Version: 2008
  • On CHOW: Sexy vampire party

CNET Archive BETA

Find more recent Internet security and firewall products


advertisement

Spy Sweeper 5 (discontinued)

Spy Sweeper 5

Entered CNET Catalog: 06/07/2006

SKU: CNETWEBROOTSPYSWEEPER5

Manufacturer: Webroot Software

Content [Hide]
  1. CNET editors' review
  2. Users' opinions
  3. Blogs
  4. Keywords

CNET editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 07/17/2006
Webroot's Spy Sweeper is well known for being one of the better paid spyware detection-and-removal programs, and the previous version, 4.5, finished near the top in testing done by CNET Download.com. New in version 5 is a complete interface makeover, a keylogger shield, and four specialized scan engines to make sure your PC is free of malware. For an inside look, see our slide show. Spy Sweeper costs $29.95 at the start, plus there's an annual subscription fee to keep your signature files updated beyond one year. A 30-day free trial is available, but the trial version will not remove any spyware it detects; for that, you'll need to purchase the product, a practice we think is just plain wrong. Despite the many improvements in Spy Sweeper 5, our recommendation for the best antispyware application remains Lavasoft Ad-aware, which offers a fully functioning free version.

Setting up and installing Spy Sweeper is a snap, though you will have to reboot. After downloading a copy from the Internet or loading one from a CD, an installation wizard will walk you through a series of questions. Because some of Spy Sweeper's tools reside in the system kernel of the Windows operating system, it is one of the few antispyware apps that requires a system reboot upon install.

Leading up to this release, Webroot spent time on user-interface testing, and the results are on the screen. Spy Sweeper's new interface is cleaner, leaner, and more in league with that of other security applications, such as ZoneAlarm. By displaying vital information, such as signature file dates and dates in which scans were last run, in one convenient location, Spy Sweeper eliminates the need to drill down for such information. Spy Sweeper also fills in what had been just white space in previous versions, balancing the information on the screen. Individual tool pages have also been redesigned. For example, the Sweep page not only offers step-by-step instructions for finding and removing spyware, it also marks your process by highlighting one of three tabs across the top of the page.

Like the free apps Microsoft Windows Defender, Spy Sweeper includes proactive shields that scan for new pests that try to infest your system while you surf or download files. Spy Sweeper 5 now includes 13 proactive shields, including one devoted to blocking keyloggers. On the redesigned tools page, the shields are grouped by category (such as Windows System, Internet Explorer) so that you can see what those individual shields can do for you and toggle various options on or off.

Spy Sweeper is proactive, stopping you from accessing Web sites known to host spyware. While you are working or surfing the Internet, Spy Sweeper flags all new software installations with a brief pop-up over the taskbar in the lower-right corner of the screen and asks later whether to accept or remove the installed components. Oddly, we found Spy Sweeper to be noisy. Whenever we launched Windows, Spy Sweeper slashed the desktop with its logo screen, and when we were working, Spy Sweeper's pop-up alerts require us to take immediate action, such as registering our product or confirming that we did indeed install a new program to our desktop. While we appreciate the vigilance, we also prefer the quietness of Spybot Search and Destroy and Microsoft Windows Defender Beta, both of which work proactively but without the noise.

However, unlike Spybot Search and Destroy and Microsoft Windows Defender Beta, almost all of Spy Sweeper's functions can be automated. It can scan your system, update spyware definitions, delete quarantined files after a set time frame, and check all incoming files without you having to lift a finger.

Given the late availability of Spy Spweeper 5, we do not yet have new testing data for this release.

The context-sensitive, built-in help system within Spy Sweeper is very complete. If you still have questions, Webroot offers good online options, including extensive FAQs and e-mail technical support. Although Webroot assures us that toll-free live technical support is included in the purchase price, we were again unable to find the phone number listed within the product or on its Web site. Should you need live technical support, the toll-free number is 800/772-9383.

Spy Sweeper 5 makes serious strides forward toward keeping your system clean of spyware while offering a user-friendly interface. We wish that the free trial actually removed spyware to better convince users their $29.95 will be well spent upon purchase. Perhaps that'll come with the next release.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

User Rating: 1/10

Locked up computer, was disabled, Now, Runs great!by britebeed - April 23, 2009

Pros: not much of anything

Cons: Slowed down downloads big time, computer locks up.

