a special file from Webroot to completely remove all the installation files as Vista apparent doesn't do the job.
b.) you must aga... read more >> -
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0
"Stupid addition of "Backup" ruins a once good product"
Pros: Only the pieces of the program that were worth anything were the parts that resembled the previous versions.
Cons: I did not like the addition of a "Backup" function being added to a piece of commercial software whose job is to STOP SPYWARE AND ADDWARE.......I repeat TO STOP SPYWARE AND ADDWARE...PERIOD!!!
Summary: Having used paid for versions of spysweeper for years, I had the misfortune of downloading the upgrade version (6). The product served its purpose for many years and kept my computer free of any infections. Now I had a totally silly addition that wo... read more >>
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4 out of 6 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0
"Fine if you do fresh install"
Pros: hourly updates, flexible timer for auto scans
Cons: lost all of the previous versions features when I updated to new version. Update failed to function
Summary: Product works great when done from fresh install, however I already had a previous version and was prompted to update my current subscription for free. Big Mistake!! New version failed to function and didn't acknowledge my current key code or subsc... read more >>
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5 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0
Pros: I've been using Spy Sweeper for years
Cons: Spy Sweeper has been getting worse and now they've released a nightmare version that's completely awful
Summary: I've been a loyal customer for years but it's time to go, if they think their customers are going to put up with releasing garbage then they've got another thing coming
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6 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Version: Webroot Spy Sweeper 6.0
"SPYSWEEPER 6 IS A TERRIBLE PRODUCT"
Pros: Nothing. There is nothing to like. Zero. Zilch. Nada.
Cons: SECURE BACKUP is a nightmare. It's free and you get what you pay for. Actually, secure backup will waste your time. TTry and get rid of it. You can't do it. UNINSTALL leaves a mess. This product is a nightmare.
Summary: Spysweeper used to be good. Not anymore. It's just terrible. Evertthing about it -- from the updates -- to backup to their database is terrible. pockmarked by greed. Look at the prices Webroot wants to charge customers who have already purchased th... read more >>
- See all 32 user reviews Write review
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