Spy Sweeper 5.0 Final released

[Alpha]

Spy Sweeper 5.0 Final released.

What's new

http://www.webroot.com/consumer/prod...r/latestv.html

As soon as it's installed, Spy Sweeper gives 360 degrees of protection
against spyware, including:

* Simple sweeps -Detecting spyware and removing unwanted programs found on
your computer in three effortless steps
* Easy management - Quickly and simply configure program, sweep and upgrade
options
* Fast home - Use the home screen to access the most commonly used functions
of Spy Sweeper
* Shields summary - A redesigned shields summary page makes it simple to see
at a glance which shields are on or off
* Action alerts - Receive clear, easy-to-understand notifications when new
spyware threats are detected

Additional Highlights

Even easier to use
We performed extensive user interaction testing and refined the Spy Sweeper
interface to make it even easier for users of all technical abilities to
stay protected. Advanced users continue to have the power to configure the
program to suit their unique needs, while new users can breeze through the
straightforward setup and menus. The new interface sets the standard in
ease-of-use and efficiency for spyware removal programs.

Commanding spyware detection and removal
Spyware programs are known to mutate quickly. Spy Sweeper uses adaptive
definition technology for detecting spyware mutations that haven't yet
received a defense definition. This is yet another benefit of having the
world's best spyware research team on your side.

More powerful blocking defenses
Enhanced Smart Shields prevent highly developed spyware programs from ever
installing on your PC. You'll receive valuable action alerts to any changes
in your computer's core functions, including startup, memory and Internet
security settings.

New keylogger shield
A keylogger can record all keystrokes on your computer, including usernames,
passwords, credit card numbers, e-mail content, instant message
conversations and other typed material. Spy Sweeper prevents keyloggers from
operating so your personal information is safe from these malicious threats.

Smarter spy installation shield
The enhanced Spy Installation shield offers "on access" spyware scanning for
all files attempting to download to your PC. Spy Sweeper scans all downloads
and if senses spyware, it will prevent its installation. The program in
question is sent to quarantine for you to deal with later.

Enhanced rootkit discovery methods
Malicious spyware uses rootkit technology to bury its files deep within your
PC. Spy Sweeper finds and destroys these programs with robust rootkit
discovery methods, a feature many other anti-spyware programs lack.

 

[Guest]

I have used SS for years with no problem, but I updated to version 5
yesterday and computer crashed twice when I tried a scan. I finally
uninstalled it but have it paid up to 2008 so want it back, but am afraid to
download it again. Anyone else have a problem with the new version?

"

 

[Dave M]

I'd be conservative here and wait to upgrade to the new version. You do
not want to be on the bleeding edge of all releases. I beta tested 5.0
release 1 for a week and removed it due to extensive problems. That was
only a few months ago... look how long Defender has been in Beta.
I'm sure there was a deadline to get Beta 5 out the door by the way this
was handled... go back to 4.5.9 (build 709) which is a great Anti-spyware
and wait for the dust to settle.

You can follow the progress here:
http://www.castlecops.com/f163-Spysweeper.html

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Dave. I tried to find someplace I could download 4.5.9 again, and
can't. I used my old Spy Sweeper CD which is 4.0.3 and installed that and it
still works and I updated the definitions, but I would like to get the 4.5.9
back. All I can find is the 5 on Webroot. and they haven't answered my email
yet. Any suggestions?

 

[Dave M]

I think your pretty well stuck there until Webroot sends you a new 4.5.9.
The only one I found on the net that I'd half way trust was Snapfiles, and
that version is a trial with removal disabled. It took Webroot a week to
resend 4.5.9 back to me... although I always save the distribution package,
which you're seeing is a good idea for these net distributions, provided
you have the space...

My license specifically says I will not re-distribute... sorry I can't send
it to you.

 

[Guest]

Spysweeper version 5.0 (wiht all shields turned off) made my CPU's jump
constantly between 4-100%. I conflicted with McAfee VirusScan. Reports are
coming in via CastleCops of conflicts with McAfee, Norton, Lavasoft,
SuperAntispyware, and others. Several users have had BSOD's and continual
reboots. This new version is a disaster, as far as I'm concerned. I have
the installer saved for 4.5.7, but I have chosen not to reinstall yet. I
just installed Defender, and plan to wait until Webroot fixes their problem.
I subitted a support ticket and got useless answers. They have replaced a
stable product with a monster, IMHO.

 

[Dave M]

Welcome back Rebel... thought we might be seeing you again....