Review:

User Rating: 10/10

Excellent Product Easy on Resourcesby jayw654 - September 10, 2008

Pros: Low on System Resources and it's very high effectiveness rate. Runs Clean.

Cons: Hackers, Malware and Spyware creators that attempt to discredit this program because it stops there evil deeds.

Review: I love this program it is very easy on resources, i installed it on a Dell 600Mhz laptop with only a hardly noticeable slowdown. On my 4Ghz machine there is no noticable slowdown at all. This program is the most effective program i have ever seen it finds what norton, AVG, adaware and kapersky leaves behind. It uses about 35 megs in memory which is very low for it's effectiveness. I have used this program for over 4 years and never had an issue out of it. I will say one thing when your machine first boots into windows i do notice a 1 minute wait for spy sweeper to load but after it loads it gives most of the ram used back and only uses 35 Megabyte of RAM space. Also i will warn people who like to crack software that this program finds any trojan or virus inthe the crack or hack it will auto delete it, however if you shut it down it will completely shut down and this gives you time to apply the crack then you can re-enable spy sweeper. This review is for version 5.8.1.55

User Rating: 2/10

Version 5 needs work!by Veetsamc - June 27, 2007

Pros: It is very good at cleaning spy ware

Cons: I downloaded the latest update as I have the paid version. So far, Outlook Express does not work. It worked before I ran the update.

Review: I downloaded the latest update as I have the paid version. So far, Outlook Express does not work. It worked before I ran the update. Tech support had me uninstall it and then install it again. However, Outlook Express still won't work and tech support had me e-mail them my systems tools info. That was 2 days ago and no reply yet!

User Rating: 7/10

One of the bestby richeson - June 11, 2007

Pros: It finds stuff the others don't.

Cons: Graphics (GUI) .

Review: I have been comparing both Spy Sweeper 5.2 and Spyware Doctor 5.0.0.187 on my computer for months. As far as which one is best - it's pretty much a wash. They both move ahead of each other every few months. Try the free versions and see which one you like the best. I have found the new 5.0 version of SD loads a little faster and uses less system resources than both previous SD versions and Spyware Sweeper 5.2. Both play well with Norton 360, Norton Internet Security 2007 and Zone Alarm 7.0

User Rating: 7/10

Works Very Wellby LLeitao - March 10, 2007

Pros: Very good at cleaning out the crap and protecting you against evil BHOs.

Cons: May be a bit resource heavy.

Review: Works very well for me and has no conflicts with Ad-Adware, McAfee and my other programs. I did buy their anti-virus product.

User Rating: 1/10

Worst. Program. EVER.by lissachika - March 3, 2007

Pros: Absolutely NOTHING

Cons: Where do I begin?

Review: As if the other user reviews aren't enough, here's another one. DO NOT. USE. THIS PROGRAM. EVER. ESPECIALLY if you use Vista. Every time I went to use my computer when I had it on my computer, I would get the Vista Blue Screen of Death and it would restart. I wouldn't even be on the computer five MINUTES before this happened. And, guess what? Since I removed it, I haven't had a problem.

User Rating: 9/10

Few problems with this programby johnnyja - December 10, 2006

Pros: Good program, great interface.

Cons: At this moment, none.

Review: I have to say i like this program a lot. I have the version 5.2 and it does not affect the speed of my computer( 2,0 GHz, 512 Mb).
It keeps my computer clean and
works fine together with some intivirpr.
i've tried, but not F-secure internet security suite, which didn't accept it.

User Rating: 1/10

Spy Sweeper - Don't waster your moneyby snake_bit45 - November 24, 2006

Pros: No pro I can find - use Adaware 1.6r

Cons: Slows your computer and internet access to a crawl.

Review: Spy Sweeper is almost impossibe to remove once installed. I had to do a complete fresh install of Windows XP and all programs. A 3-5 day job.

User Rating: 8/10

Terrific programme - cleaned my machine well.by Kevin Williams - October 11, 2006

Pros: Works well, reliable. Seems to work invisibly. reminds me once a week to do a scan and updates automatically.

Cons: On 1st install of version 5 it was eating all my memory resourse but webroot supplied a fix.

