Date: Feb 10, 2012
From the desk of Nils Rognerud
Software Developer in San Francisco, California, USA
Spybot software – also called Spybot S&D, or Spybot Search and Destroy – has been popular for many years for removing spyware. The Spybot program is also totally free to try and use.
However, Spybot software is getting mixed reviews on CNet.com. Here is a snippet from the editor review of Spybot software: “… the program [Spybot] has the tendency to lock up at times and even during the install process for this review, we encountered several errors.”
The ambitious feature list and functionality make Spybot a good choice for those in search of a second antispyware program, and recent updates have made it run faster. It still makes errors in flagging spyware that isn’t, and overall there are others in the category that do a better job.”
If you do not believe the CNet editor review of Spybot; I invite you to try the Spybot Search and Destroy and decide for yourself. Make sure you test it and also download Spyware Doctor alongside it – which is the highest-rated commercial anti-spyware program on the market (according to CNet.com). You then decide…
You can download a copy of the “free-to-try” Spyware Doctor with Anti-virus here:
By clicking the download button, you consent to start automatic download of this program.
Spyware Doctor has been awarded by PC Magazine for the prestigious Editor’s Choice Award. Spyware Doctor was also awarded with the “Best of the Year in the anti-spyware category, by PC Magazine.
Good luck and feel free to send me a message or reply in the comment field below.
-Nils Rognerud
Software Developer
San Francisco, CA, USA
P.S. If you have asked questions like “what is a spyware?”, but you really do not care about all the fuzz and the details about the different anti-spyware software like spybot etc, just simply start the free scan now with Spyware Doctor. This software is the #1 most highly downloaded anti-spyware software on CNet.com.
unable to download spybot to E:\ (DVD) drive; can u help me.
You should not try to save the download to your DVD drive, since you need special software to burn files onto a DVD.
Simply save the downloaded software to your hard-disk, normally C:\ drive or your computer desktop.
-Nils (admin)
I have tried Spyware Doctor, paid copy, for Win XP Pro. I seemed to be VERY thorough but slowed my computer to an unacceptable level. I have an Intel I7 quad core processor, 4 Gb memory. I paid good money for this setup and don’t like something that slows it down as much as Spyware Doctor.
There are many reasons why your computer is slowing down. For example, are you running more than one anti-virus program? —
You should only be using one antivirus program. Anything more will slow down your computer, and will not improve your computer protection.
If you noticed your computer slowing down just after installing Spyware Doctor, I recommend to follow these tune-up steps to optimize the performance of Spyware Doctor.
-Nils
(admin)
is spybot free? like i dont wanna try it i wanna use it. do i have to pay for it? or is it a 30 day free trial or something. is it like 100% free COMPLETELY free
Spybot software is 100% free to try and use. However, they do accept donations, if you choose to help the software developer.
Spyware Doctor is free-to-try and will scan your entire computer for malware, virus and spyware, without registration or payment.
-Nils (admin)
After scan and fix it says some items can not be fixed because I am not administrator.
I can not find a way to fix it so that I am running as administrator.
Just right click on the program file and select “Run As Administrator”.
Here is some more information about this handy little feature, built right into Windows:
Run as Administrator
-Nils (admin)
Once I run this Spybot or spyware doctor software, will I be able to print out a report to send to my cyber fraud dept at my bank? It’s at their request I do this. Thanks for yr help.
I have no idea, but you will get a quick answer directly from PCtools – the maker of the software – by contacting them on this web page:
PCtools support/contact information
-Nils (admin)
I just installed Spyware Doctor since it said 100% free. It scans but not able to remove the threat/ Trying to remove the threat, it requests to order it/Please advise how to remove the threat w/o order it
Spybot software is 100% free to download and use.
Spyware Doctor is made by PCtools.com and is “free-to-try”, and will scan your entire computer for any virus and malware. There is no need to spend money, just to scan and check if your computer has been infected with a computer virus. If the scan shows the computer to be infected, a licensed registration is required to clean out the computer virus – or you can do it manually, if you are computer savy.
Spyware Doctor can be easily uninstalled. Here are Spyware Doctor uninstall instructions.
What makes this software better than others?
I have used spybot since it had first came out and I loved it. It’s always helped to keep my computer up and running smoothly as well as keeping those pesky viruses off my computer =D Thanks for the share!
ES MUY BUENO, SE LOS RECOMIENDO……
im downloading spybot but its really slow, but my computer is slow as it is, how can i get it to download faster so i can get all the junk that is making my computer slow off of my computer???
There are many reasons why a computer can be slow. If you suspect you have a slow internet download speed, you can check this by going to speedtest.net and click start speed test button.
