Entered CNET Catalog: 05/20/2005
SKU: 667208662104
Manufacturer: Webroot Software
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/15/2005
Setting up and installing Spy Sweeper is a snap. After downloading a copy from the Internet and launching the installation wizard, you're prompted to choose your default settings, such as scan frequency. Spy Sweeper then asks permission (which you should grant) to connect to its home base and retrieve the latest version of its spyware-threat database. After updating, Spy Sweeper is ready to start cleaning your system.
Spy Sweeper uses an intuitive user interface. Just press the Sweep Now button to scan your system, then the Remove button to rid it of any found spyware. If Spy Sweeper identifies any programs you know you want to keep (for example, if you find out later that a removed app is essential to any shareware you use), you can tell Spy Sweeper to ignore them in the future.
Like Spybot and Microsoft AntiSpyware, Spy Sweeper includes proactive shields that scan for new pests trying to infest your system while you surf or download files. Whereas Spybot produces a pop-up dialog box requiring you to answer yes or no to a specific installation request, Spy Sweeper flags the new 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. As with Microsoft AntiSpyware, you can schedule Spy Sweeper to run only during off-hours.
Unlike the free antispyware apps, 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.
In testing performed by CNET Download.com, Webroot Spy Sweeper's 30-minute, 39-second scan time was the longest among all participants. But even with a long scan time, it's hard to argue with the results: Webroot Spy Sweeper found and removed everything we threw at it. However, although each threat was named, the supporting information was vague. For example, Webroot Spy Sweeper couldn't tell us much about what it detected, only that the threats were detected and removed. While other programs such as Microsoft AntiSpyware and PC Tools Spyware Doctor do a better job with reporting, only Webroot Spy Sweeper removed all of our test spyware apps.
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. Though you might not be able to find the phone number, the company does offer tech support at 1-800-772-9383.
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
User Rating: 
2/10
Crashed my system when it tried to remove trojan
Pros: interface is ok.
Cons: When webroot tried to remove the trojan it identified - BLUE SCREEN- it did it every time.
The one that works and is MALWAREBYTES. -CCleaner also.
Also I sent mail to webroot support on this issue and got back some lame information. No real help
I also tried spybot and other tools.
The one that works and is free is MALWAREBYTES. Every if you don't think you have issues download and run this product - CCleaner also.
Also one more point I sent mail to webroot support on this issue and got back some lame information on how to remove virus.
User Rating: 2/10
Only helps with the smallest of "threats"
Pros: Nothing a true waste of money.
Cons: No and I mean NO customer service.
As I bought it I tried to get help from "customer service." there is none, only computer generated emails
that after weeks just tell you to start over....... and get this if you call them for help it's $50.00
More than the product it's self, A TOTAL RIP OFF save your money, tell your friends, stay away.
Hey I'm just a guy out there like you SICK of being Ripped OFF! DON"T LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU!!!! SHAME ON THIS RIP OFF COMPANY.
User Rating: 
7/10
best for the money
Pros: Easy installation, protects well.
Cons: I did notice my computer runs a tad bit slower, but I notice cause I'm a computer geek, maybe the average user will not notice
User Rating: 
9/10
Works Great
Pros: Catches everything
Cons: Have to pay sepeately for the anitvirus add-on
User Rating: 9/10
REALLY good,compared to others,iv'e tried them all !
Pros: Excellent,finds everything,and has a very good all round 'shield'
Cons: Yes it costs,also find the full scan slow.
User Rating: 9/10
Webroot Sweeper
Pros: Ease of use and intergration with other softwares.
Cons: Hard to find the license extensions and difficult customer service.
I have only had to deal with the customer service over the phone once because the website and the program itself walked me through most issues I had. Though the one time I called the service rep was rather rude and indignant. I use this coupled with the TrendMicro and find it runs better and lighter than norton 360 and removes cleanly without having to download a special tool to remove.
User Rating: 
3/10
Wish I had used Trend Micro, instead.
Pros: Can't think of any.
Cons: Trend Micro appears to be better.
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent App
Pros: Fast & Thorough
Cons: Has to be renewsed each year.
Worth renewing subscription when the current year is finished.
User Rating: 9/10
The best spyware software available on the market
Pros: Catches nearly everything; interface is extremely easy; does not cause the system to lag; fast start up and great options
Cons: Webroot does not provide a Suite for firewall, anti-virus, adware, spyware, etc., one year subscription
User Rating: 9/10
Great anti-spyware program.
Pros: Has a database of over 140,000+ spyware definitions, has several shields for protection, etc.
Cons: Sweeping time is a bit slow.
The only problem I have with this software is that it takes around 30 minutes to scan my PC.
I've heard people saying that it takes up too much memory. On my machine, it uses about 15,000k (I have a gig of RAM). I personally don't have any major problems with this software, and I'd definitely recommend it.
User Rating: 3/10
waste of disk space
Pros: none worth mentioning
Cons: resource hog
User Rating: 3/10
The Worst, and support is worst then that
Pros: Block all of what it says
Cons: Hogs so much resources it makes me think I am back in the 66 MHZ processor era
User Rating: 9/10
Long-time Spy Sweeper user...very good program!