Review: Overall an excellent programme which i have been using since it was launched with no hick-ups untill this version. The problem was fixed by a removal and cleanup using a programme supplied by Webroot followed by a reinstall and everything was fine. I use it in conjunction with the full norton suite of products and have had no compatability problems!!

User Rating: 1/10

No Good Just Bad and UGLY!!by CreekCascade& - October 11, 2006

Pros: None except for cool packaging

Cons: incompatible with HP Media Center PC

Review: Retail store "expert" recommended this product. Removed Norton for me and installed Webroot, and PC-cillin on my brand new computer last year. Ha, it worked one night, I had to return it to the double B store the next morning for an exchange! I find out 11 months later it is NOT the best product for HP PC's per their tech support! In fact it is not compatible! Webroot deleted my Logon Userinterface DLL when it scanned forever and found a trojan. I had to restore to factory after an 89 minute call to tech support in India. I found it slowed start up considerably and left traces of spyware. I am becoming a Norton customer and fan by the minute. Worst money I ever spent. Someone needs to tell the "Geek Squad" to stop selling this product to unsuspecting consumers.

User Rating: 1/10

WORST online purchase experience EVER!by phyllo - September 18, 2006

Pros: There are no "pros"

Cons: Download link sent after purchase broken

Review: I purchased this software online directly from Webroot's website. They sent me a link to download it from, but the link was broken ("page cannot be displayed"). When I called, they put me on hold in a miles-long queue waiting for "tech support". Finally, I got fed up, called back and cancelled my order. They say they'll issue a refund "within two days". I have my doubts. If they can't even get the download link right, why would I trust their product or anything else they promise? I'll never do business with Webroot again and advise everyone against it.

User Rating: 4/10

Version 5 Webroot Spy Sweeperby Bobby Au - September 5, 2006

Pros: New features such as real-time key logging detection. New User Interface.

Cons: Slows your system ALOT. Do not install if you have computer with 1.0 GB of memory or less. I am warning you.

Review: It slowed down my computer by approximately 30% It seems like this version of spy sweeper 5.0 likes to run scans randomly on my computer backround. I have to say I loved spy sweeper before but this is the WORST version I had ever tried. I have unistalled this version 5.0 and went back to version 4.5

User Rating: 2/10

It's turned into a real pain in the buttby go4theburn - September 5, 2006

Pros: Ease of functionality, very simplistic

Cons: Resource hog. Problems abound, not found in previous version!

Review: I bought it, but am removing it as it's wreaked havoc on my machine!

User Rating: 8/10

Spysweeper 5 upgradeby tobystarr - August 21, 2006

Pros: Detects spyware other software misses

Cons: None right now other than support not terrific

Review: Dell Inspiron 8500-1GB RAM-WinXP-Norton's Systemworks 2005-ZoneAlarm (freeware version)
I think problems occurring have to do with other software installed. Longtime user and I did have a problem with upgrade to 5.0 which I solved with no help from WebRoot.
When performing sweep spysweeper 5 stalled system and could not close program. Had to reboot. Eventually found the problem was files saved by Norton's Protection. After deleting files in NPROTECT in RECYCLER Spysweeper works perfectly with no slowdown of my system using all shields. For those with Norton's and if having same problem the way to delete these files is run the following in
cmd line: del \\?\c:\recycler
protect\*.*

User Rating: 1/10

When NOT to upgrade; Spysweeper v5 is a prime exampleby garcia_cnet - August 14, 2006

Pros: Cleaner User Interface.

Cons: Does not work.

Review: Everything was fine with version 4, but I just had to go and click the upgrade button. As with many users on review sites and forums, Webroot's SpySweeper v5 has trashed my PC. Even though I meet their minimum specs for resources, their tech support response is that I have too many other resources tied up. Ergo, any other firewall, antivirus, antispam software suite. Who doesn't (or who shouldn't)have these running on their PC? My advice, skip version 5 and stick to what works instead of spending hours mending your PC from- not malware, but "badware."

User Rating: 2/10

Stay away, far awayby ho72 - August 11, 2006

Pros: Capable of finding spyware

Cons: Bad performance, rootkit danger

Review: This is a perfect example of how a good product can go to hell in a hand basket overnight. Version 4.X of Spy Sweeper was efficient and largely unobtrusive?it worked in the background, largely unnoticed unless your system contracted spyware.