Another reason might be you are running out of disk space, or you have a system registry file that is getting huge – and slow. I can recommend checking to see how many GB of disk space you have left on your hard disk, and then trying a registry cleaner for optimizing the Windows registry file.
-Nils (admin)
Will spybot remove keyloggers?
Yes, Spybot will remove keyloggers. Look at this link for info on what Spybot can do.
-Nils (admin)
I uninstalled AVG 2011 Antivirus a few minutes ago. I went to install the AVG PC Tuneup 2011 and it told me I had 830 problems on my computer and not to uninstall. I don’t understand what that means. I have heard lots of good things about your product and would like to use it. Only I am not to computer savy and this would be my first time downloading an antivirus program. Also I need to know if your software is compatible with Magic Jack Soft phone ?. That is my phone service. Thank You for your time Michelle Hicks
You should not uninstall your anti-virus program like AVG Antivirus, unless you have another anti-virus program protecting your computer against computer infections.
AVG PC Tuneup 2011 has no anti-virus protection and simple tries to recommend things to change on your computer to make it run faster.
Anti-virus software and tuneup software does not change your Magic Jack phone service.
Let me know if you have other questions.
-Nils (admin)
I have avg now but problems and is so slow to do any-thing.I am not a computer person and i do want protection.And want to know if this is true protection and free and is it easy to down-load and should leave advast in untill i get search and destroy in my computer.Then delete advast?And will this programclean out my machine and free protection? Please help me. Thank-you Bev.
You should never run two different anti-virus software – because it will slow down your computer. Find the software you like, and uninstall the other anti-malware software.
I personally use and recommend Spyware Doctor from PCtools. It it is highest ranked anti-malware software on the market. You can download the free-to-try version of the software here: Download Spyware Doctor trial.
-Nils (admin)
Thank You
I really thought that this was really the easyier downloads to install
Does spybot also get rid of keyloggers? i play alot of online games and i don’t want to get hacked. I didn’t see it written anywhere on the website. Thanks.
Yes, most anti-spyware programs get rid of keyloggers, but you need to read the fine print on the vendor web site to be 100% sure.
I know my favorite tool (Spyware Doctor) removes all keyloggers. You can download Spyware Doctor from this web page.
-Nils (admin)
i had spy-bot SD on my old laptop which one do u recommend to install that is free an will clean out problems after scanning as did my last one did or am I dreaming
Spybot is still a reasonable program, but there are reports of install problems and that it does not find all the different possible computer infections.
For a complete cleaning on your computer, try downloading and installing Spyware Doctor on this web page.
-Nils (admin)
I have MSE and want to know if I still need to use an outside anti-virus like Webroot. Found that MSE is OK but Spybot is also needed. Cnet says that the Spybot download has a tendency to lock up and the installation may encounter errors. How can I keep it from totally destroying my computer’s performance and slowing it down since my computer is working perfectly now??
I strongly recommend not to install two different anti-spyware software. There is very little benefit to install several different spyware programs, for example Spybot and MSE.
I only use Spyware Doctor, and feel it is the best.
-Nils (admin)
G’day! just a quick question, i have installed spybot with antivirus and is that mean i need to uninstall my ESET security 4???
Just pick one anti-spyware software that you are comfortable with. Installing more than one anti-spyware software will slow down your computer.
-Nils (admin)
Thank you for your answer to my question. According to what I have read on the net, MSE does not have spyware within it and it was recommended that Spybot also be installed so If I understand you correctly, MSE does have spyware within it and there is no need for Spybot, correct?
MSE does have anti-spyware within it. Read more about it here:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx
Do not install two anti-spyware software – it will slow down your computer.
-Nils (admin)
There is no need for webroot or Norton then?
There are small differences between webroot, norton, spybot, spyware doctor and other anti-malware software. Just pick the one that works best for you.
DO NOT INSTALL TWO ANTI-MALWARE SOFTWARE. It will slow down your computer quite a bit.
-Nils (admin)
I am running AVG free version now. Will the spybot search and destroy download interfere with it and slow down my PC?
Do not install more than one anti-spyware software. It will slow down your computer and offer no great additional protection.
-Nils (admin)
I currently have norton anti- virus on my computer but was told it will not find spy wear so is it ok to run down load spybot aswell or not
Norton Anti-virus has protection for virus, spyware and malware. Do not install spybot, if you are happy with Norton. Installing more than one anti-malware software will slow down your computer.
-Nils (admin)
Thanks for your assistance now i got a protection for my PC.
i love spybot i just downloaded it and i love it!!!! wayter than avg.there is 9 addwere i cant seem to get rid of tho?i need to run as admin.but i dont now how can u help me?