Pros: Easy to use, great reviews, and it DOES THE JOB
Cons: Doesn't catch/eliminate 100% -- There is a solution though...read on...
I started getting a minor adware problem and did an extraordinary amount of research on the best program to get. The SHORT version is this: Webroot's Spy Sweeper consistently ranks in the top three of almost everyone's Top Ten list. The only other program that approximates this is Spyware Doctor by PC Tools. The best freeware antispyware programs are Adaware SE Personal by Lavasoft, and Spybot Search and Destroy. Now then, more details...
It is recommended that you always run a freeware program and a purchased program. I do this, but even with Spy Sweeper, I downloaded a certain program and ended up with a MAJOR adware/spyware infestation. Not even Spy Sweeper, Adaware, Spybot, or anything else detected or removed it (not even in safe mode). So I bought Spyware Doctor as well, and it DID detect and remove it. The fact that it took Spyware Doctor to remove this infestation is why I gave Spy Sweeper a 9 instead of a 10. It's interface is much better than Spyware Doctor or any other program, and their email customer support was pretty good.
User Rating: 3/10
Webroot Spysweeper causes lockups
Pros: quick to give refund
Cons: Product unstable with Windows XP
To Webroot's credit, they did provide a no-questions asked refund.
User Rating: 
10/10
A killer program!!!
Pros: Efficient, Easy-to-use and Extraordinary!!!
Cons: Made all other antispyware software look like toys!!!
User Rating: 
1/10
Garbage. Avoid.
Pros: None that are immediately apparent
Cons: Finds nothing but cookies, denies access to some sites I visit
User Rating: 
4/10
Think twice before installing the trial version
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Poor installation procedure
I decided to try Spy Sweeper so I downloaded, installed and ran it. Well it found a few minor problems so I decided to remove the spyware but alas I couldn't do it with the trial version.
Now I don't have a problem with having to purchase a real copy to uninstall the spyware but I have a problem with Webroots silly anti piracy tactics.
After buying the software I was unable to unlock their stupid program. They require that you unistall the trial version and then install the version from their link, which btw was not as current as the copy that I had installed off download.com, in order to enter the unlock key.
Not only did I have to run the spyware sweep when I downloaded the trial version but their uninstall procedure isn't smart enough to keep the trial version info around so I had to run the sweep program a second time.
After this experience I will think long and hard before purchasing or recommending a Webroot product.
User Rating: 9/10
Works very well
Pros: Ease of use; background running with little interference
Cons: Haven't found any
It updates weekly and shows you this by a small window pop-up in the lower right-hand corner that disappers quickly. In all seriousness, this is not hard to install nor is it difficult to configure. The CNET reviewer said that it handled everything they threw at it -- well isn't that what you want?!
I love the shields. They have protected me over 1,700 times already all the while running in the background. Configure in the beginning and Spy Sweeper will do the rest. If it believes it needs to warn you it will. I manually update and sweep which is how I prefer this type of product while it automatically protects. Yes, it may take longer to sweep but that is okay by me. I know quicker products that miss spyware.
No product is perfect, but in my experience Spy Sweeper 4.5 is close.
User Rating: 9/10
Simple to use very effective, Experienced Company
Pros: Great extra features, for IE HiJacking, RealTime Scanning
Cons: Uses system resources while running in background
I reccomend buying this program not just because of the program itself. But because Webroot has been making this program for a few years now and has experience in it, and much more experience that other anti-spyware products.
User Rating: 9/10
Should Be Ranked Number One
Pros: Will remove bugs others can't
Cons: Subscription required. Trial period should be longer.
User Rating: 
8/10
It's not free but it'll perform excellent job wen protecting your computer.
Pros: It can remove lots of different kinds of adware and trojans which are found by virus scanners.
Cons: For poor students it will help only for 14 days and the trial download is well hidden in webroots homepage.
When the computer is infected and everything feels to be lost the option is to use Spy Sweeper. Ad-Aware can't remove the same amount of adware than Spy Sweeper and in normal circumstances it hopeless to clean heavily infected computer with ad-Aware. With good luck Spy Sweeper might do that, but beware it might be a long and rocky way
.
User Rating: 2/10
false sense of security
Pros: easily removable
Cons: interfered with browser, missed spyware
User Rating: 1/10
Garbage, Useless, No Worth the Price at all!!!
Pros: None! This product is getting way too many good reviews. Makes you wonder if it isn't the company writing the reviews.
Cons: Complete waiste of money
User Rating: 4/10
Slow and only moderately effective
Pros: Good user interface and gives decently extensive detail on potential spyware apps it finds
Cons: Slow computer to a crawl. Takes forever to scan your drives. Doesn't seem to completely eliminate problems. Same spyware apps keep re-appearing time and again.
The three frustrating parts of Webroot are:
- Takes an eternity to scan and eliminate spyware
- The same darn spyware keeps re-appearing everytime you run a scan, as though WebRoot never eliminated it in the first place. You feel like you're making no progress agsainst the problem
- WebRoot's "sentinel" feature (which claims to monitor your system to prevent new spyware from installing) often blocks an ad from loading, but doesn't stop the pop-up window. Hence, you don't have the actual spyware but you still have to take the time to close the new pop-window. Frustrating.