Version 5.X has changed all that. My system, running XP Pro SP2 on a Athlon 64 X2 4400+ with 4GB of RAM, experienced unusual slowness when accessing my hard drives and certain files stored on the hard drives (primarily image files). The "fix" for me was to disable the Spyware Installation Shield, presumably a real-time monitor that is supposed to stop spyware in its tracks?just the sort of thing one would buy a anti-spyware package to do. Webroot support assured me that disabling this shield was fine as long as I perform a system scan once a week or so.

I say BS. I uninstalled version 5 and reinstated version 4.5, and I may never give version 5 another chance. Why? Simply because Webroot has given Spy Sweeper something akin to rootkit functionality. Rootkits, for those who don't know, are nasty little apps that lurk below your system's radar (and your anti-virus radar, your anti-adware radar, etc). They can compromise your computer's integrity and their presence will never be known if you don't know how to ferret them out. Now, I'm not saying that Spy Sweeper is a malicious rootkit, at least not the way it comes from the author. But what if some miscreant learns how to appropriate Spy Sweeper's "below the radar" features for his own perverted uses? Slim chance, I know. But it's one I'm not sure I'm willing to take.

User Rating: 1/10

Save yourself....Abandon Shipby UgottaBjoking - August 9, 2006

Pros: the box looks ok

Cons: every con mentioned here

Review: It's a pig. Only thing worse than this is the customer support at Earthlink.

User Rating: 3/10

Too high a performance cost.by MightyShoe - August 4, 2006

Pros: Takes care of spyware well.

Cons: Slows system to an unusable crawl.

Review: Version 5.0 is a bust. 4.5 was great, and 5.0 will handle spyware--but at a great cost. Browsing with 5.0 active becomes slower and slower until you can't access any pages at all. I have a new, very powerful laptop (2GB RAM), but 5.0 still bring it to its knees. I hate spyware, but I won't sacrifice my whole system for v5.0.

User Rating: 1/10

DANGER-DO NOT INSTALL!by donprovo - August 3, 2006

Pros: You've Been Warned!

Cons: Will Crash Your System

Review: As a happy SpySweeper user since 3.0, I was SHOCKED by this abortion of a release. It crashes all seven of my computers - laptops & desktops. Hangs at Shutdown forever. Terrible redesign of interface - many previous features removed. Called Webroot and opened support tickets. Phone support agreed it was a disaster with no fix in sight. Email support sent me ANOTHER copy of the same defective download as their solution. Here's a great company DROWNING in their own stupidity!!!

User Rating: 4/10

Oink oink oinkby summuz-20931123114014519380889 - August 1, 2006

Pros: Great security

Cons: Jacks up the memory usage of almost all running processes

Review: I've used Spy Sweeper for some time now, and have always loved this program. This new version, however, not only uses about 40 MBs of RAM itself, it causes most of my other running processes to go berserk in their mem usage. I tested and retested to make sure it was Spy Sweeper 5 that was responsible, installing it, uninstalling it and reinstalling version 4.5. I did this 3 times using Acronis True Image to roll back for a clean install each time. Sure enough the culprit is Spy Sweeper 5. I can't list all the other processes here, but just as an example, Explorer with SS 4.5 uses around 20 MBs of RAM, with SS 5 it is using just over 70 MBs. Firefox went from around 22MBs to 42 MBs, and so on. I even redownloaded SS 5 the third time in case my first downloaded file was corrupt, same result. I'm sticking with version 4.5 until they get they get this ironed out.

User Rating: 3/10

An Honest Opinion - WAIT.by Igloo888888 - July 31, 2006

Pros: User Interface looks slick.

Cons: It won't load properly, crashes, and resource HOG.

Review: It's almost like I downloaded a bunch of spyware program to go along with Spysweeper 5 upgrade.

I just downloaded it tonight. Didn't see the reviews :( I'm sure it's a great program....if it didn't crash and burn.

I can't even tell you how the sweep has 'improved' or the new keylogger feature. I installed it, rebooted, and so far tonight, this is what happened:

1) My Computer took another 2 mins to load
2) I opened the program, and started poking around. I clicked on 'options' and the whole freakin' program froze. I tried to close it but it wouldn't.
3) Finally it closed after about 15 mins. (still running in the tray) - but my computer is SLOW.
4) Tried to open up the Sweeper window again and it WON'T FREAKIN' OPEN. It shows in my task bar but when I click on it, it doesn't pop up.