Try this tutorial link for more information on using spybot:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/tutorial/index.html
-Nils (admin)
I recently installed the free AVG anti virus and have run it several times….it always tells me that it has found no viruses….however I am having friends tell me (and I can see in my ‘sent mail’ folder) that I have been sending emails with various links I’m sure for some ‘interesting stuff’….it isn’t me. These email sends have continued even after running the AVG. If this isn’t a virus on my computer what else is causing it? Should I remove the AVG (if so please instruct me on how to do it correctly) and install the Spyware Doctor instead? I’m not terribly computer savy but it sure sounds like I have a virus….yes? Thanks
Yes, I had the same experience with AVG and some other anti-malware products, until I uninstalled AVG and tried Spyware Doctor – which is a much more reliable protection, in my experience.
Do not run both AVG and Spyware Doctor on the same computer, as it will slow down the speed of your computer for other tasks. Choose one anti-malware software, and stick with it.
-Nils (admin)
Can you walk me through the steps to uninstall the AVG? I would like to install the Spyware doctor and see what it finds.
Here is a short video on how to uninstall AVG.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vUKZ8BWWF8
-Nils
Been using Spybot for years, never had a problem, when i have had serious virus issues i have never looked further than Spybot in conjunction with Combofix, keep up the excellant work Nils and i would like to say thanx on behalf of all Spybot users.
how long does the scan take? i started an hour and a half ago and its 30% done with 274,000 processed items.
The scan usually only takes 10 mins or so. However, if you have an old computer with lots of files it might take longer.
-Nils (admin)
Hi, Help! Ive read your page and Q&As but please explain should I unistall Norton Anti virus (which ive recently paid subscription for) before I download spybot or spy doctor?
If you have installed and paid for Norton, you do not need to install other anti-malware software like Spybot etc.
Running more than one anti-malware software will slow down your computer, without added benefit.
-Nils (admin)
Hi, Thanks for reply! Could you advise me please is my Norton anti virus sufficent to stop keylogging etc?
Hi, Thanks for reply! Could you advise me please is my Norton anti virus sufficent to stop keylogging etc? Is there any way of knowing if someone has installed spyware onto my laptop?
I do not personally use Norton AntiVirus, but I understand all major anti-malware software (Norton, AVG, Spybot, Spyware Doctor etc) will protect against keyloggers.
Here is a list of all the protections by Norton AntiVirus. I see several mentions of the word “keylog”:
http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/attacksignatures/
-Nils (admin)
Please help. I cannot get something called ‘babylon’ off my computer. It is slowing everything down and I suspect it is malicious. Can you help, I have tried everything.
You said you tried everything? Are you also saying Spyware Doctor (download from this web page) does not find the malware you mention!?
Let me know via a post here, and I will try to help further.
-Nils (admin)
Please let me know how I can remove Norton 2008, Thanks
Here are the instructions on how to remove Norton Anti-Virus:
http://www.askdavetaylor.com/how_can_i_fully_remove_norton_antivirus_from_my_system.html
Let me know if you have other questions.
-Nils (admin)
At one point I had Spybot Search and Destroy and then after a major problem with my PC it was gone. I still have the files for it but will not install. I have no answer to why this happened.
Maybe you can help me with issue? In the meantime I have another major problem and not able to get rid of it from my computer.
Please help me.
Thank you for the time.
Peace,
Larry “Gypsie” Burgess
I would simply download and try Spyware Doctor from this web page. It is better than Spybot software, but you can be the judge of this…
-Nils (admin)
I tried to download Spyware Doctor and it says the the down load manager has stopped working. I have also tried on safe mode. I’m pretty sure My PC now has a Virus. I have removed AVG witch the interface stopped working and some of my programs Microsoft only don’t work including internet explorer. I have Fire fox and Chrome on my PC so that is how i am able to use it. My power point to open documents is not allowed to work. i have followed the directions regarding how to add them to the list that is suppose to let them work. hum I’m pretty much out of ideas. i have run my spybot. any ideas i appreciate the help. I can tell you this happened after a face book session.
There could be many things going on with your computer, and I would simple install Spyware Doctor from this web page and do a full scan with it.
Spyware Doctor will then report if anything is wrong with your computer, in terms of malware. Then you can decide if you need to remove the malware manually (not recommended) or use a anti-spyware program to remove the malware for you (recommended).
-Nils (admin)
I had some malicious program invade my computer. It would not allow download of any anti virus or anti malware program. The way I was able to get rid of it was to download a malicious removal tool from microsoft.com onto a USB flash drive and run that program from there.
