Webroot Spy Sweeper

by Webroot Software Inc

Product Features

• Spyware is a growing threat to your privacy - a type of software that tracks your Internet activities. You risk picking it up whenever you download anything, but with this set of monitoring tools you'll be protected.
• Quick Sweep offers a fast convenient analysis of your privacy risks and scans your hard drive for traces of spyware on a regular basis
• Spyware will sometimes damage other programs on your computer when it's removed -- use the quarantine option to stop it without removing
• Analyze the spyware to make certain it doesn't damage other software when removed
• Also blocks downloading more spyware through the frequently updated spy-definition database -- you'll always stay one step ahead of the marketers!

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000070MR0
• Item model number: 64201
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 7, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,354 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
  • #2 in Software > Computer Security > Anti-Spyware
  • #40 in Software > Utilities > PC Maintenance
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Spy Sweeper defends your PC and your personal information from the fast-growing threats to privacy you'll encounter online!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SPY SWEEPER WORKS!!!!!!, December 20, 2003

By 

Mo Lindsey (Newark, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Webroot Spy Sweeper (CD-ROM)

I had a major problem with spyware parasites on my computer. So bad that I could barely log on to my web provider and either my computer would freeze , I'd recieve an "open windows limit" sign , or my web provider would just crash and disappear. That is very fustrating and annoying and also scary because it may be some crook trying to steal information from you. You never know.

I purchased Spy Sweeper , placed the disc in the cd-rom (Windows ME) , it popped up on the screen by itself , I followed the instruction , downloaded it on my computer , and then started cleaning these things out easily! I had over 60 parasites on my computer. Now I have zero!

I was so happy. It also defines the spyware and it gives you an option to either quarintine it or delete it completely from your computer. IT ALSO WORKS AS A SHIELD THAT KEEPS NEW SPYWARE PARASITES FROM ATTACKING AS YOU SURF THE WEB! THEN SHOWS YOU WHAT SPYWARE ATTEMPTED TO ATTACK YOUR COMPUTER!

This is an excellent product because not only does it get rid of the spyware it also can keep your computer spyware free! Now my computer works as good as new and I don't have those problems that I described earlier.

Its a great investment because it really works!

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect sidekick against spyware-ridden sites, October 4, 2004

By 

Daniel J. Hamlow (Narita, Japan) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Webroot Spy Sweeper (CD-ROM)

Well, I thought my Internet troubles were over getting an anti-virus program with a firewall. Guess again, because my program doesn't take care of adware or spyware. And being hit by spyware is no fun, especially as it plays havoc on surfing. Why? Because spyware can cause one's computer to slow down, making the system unstable, and making one have to reboot. It can also make one's computer prone to hijacking programs that can remotely control your computer while you surf. Scary, right? Yes, Virginia...it's not safe to surf on the Internet anymore.

Of the anti-spyware packages available, I went with Webroot's Spysweeper, as it was ranked #1 in the Top Ten anti-spyware programs, outdoing others such as Spybot and AdAware. The main feature I like is how Spysweeper not only quarantines and deletes spyware but also the traces, which if left undetected can cause any malware to be reactivated. Not to worry-as options on automatically removing spyware that consistently gets loaded on visiting a certain site is present. Anyone wanting to keep spyware is like someone with gangrene who wants it left there because of that lovely green colour. Think again, guys!

Another thing that some may consider a bit annoying, but shows that the program is paying attention is if one adds a website as a favourite. If enabled, a pop-up window at the bottom right corner pops up, alerting the user. It then tells the user, "Hey, something just got added on to your favourites. Is it something you added, or did someone else do it?' If the former, check the box to keep it. If the latter, oh dear...! Hey, at least it's paying attention, so I like this feature. Along those lines was a pesky piece of malware which persistently changed my home page. Fortunately, an option in Spysweeper allowed it to keep my home page and never change it.

Users who have Windows ME or XP will have those pesky Restore directories containing all those 1 byte temporary files, which can add an extra ten minutes in scanning. Not to worry-an option there allows it to ignore those files.

Everytime I end my surfing and run it, it also removes tracking cookies, an option I enabled. Nowadays, weeks have gone by and I haven't had a piece of spyware or adware infiltrate my system, although interestingly enough, it's my anti-virus software that's been finding adware. It's also darned user-friendly too, like that someone who's on guard whenever I'm online. Recommended by this constant surfer. The Net was never more safer than with Spysweeper.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth It, May 2, 2004

By 

Akan (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Webroot Spy Sweeper (CD-ROM)

At first I was rather skeptical about purchasing Webroot Spy Sweeper. I knew it was good, since I had the trial version, but didn't think $30 could make the difference.

I was proved wrong. Spy Sweeper, the full version, eliminates spyware quickly and offers memory shields and cookie shields to supplement its excellent sweeping capabilities.

It unfortunately does not get the full five (4.7, rounded up) because it can not seem to get rid of the nasty spyware known as ClientMan. Spy Sweeper detects and removes it, but does not keep the annoying ClientMan away. With all else, Spy Sweeper is the way to go. Hopefully there will be an update to the ClientMan problem.

I would also recommend that you download the free anti spyware program known as SpywareBlaster to assist Spy Sweeper. SpywareBlaster blocks certain spyware from ever entering your computer. The combination of both Spy Sweeper and Spyware Blaster is absolutely amazing in this new war against spyware.