So disappointed. AN email sent to spyweeper....as soon as I can unfreeze this piece of junk.

Did they actually Beta test this?

User Rating: 9/10

A great addition in the battle against spywareby arnerator - July 27, 2006

Pros: Does about the same job as Adawre freebie and then some

Cons: Conflict with Adaware possible

Review: I befan having the same problem with Adaware as reported after downloading it's latest version. I didn't realize it might be Spy Sweeper causing it. Spy Sweeper seems much more comprehensive than Adaware freebie, and seems to turn up much of the same stuff...think I would rather ride with Spy Sweeper

User Rating: 1/10

Version 5 is a disaster - do not upgradeby Potomac - July 27, 2006

Pros: Version 4.5 worked fine for me for 10 months.

Cons: Version 5 slowed my system to a crawl and I have 1024 Mb RAM.

Review: Worst support I have ever encountered. I have to assume that they know there is a serious problem and don't want to deal with it one on one.

User Rating: 5/10

Works Fine but Bogs the System Downby lindseyo - July 26, 2006

Pros: Easy to use, lots of automate-ability

Cons: Makes your system draggggggggg....

Review: I upgraded to version 5 thinking it would be as high quality as the previous version, but I'm sorry I did. The product does what it's supposed to do - scans for spyware, etc - but it makes the system slow down to a crawl. What's worse, Webroot doesn't even have a satisfactory solution to offer - the listing on their website suggests you disable some start-up items to free up memory. My computer more than meets the product's stated system requirements, and frankly, I don't want to - and shouldn't have to - disable my start-up processes. I was perfectly happy with the previous version, but I am no longer a happy customer. I hope they come up with a fix soon or I'm going to demand my money back!!

User Rating: 1/10

Resouce Hog and won't runby OhMyGod - July 25, 2006

Pros: I wish I could think of one.

Cons: Sucks your system dry of resources, slows your computer worst than any spyware does!

Review: I can't give my full opinion on this 5 version because after installing it, I had to wait over 20 min for my pc to restart. The only way to fix the problem was to uninstall it. This was one a new Compaq presario windows XP with 1GB ram. I've used Spysweeper for 4 years and never had a problem with it untill I installed the 5 version. Sorry but I'm moving to Spyware Doctor.

User Rating: 10/10

The best anti-spyware availableby Joel2006 - July 25, 2006

Pros: It's better than spyware doctor 4.0 and spybot.

Cons: none, i love it

Review: Well first off my computer runs slow because it only has 256mb of memory and Spy Sweeper does not slow my computer down at all, in fact i'm running a scan with it and my computer is still not slowing down or anything.

User Rating: 1/10

Don't "upgrade" to 5.0 - it is not even beta release qualityby StephenCherry - July 24, 2006

Pros: None - unless you enjoy blue screens

Cons: Crashes my machine every time - have yet to complete a scan cycle

Review: 4.6 works well, as did previous versions. They have dropped the ball with the 5.0 upgrade - it gives 100% CPU utilization and then crashes machine. Even after following all 'how to fix' instructions on their support page, still unable to get to work. Having looked at their support screens and spoken to tech support, it is clear that I am not the only one with issues.

If you are a masochist and insist on installing, ensure that you have the original download of 4.6 available so that you can reinstall 4.6 once you've found out just how bad this version is. Trust me - you will regret upgrading.

User Rating: 1/10

Don't install!!!!by maddogthegreat - July 24, 2006

Pros: NONE, really bad software.

Cons: CRASHED my system

Review: Stay with 4.5, installed 5.0 and crashed system. Couldn't get system up enough to uninstall. Had to restore system. JUNK.

