Trend Micro HijackThis 2.0.2

Publisher's description of Trend Micro HijackThis

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HijackThis lists the contents of key areas of the Registry and hard drive--areas that are used by both legitimate programmers and hijackers. The program is continually updated to detect and remove new hijacks. It does not target specific programs and URLs, only the methods used by hijackers to force you onto their sites.

As a result, false positives are imminent, and unless you're sure about what you're doing, you always should consult with knowledgeable folks before deleting anything. Version 2.0.2 includes unspecified updates.

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Editor's review of Trend Micro HijackThis

If persistent spyware is bogging down your computer, you might need HijackThis. The tiny program examines vulnerable or suspect parts of your system, such as browser helper objects and certain types of Registry keys. Pressing the Scan button generates a log of dozens of items, most of which are just customizations. Don't check off an item and hit the Fix Checked button unless you're sure it's malware. Clicking Info on Selected Item tells you why the entry was flagged as suspicious, but not whether it's actually malware. To find that out, search the Web for that item's name or go straight to a forum, such as SpywareInfo or Computer Cops. Saving the log creates a text document you can post to these forums.

The latest version adds powerful tools to the Config window. The process manager and hosts file editor help you excise virulent infections. The unique ADS Spy tool scans for alternate data streams, which some browser hijackers use to hide from spyware removers. The program still installs into whatever directory in which you unzip the file, which can make it hard to locate. HijackThis is a serious tool for any user who needs to root out a serious infestation, but wield it with caution.

User reviews of Trend Micro HijackThis

• Average user rating: out of 503 votes
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  Trend Micro HijackThis

  Good product

  by: JoyceNgo on 08-Apr-2008 11:27:20 AM

  Pros: I didn't give it five stars because it's not exactly perfect for everyone but it's good enough for advanced Windows users and for people who understand computers and running processes. I downloaded this product since I'm an ok Windows user trying to find out my problems. I didn't have any spyware, however this program really helps you find out those suspicious and unknown items that are hiding somewhere inside your computer. All you do is check the ones you want to remove and then delete it. Simple, small, easy and hard to use at the same time. On computer tech sites, if you ask for help, people would often ask you to post your Hijack log. I would say this product is favored by many people.

  Cons: So like I said, I gave it four stars because it's not exactly perfect but good enough for those who knows computers well. I would recommend this product even if you don't know how to use it, you can always log your contents and ask for help in a computer tech support site.

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  Trend Micro HijackThis

  excellent advanced tool

  by: yprtb on 27-Feb-2008 12:58:48 PM

  Pros: for getting rid of pesty malware or spyware. Try it and post a scan log on a site such as computer cops or download.com's forum.

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  Trend Micro HijackThis

  A detailed anti-spyware tool.

  by: edred.uk on 29-Jan-2008 10:33:30 AM

  Pros: It generates a detailed list of suspicious items.

  Cons: However, it takes an expert to decide what should be removed. Not for the beginner.

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  Trend Micro HijackThis

  Find the Key Problem!

  by: noobishlolol on 23-Jan-2008 03:16:34 PM

  Pros: Removes Keys to disable the program's actions and maybe delete it!

  Cons: Doesn't really remove the full problem... Use CCleaner, RegMech and Ad-Aware 2007 to clean fully

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  Trend Micro HijackThis

  Finally..

  by: SpaghettiOz on 18-Dec-2007 09:37:56 PM

  Pros: Managed to get rid of a few files that insisted to stay on my computer.

  Cons: Use with caution, this is a very powerful program.

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