I ultimately downloaded LavaSoft's Adaware and found it a much better product. The scans were much faster than with WebRoot. And, immediately after running the scan, my computer's performance improved enormously. This tells me that AdAware was achieving some progress against my Spyware that WebRoot was not.
So, my conclusion is that fighting Spyware probably requires multiple products. However, if you only want 1 product, I'd go with AdAware. It's better and it's free.
User Rating: 2/10
Not XP Compatible
Pros: SW is free
Cons: Crashes systems
User Rating: 2/10
Bought three(3) licenses - bad decsion - don't use them
Pros: It works fine on Simple PC Configurations only
Cons: Different Installation Problems on three(3) different PC's
User Rating: 10/10
excellent - better than adaware
Pros: proactive defense against realtime hackers
Cons: there is no cons
pc-cillin and webroot are a great defense against spyware,adware,and trojans. Free isn't always best. Spybot does work well - I use all of the above. You get what you pay for...
User Rating: 2/10
Major problems with Spy Sweeper 4.0
Pros: Used to be a great product
Cons: Support it non-existent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
However since I upgraded to 4.0 approximately three weeks plus ago, I have NEVER completed a complete sweep. Every sweep errors out with a Bug Report that I promptly email to Spy Sweeper support team.
I have went on line and started a support case issue file which as anyone who has used them knows is they only way you can get any support. I have played email tag for over three weeks now with the support team, have done everything the support team told me to do and as of today (06-30-2005) I still cannot run a complete sweep with out an error report.
Their support is without a doubt the worst I have ever encountered, and I'm an advanced user with over 15 years PC experience. My last email on my case number was sent to them last weekend and as of today I still have not had a reply. I send them the Bug reports daily and have never heard anything from any of the reports.
I plan to give them about another week to ten days to get my problem solved and if they continue to be non-responsive and continue to "Not even have a clue" as to how to repair the problems, then I will uninstall the program and never use it again.
Right now I plan on using (trying)the new Microsoft AntiSpyWare (Beta version).
It makes me very angry to pay for software and have is work perfectly for over a year and then upgrade to the lastest versions and get absolutely no support with my problem. I have even email the support team at Webroot with my home phone number asking them to call me and still continue to get ignored.
Evidently the Webroot folks are not concerned with one little fish in the big sea, and as I said they get another week to ten days and after that Bye - Bye Webroot and I will never again use any of their products. I will not even renew my Window Washer product when is comes due and totally sever all ties with that unresponsive company who obviously does not care how they treat their customers.
User Rating: 4/10
I did not like it.To many false positives.
Pros: It does take care of the average garbage you pick up.
Cons: 30$ is to much.Give me Spyblaster,for free thankyou.
User Rating: 7/10
Subscription renewal
Pros: Renewal is less than initial purchase
Cons: Still more expensive than alternatives
Unreviewed was Sunbelt Software's CounterSpy, which is $19.95 initially, and $9.95 to renew. It uses the same definitions as MS AntiSpyware (since they had a contract with Giant to supply them), but usually finds more problems than MS. I don't know whether they are false positives, however, or how to check.
User Rating: 8/10
Saved my system while Others Failed
Pros: Accurate and Simple It Defends PC Before Spyware is Downloaded.
Cons: Obviously Cost Is a Big Turn Off
User Rating: 9/10
Works better than the other 4
Pros: Did what the others couldn't
Cons: None noted yet
I then heard about spy sweeper through CompUSA. I thought I'd give the trial version a try since my only alternative was to reformat my hard drive. Spy sweeper found everything within running it twice. It identified processes running in memory and deleted those as well. Definity worth the $29.95 or whatever!
User Rating: 8/10
It's Pretty Good.
Pros: Configurable, proactive, quick, nice interface, easy to use
Cons: Not THE best at finding ALL spyware.
It is pretty easy to use. The Shields are great - with tons of options. I have everything turned on, and it really isn't all that bad in terms of the amount of popups (not intrusive pop ups either).
It doesn't catch all the spyware, but it does a GOOD job. I also have ad-aware and spybot on my computer. I have to say, ad-aware is the best at catching the spyware. By far. Spybot seems to have lagged in the past year.
Basically, a home user who wants something easy to use, but can use some advanced options when you get comfortable with it, and have the ability to block the spyware before it gets onto your computer. Get this. This is the BEST all around pay program for blocking, removing, and usability.
However, i would still put the free version of Ad-aware on just in case
User Rating: 8/10
Very Thorough, set and forget
Pros: auto updates,blocks spyware automatically
Cons: will slightly increase start time
User Rating: 9/10
loved it. found things adaware didn't.!
Pros: faster than previous version.
Cons: any slowdown is bad - but not as bad as scum-ware.
User Rating: 2/10
This version is horrendous
Pros: None, except once a great program
Cons: Hang, crash and burn non-stop in Windows XP, Support unresponsive