User Rating: 8/10

very good so farby Romasteve - July 24, 2006

Pros: faster than earlier version

Cons: none so far been using a month

Review: faster than earlier version, still in beta however

User Rating: 2/10

SpySweeper 5 - do not recommend stay with 4.5 versionby tinlegs - July 24, 2006

Pros: Upgraded easily not easy to access

Cons: This version is now crashing my computer and freezing my internet connection as well as other spyware programmes which it ran fine with before. I find these is no minitray icon at start of screen,

Review: When running Spysweeper 4.5 there was no conflict between AOL, Lavasoft (Adaware) However since upgrading to version 5.00 I have had nothing but trouble with my internet cvonnection and computer freezing. Adware will not start or if open I cannot close this as mt computer just freezes up. I do not recommend this programme unless someone fixes these gliches. I am now stuck with Spysweeper 5 as I cannot unload this programme according to my computer. All I want to do is go back to the original version of 4.5

I am really disappointed with his latest version. I have 900 mb of ram they say you need 256 minimum, I also have a 1.83 GHz hard drvie so my computer is big enough.

User Rating: 5/10

Improved??Prefer the old 4.5 interface -caution folksby NaiveMelody - July 22, 2006

Pros: new keylogger shield,but partially effective

Cons: conflict with Lavasoft Ad-Aware, slowness of pc at times

Review: New 5.0.5 uses 256MB of RAM up from the previous 128MB RAM; that causes some slowness with pc at times(if you have an older pc with only 256MB of RAM,you have more problems to deal with).Conflict with Lavasoft Ad-Aware's scanner, it will freeze it's scan, but thank god you can cancel scan and not have a total pc freeze.New keylogger shield sounds great,but according to "PCmag.com" test review by Neil J. Rubenking, it's partially/mostly effective, better than nothing thou.I prefer the old 4.5 interface, everything is there for you;not clicking more tabs as you do now.Anyhow check out "PCmag.com" test review by Neil J. Rubenking.(search Neil J.Rubenking or by webroot spysweeper 5.0)NYC 6-22-06~5:17PM e.s.t.

User Rating: 9/10

Never had problems described by other reviewersby skerns - July 22, 2006

Pros: Fast, accurate scans

Cons: interface issues solved with v5 update

Review: I recently switched (at the recommendation of a friend) to Spy Sweeper v4(from Spyware Doctor). Version 4 ran smoothly on my system (2.6GHZ P4 1GB RAM). I upgraded to v5, and have NO problems, the program scans quickly and accurately, and does NOT use excess resources as mentioned in other reviews. Highly recommended...

User Rating: 1/10

Don't Installby nissanman55 - July 21, 2006

Pros: None available

Cons: Worst download I have ever had

Review: Downloaded Spy Sweeper's new version and it shut down my PC. Nothing worked and my CPU was at 100% and available ram was down to nothing(have 512). It actually shut the computer down and I got the terrible blue screen of hell.
Other programs would not work with it. I uninstalled it & my PC is back to normal and running as before.

User Rating: 10/10

Super program; One of the few worth paying forby lem729 - July 21, 2006

Pros: fast scans, easy interface, finds rootkits also

Cons: only that it's not free

Review: This is a wonderful program, one of the few I'm willing to pay for. The interface is simple, the scans fast, and thorough. Don't believe some of the low reviews by users here (maybe they represent the competition, or those who would like to purvey spyware and are thwarted with the SpySweeper). This is truly a marvellous program. I've used SpySweeper for a few years. Version 5.0 is the best ever. It's doubled the speed of the scan time. It even looks for and can destroy rootkits. Three cheers for Webroots. I purchased my renewal for 2 years now, after seeing how effective version 5.0 is.

User Rating: 2/10

Spy Sweeper post 5.0.5 upgradeby tomgerst - July 21, 2006

Pros: Ver 4.5 worked OK

Cons: Webroot's support Des in non-responsive

Review: After using 4.5 for several months, I foolishly upgraded to 5.0.5. The Key logger found every legitimate keyboard monitoring program on my system (it took hours, but no unexpected ones) and it slowed the system to a virtual crawl. I ultimately had to disable this function to use my system.
My main concern is the lack of interest I received from WebRoot - I submitted three tickets and they have NOT replied to a single problem.
I will re-install 4.5 this weekend and wait until WebRoot figures out the problems and issues an updated package. (Too bad they don't appear to have any customer support interests...)

User Rating: 1/10

Appallingly bad...by sneak27 - July 21, 2006

Pros: Pretty graphics... (yawn...)

Cons: Virtually everything!

Review: I think this counts as one of the worst pieces of software I've ever had the misfortune to download.