Hi Nils
I was browsing the net for spybot to install and found this impressive page, I have in my PC the following free programs(AVG, IObit,Molwarwbytes and Windows Defender), WD is off
My question is: Do you recomend me to uninstall them and get spybot as an alternative to all of them or to keep them ( at least AVG as an Antivirous program) and add spybot as an extra one? If so is there any conflict between spybot and AVG? Many thanks.
You should only use one copy of an anti-virus program.
More is not better, in this case – since all anti-virus programs take up some of your computer speed and resources each time you use your computer to open files and browse the internet.
Me personal preference is AVG or Spyware Doctor. I have tried many, and find Spyware Doctor to be the best…
-Nils (admin)
Hi, my norton has run out and i ws advised to download spybot. I don’t know much about this sort of thing so was wondering if spybot will do the same as norton ? also why is it free when norton costs so much ?
Norton Antivirus (a paid software) is a better program than Spybot, but it is 100% free.
As always, you get what you pay for – but some people are happy with less functionality and less load on the computer. Norton can sometimes slow down your computer…
-Nils (admin)
I have used spy bot in the past and like it.and was reading some other post and answers.I have 2 computers I use One has McAfee and Malwarebytes and the other has Avast and malwarebytes.My question is can I use spybot with these combinations?Or will they conflict or redundant?I have small Hard drives so space is a factor.The one runs really slow and the other seems to send more data than is coming in. Any thoughts you have would be helpful.Thanks in Advance
You should never install more than one anti-malware software on a computer, since it is redundant and will slow down your computer to have two anti-malware software.
Just pick one software and stick with it. I like Avast, AVG and Spyware Doctor – but you decide which one you like to use. McAfree is very resource intensive i.e. it uses much diskpace and slow down your computer.
-Nils
I had my computer all cleaned and added more disk space and got rid of all the junk I didnt need. Question is Im using Microsoft Esential as my anti virus I like Avast also which one is the best or are they about the same. Whats the best spyware and malware or do I need one. I was using Spybot Searh and destroy. THANKS Jack
a friend suggested i get rid of mcafee and go with avg(which i did) and spybot as well. do i need both?
Just pick one anti-spyware so you do not slow down your computer too much.
-Nils (admin)
Hi NIls:
My name is Nil I bought my Acer Laptop in January. i have not performd anything on it Which one should use for the first time?
I would download and try Spyware Doctor. It is always rated highly in the consumer reports.
-Nils (admin)
i cant remove cookies from my computor will it harm anything
Cookies are very low threat to your computer. I wouldn’t worry about cookies.
-Nils (admin)
Nils, I have a question: I downloaded Spyware Doctor and ran a full scan. It reported 177 infections and about 8 virus related file entries. When I clicked on the “fix” button, the program (Spyware Doctor) crashed. I rebooted the computer and am trying to run the scan again. I am concerned the infection and virus presence on my PC is messing with Spyware Doctor and I don’t know what to do next. Your thoughts?
I will simply reboot the computer in SAFE mode, and try again. Here is a short video to show how to reboot the computer in SAFE mode:
http://softdownloads.com/spybot_search_and_destroy/safe-mode/
-Nils (admin)
Hi Nils, I just bought a new computer and we already have Norton Anti-virus Online 2011 that was supplied by our internet service provider. I have used Spybot S&D with it on the old computer without problems, I ran it manually periodically. I have been doing a lot research about anti-virus software and am aware that it’s not advised to run more than one at a time. Since I already have Norton Online do I even need another program like Spyware Doctor and if so will they be compatible? If not what program would you suggest?
Thanks.
Hello Nils,
I’ve always had good luck with Spybot. Now I’m faced with another issue related to a virus possibly taking out IE. I wanted to send you a comment regarding this as I don’t have access to the internet. I downloaded Spybot/Spyware Doctor on a jump drive and transferred it and installed it onto the suspect laptop. Now when I try to run the app it needs to connect via the internet for updates before proceeding. Is there a workaround for this by chance?
Thanks for providing a good product!
Isn’t Spybot anti malware protection while AVG free is virus protection only? I have used AVG free and Spybot for years and love them both. Easy to install, use and understand. My experience is that they don’t conflict with each other because they are 2 different types of protection. Thanx.
Its not doing it anymore. I have Nortons antivirus will this interfere with that? I run a scan with nortons and it will find and fix 10 problems, i immediately run the scan again and it finds and fixes 8 problems, i run the scan again and it finds and fixes 9 problems this is all within minutes, if it finds and fixes problems how can new problems arrise in seconds? Any ideas
I know how you feel. I have tried many anti-spyware software – with mixed results. Now I only use Spyware Doctor. You can download a free-to-try version of the Spyware Doctor software towards the top on this page.
Let me know if you have other questions.
-Nils (admin)