A newer version of Webroot Spy Sweeper is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- Average user rating: stars out of 1288 votes Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
User reviews
-
81 out of 81 people found this review helpful
1 stars
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."
-
73 out of 75 people found this review helpful
3 stars
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.
-
49 out of 49 people found this review helpful
3 stars
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!!!
-
73 out of 76 people found this review helpful
2 stars
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.
-
31 out of 43 people found this review helpful
3 stars
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.
Submit your review
You must be 13 years of age or older to submit personal information to CNET Networks. In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, CNET Networks does not accept name and e-mail address information from users who are under 13 years of age.
All submitted ratings and written comments become the sole property of CNET Networks, Inc. (CNET) and may be used at CNET Networks' sole discretion. Ratings and written comments are generally posted within two to four business days in batch groups, not in real time. However, CNET Networks reserves the right to remove or refuse to post any submission for any reason. You acknowledge that you, not CNET Networks, are responsible for the contents of your submission.
CNET Networks is not responsible for the content of the publisher's descriptions or user reviews on this site. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. CNET Download.com does not sell, resell, or license any of the products listed on the site. We cannot be held liable for issues that arise from the download or use of these products.