I implore anyone reading this, DON'T download it if you want your system to function even remotely well. Spy Sweeper 5.0 is complete crap. From the minute it's installed, everything grinds to a halt - and this is on a brand-new, super-fast computer!.

It's unbelievable that they've managed to so completely screw up what was a great piece of software... I'm incredulous... how could they possibly release this junk?

Just have a look at all the reviews! Nearly every one is negative... if you download it, kiss your cash goodbye. If you try to contact Webroot, you'll never hear from them again. They must have thousands of irate customers the world over baying for blood.. I smell a class-action coming on!

Just amazing...

User Rating: 1/10

Webroot really messed up with this version.by Spyware Exposer - July 20, 2006

Pros: SpySweeper 4.5 is still the best spyware protection software.

Cons: Oh my god, this version 5 needs to be recalled. Don't install it or upgrade.

Review: SpySweeper version 4.5 is much better. I wouldn't reccommend anyone upgrading to this version 5. I have 632MB of RAM on my pc and it would hardly run with this version 5. I don't see how it could even run on 256MB or less. Better save your install for version 4.5, because you will probably need it. Webroot customer support is the worst that I have ever seen. You have to make a ticket and wait in line forever to get a responce. Webroot even removed the download links for version 4.5.
This company doesn't know nothing about how to run a bussiness. They have the best product then go and mess it up. If you can't get SpySweeper to work then try PC Tools Spyware Doctor, it is almost as good and has great customer support. Or just keep your version 4.5 until Webroot ends support and updates for it. And I really think the way Webroot is pushing this terrible version 5 is completely outragious.
It even displays on your SpySweeper news page. "Only new version 5.0 can catch today's most danagious threats" in that case I guess we are completely out of luck.

User Rating: 5/10

Not sure yetby trailwalker - July 20, 2006

Pros: nice interface

Cons: but freezes

Review: It finds rootkit masked files but freezes up and cant remove them, ive tried everything!

User Rating: 3/10

Mac, I am coming!by ilamprinos - July 20, 2006

Pros: Easy to use, detailed

Cons: Uses a lot of memory, crashes stuff

Review: I was using the 4.5 version when I decided to switch to this new 5. Kind of a disaster move! The program gave me the following problems:

1. Uses 100-150MB more RAM than the previous version did, apart from the processor use which is also now increased when pc is idle.
2. Almost everytime I want to open a folder (any folder), my computer freezes, probably because of the resources the program needs. My notebook is not exactly old.

I am really fed up with this security thing of Windows and decided to buy a Mac by Xmas. It is just not worth this hassle for these programs which are supposed to make your internet life more hassle-free. I have had a lot of problems in the past not with viruses and spyware but with the programs that are designed to stop them. I can live without troubleshooting my computer every week.

User Rating: 1/10

Dont download this updateby Trepid49 - July 19, 2006

Pros: Havent found one yet

Cons: Doesnt work uses all my memory locks up pc not ready for production use.

Review: I have had nothing but problems with this update. I had spy sweeper 4.5 and it worked fine for over a year, I downloaded the update 5.0 and it caused serious problems causing me over 5 hours downtime and having to system restore 2 times. It does not work well with windows defender ewido ms msg beta or IE7 beta 3. Total memory hog. I had to use win patrol to remove it from start up so as of right now it is useless and costing me money. Webroot is not answering tickets on the problems probably cause they are swamped.

User Rating: 1/10

DON'T Update to 5.0.5!!by canoeoften - July 19, 2006

Pros: I can't find any yet

Cons: Memory hog or program bugs!!

Review: My computer has given me nothing but trouble since I tried to update. Not sure if they can fix it or if I change programs. But for now, DON'T update!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

User Rating: 4/10

Big resource hog,by F10 - July 18, 2006

Pros: Probably finds as much spyware as any.

Cons: Did I say "big resource hog"?

Review: Pretty much brought my system to a standstill, had to uninstall it right away. (Maybe because my system has lots of processes going and lots of installed software.) Counterspy is much more efficient.

User Rating: 3/10

Take up too much of your PCby edwardr74 - July 18, 2006

Pros: New Interface is pretty.

Cons: Slows down your PC!