 

[Guest]

Hi,Dave! I gave Defender a test run last week and found it much imiproved
from the last time I used it. Glad to be back. I'm been keeping my eye on
things here.

 

[Guest]

I have been checking on Castle Cops and someone stated that 5.05.126 was on
Webroots server. I can not find anywhere that it says that. Is that the fixed
version or does anyone know? I have sent 2 tickets in and no answers back yet!

If someone gets a "good" answser back, PLEASE post the info here, as it
sounds like everyone is having problems with it. Right now, I am not using SS
at all, even the older versiion and could not find 4.5.9 anywhere to download.

 

[Dave M]

Hi MaDonna;

Looks like a case of a dropped digit and decimal point. Do not expect a
quick fix to these many problems, I would expect a month or more to be able
to straighten it out entirely. Analysis, Programming, and Systems
Assurance, if in-fact Webroot has any (looks doubtful), will eat up lots of
time. Tell the support desk in no uncertain terms you want 4.5.9 (build
709) back ASAP. Again, I'm sorry I'm prohibited from re-distributing this
package. 4.0.3 wasn't all that great and I know you feel somewhat
unprotected. Let Defender do it's job, it's pretty good at keeping spyware
off your system with RTP active.

 

[Guest]

I just checked the version I had downloaded and it was the 5.05.1286 so it
wasn't a fixed version......
Sorry to have asked the question before I checked.

 

[Guest]

I did get an answer today on my first ticket. They told me to diable Spy
Installation Shield. Reboot and they will be releasing a resolution via
program update in the near future!

 

[Dave M]

Ahhh... Good to see there are optimists left in this world, let us know how
you make out... Good luck

 

[Guest]

I am nopt that much of an optiimist. I will keep this yucky 4..0.3 till I am
assured of a fix. I don't like this version so have disabled it and will use
it to update when they get a "GOOD" SS 5 out. Will depend on WD and Spybot
till then.

But I still want to know what others hear from Webroot.

 

[Guest]

Spysweeper 5.0 gave me massive CPU problems, even with ALL the shields and
the auto updater turned OFF. I even uninstalled my mcAfee products in case
they were the problem and installed Windows Live One Care. Still NO Joy even
with Spysweeper added to the firewall and AV exclusions list in One Care.
Repeated and persistent 100% CPU spikes even when PC was idle, and finally a
complete sytem freeze when I tried to open the One Care UI. Webroot just
emailed me the installer file for version 4.5.709 and told me to use it until
they could fix (or figure out) version 5.0. If anyone needs the old
installer, they should keep contacting Webroot support by telephone. BTW -
One Care seems pretty good. I just wish I knew for sure that the AV is up to
par. Does anyone know when it will be included in AV Comparatives testing?

 

[Guest]

I have asked for 4.5/9 back, too. What makes me so mad is I had saved the
download ( I do that with everything) but when the new one came I deleted it
from the fFash Drive I save my dowloads on. I will never do that again....

 

[Guest]

Hey Guys, I just called Webroot 1-800-772-9383 and got a tech and they are
sending me 4.5.9 immediately. Found this number on Castlecops. The numnber on
their website is too long a wait...

 

[Dave M]

Good to hear you got that response... not only for your own benefit, but
also to alert Webroot to the level of customer dissatisfaction.

As a side note, I know people complain about Microsoft's slow response to
things like the multiple restore checkpoints, but I'd rather have them take
their time and get problems fixed correctly than rush to put out an upgrade
before it's ready and thereby create mass panic, IMHO.

 

[Jim Higgins]

Spysweeper 5.0 gave me massive CPU problems, even with ALL the shields and
the auto updater turned OFF. I even uninstalled my mcAfee products in
case
they were the problem and installed Windows Live One Care. Still NO Joy
even
with Spysweeper added to the firewall and AV exclusions list in One Care.
Repeated and persistent 100% CPU spikes even when PC was idle, and finally
a
complete sytem freeze when I tried to open the One Care UI. Webroot just
emailed me the installer file for version 4.5.709 and told me to use it
until
they could fix (or figure out) version 5.0. If anyone needs the old
installer, they should keep contacting Webroot support by telephone.
BTW -
One Care seems pretty good. I just wish I knew for sure that the AV is up
to
par. Does anyone know when it will be included in AV Comparatives testing?

FWIW I foolishly put 5.0 build 1286 in without hanging onto build 709. Wheh
I uninstall 5.0 the lockups or massive slowdowns go away. But I do have 4.5
build 683 that will go in until someone else does the Alpha and Beta testing
of 5.0 for Webroot Software. Dumb move for me not to save the previous-a
senior moment.