Review: I installed this version of spy sweeper thinking that it would be better! HA! NOT!
As soon as I put it in my PC which is a P4 3GIG with 1 GIG of MEMORY and a 6800GT card slowed to a crawl.. I could hardly open up any programs, and everything in general becamse soo slow! Horrible, Hoorible system HOG! Shame on you Spy Sweeper!
Updated
I installed this version of spy sweeper thinking that it would be better! HA! NOT!
As soon as I put it in my PC which is a P4 3GIG with 1 GIG of MEMORY and a 6800GT card slowed to a crawl.. I could hardly open up any programs, and everything in general becamse soo slow! Horrible, Hoorible system HOG! Shame on you Spy Sweeper!

User Rating: 2/10

Terrible , inadmissible resource hogby Smakky - July 18, 2006

Pros: Detection rates pretty well (but not as it should be)

Cons: Inadmissible resource hog, it brings down your system at the knees

Review: Spy Sweeper v4 was already a resource hog, but this new v5 seem to be even a worser system resource killer then previous version.
Detection rates are pretty well but not perfect: after a scan, it leaves traces of spyware/adware on your machine.
Interface is nice.
My biggest problem with this v5: when it is running, it doubles several programs active RAM requirements, and at the end your machine is stopping with functionating: everything is freezed.
The only solution: a frequent PC-reboot.
Therefore, i can't advise this program to anyone.
Webroot have to do a lot of development to solve the problems mentioned above.
But because all previous versions were a resource hog too, and this v5 is even a worser one, i have no confidence at all this problem will ever be solved by Webroot.

User Rating: 7/10

New Version impeds with Ad-Aware SEby johnbeeman1 - July 18, 2006

Pros: Comprehensive

Cons: Interfers with other proven software

Review: I've used Webroot for sometime. It is pretty effective. But I use other systems as well and since the latest version of Webroot was updated, my Ad-Aware SE won't run unless I exit Webroot, first.

User Rating: 9/10

Great prduct, but may have a flawby soccer18 - July 18, 2006

Pros: Excelletn protection, good GUI, easy to use and understand, finds rootkits!

Cons: may conflict with Zonelabs ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2006

Review: Overall this is a great program that I am very impressed with, the scans run fairly fast, although they do slow down my computer noticably, and it is easy to use and understand. It also provides to notch protection from spyware and rootkits Its warnings (splash screen on startup, etc.) can be disabled in its options menu. I have not noticed any system slow down since installing this. It may have a drive conflict with Zonelabs ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2006, but so far it has worked simply by turing off ZoneAlarms spyware protection (in anti virus/spyware menu)

User Rating: 4/10

Takes up too much system resourcesby louisblaise - July 18, 2006

Pros: It does the job...

Cons: ..but it will slow down you machine

Review: Spy Sweeper is a nice piece of software, but it uses way too much system resources. The definition update process slows down my laptop so much that I have to wait until Spy Sweeper is done before I can do anything else. The software itself often takes up upward of 20% of my system resources. Even on my desktop with 1Go of RAM the update process is painful.

User Rating: 5/10

Nice Interface - but it has technical Issuesby gregorysreid - July 18, 2006

Pros: Much better interface

Cons: Takes up 200-300K of active RAM

Review: The new program has a much nicer interface. However, I have found that when it is running it doubles Outlooks, IE's and Firefoxes active RAM requirements. Even with 1 GM of RAM, I can't run it becuase it takes up so much memory.

All problems go away when I exit the program from the system tray.
Updated
One GB of RAM, not One GM (obviously).

Keywords

spyweeper   |   spy sweeper   |  

About CNET Archive BETA

Welcome to the CNET Archive, a library of product reviews, user opinions, videos, specifications, and manufacturer descriptions for products no longer offered by the manufacturer or most retailers. Here you will find information on replacement parts and replacement ink cartridges. Read what others had to say about that used laptop you are considering buying. Take a trip down memory lane as you browse and reminisce about your favorite old video game or that first digital camera.

Spy Sweeper 5 specifications

advertisement
advertisement
Reviews & advice
Site map
Editorial policies
Meet the editors
How we test
Forums
Internet speed test
Popular topics
Apple iPhone
Apple iPod
Cell phones
Dell
GPS
LCD TV
CNET sites
CNET Site map
CNET TV
Downloads
News
Reviews
Shopper.com
More information
Newsletters
CNET Mobile
Customer Help Center
RSS
CNET Widgets
About CNET
sponsored