Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

CyberDoc999 reviewed v8.0.0.654 on Jun 1, 2011

worst pos ever made
make sure to un-install

AceDublB reviewed v8.0.0.606 on Oct 17, 2010

Spyware Doctor & AV caused my computer to slow to an absolute crawl, over 15 minutes to start up, 5 minutes to load a web page. The worst piece of software c**p ever and to think I wasted $60 and they supposedly do automatic renewals.
I thought there was a problem when I did the Ctrl-Alt-Del Processes and saw pctsdgui.exe using 80% of my CPU when the program wasn't even running.
Removed SD and my PC is back to normal. Over a month of pure hell wondering was was going on.
I will reload every week or so but will never, ever have that piece of garbage on my computer again.

craigun reviewed v8.0.0.606 on Sep 27, 2010

Yes, this is a resource hog and slow. Not recommended!

scliew reviewed v7.0.0.545 on Jul 3, 2010

I created Fileforum account in order to kick this fuxx a** Spyware Doctor.

It is very slow when scanning file although it is good.

I got latest version and 2.6G with 3G DDR800.

I can't even browse internet due to this lagging. My Chrome and Firefox freeze and need to wait very wrong to show any webpage.
My FarmHelper for Facebook even not do its job due to the lag. After disable it, it start to work. What the hell...

What an amazing software... Huh, It worth 1 star. IMAO

Now trying CountrySpy. Scanning OK but don't know the effect.

Modelguy reviewed v7.0.0.543 on Mar 25, 2010

This is total crap. I paid $60.00 for multi pc coverage. One day I'm told I have to update my version. When I did it, the program shut my laptop down completely. Glacial processing, refused to open other programs. By the Grace of God, I made it to the Control Panel and ripped thie pig from my c drive.
I've tried numerous times to log in to pctools to complain, but they won't rec. my password, say they/ve sent me a new one, but never have. I'm considering driving to their HQ and kicking someone's ass!

JustForMyMemory reviewed v7.0.0.538 on Feb 16, 2010

it is amazing spyware-doctor with me, the only twice things suck are HAVE TO BUY TO CLEAN ALL and EXTREMELY SLOW performance on MODERN MACHINES

LakotaElf reviewed v7.0.0.538 on Feb 16, 2010

Did not like this at all, needs work, removed it from my computer, slows everything down. Avoid it, there are other programs out there that are much better than this.

CyberDoc999 reviewed v7.0.0.538 on Feb 16, 2010

made my dual core 3 ghz system very slow....
avoid this program like the plague it is

bobad reviewed v2010 7.0.0.514 on Dec 17, 2009

Nice GUI, seems to work in some cases.

I have to wonder about this program and all the "fake antivirus" programs out there. When you do a search for the fake AV programs such as "Security Tool", (noting more than a trojan), all sorts of pages come up that suspiciously link to Spyware Doctor. If I didn't know better, I would say there's a symbiotic relationship going on. Try it! Do a search for "Security Tool", "System Security malware", "Spyware Guard", or any other fake AV. You will find several links
describing the malware, and links to Spyware Doctor embedded! Coincidence? I really don't know, but it looks suspicious to me!

ballyhairs reviewed v2010 7.0.0.514 on Dec 15, 2009

I just switched to Counterspy, this one is gone totally wrong.
BTW.. Counterspy is also a memory vampire, but at least it has a good detection and it runs fine on 7, just make sure you run it once a while and disable it including its service when not running.
Oh, this one gets 2 stars for its good detection, that's all

CyberDoc999 reviewed v7.0.0.508 on Oct 20, 2009

Made my system way too slow....

I have 3 ghz dual core with 2 gigs ram

craigun reviewed v7.0.0.508 on Oct 16, 2009

This WILL slow your system down. Give Iobit Security 360 a shot, it has real time protection too and it's free.

johnusa reviewed v6.1.0.447 on Jul 28, 2009

Extremely slow.
It maybe effective at cleaning spyware, but it is not a keeper as it brings even a fast PC to its knees.
PC Tools must and should work on this program to lighten its load and speed up its operation and needed resources.

tjp26 reviewed v6.0.1.441 on Jun 7, 2009

It works at finding spyware but is a resource hog. If/when you install it plan on waiting forever to get it up and running. I wish there wash some configuration information so I could configure the services to use less resources.

Lsavagejt reviewed v6.0.1.441 on Apr 20, 2009

Well, occasionally it will find a tracking cookie, and this is probably the best anti-spyware there is right now, but in the version just previous to this release there was a conflict with Avira Antivir Premium where half way through a full SD scan Avira would pop up a couple of warning messages referring to two files in the SD folder- weird. Anyway, I uninstalled it. Probably works fine with ESET.

CyberDoc999 reviewed v6.0.0.427 Beta on Oct 29, 2008

Slow and bloated.... when I use it I have to un-install when I am done.......
waste of money!

ballyhairs reviewed v6.0.0.427 Beta on Oct 29, 2008

Its the best antispyware, though its way too heavy and takes ages to get running, but detection and removal is worth it, I run it a couple of times a week and shut it down after its done.

softapo7 reviewed v6.0.0.385 on Sep 29, 2008

I have PC Tools Internet Security 2009 installed, includes Spyware Doctor, PC Tools Firewall and Threatfire. No major memory hits, works fine in conjunction with Avira Antivir, giving me superior anti-virus protection. You can find this fine paid software for free if you look around.

poisonu reviewed v6.0.0.385 on Sep 26, 2008

Very Good product.
Only one that You can install in an already badly infected system, & it will still remove the infection....
No free product can even compare to it in infection prevention &/or infection removal effectiveness...
If You are using a free product, just remember to use this product once You have been infected....

CyberDoc999 reviewed v6.0.0.384 on Sep 20, 2008

Slows my system to a crawl
and I have a 3GHz with 2 gigs of ram

robmanic44 reviewed v6.0.0.632 on Aug 4, 2008

Not as intuitive as previous versions. Crashed my system on install. It's probably better to go with a free antispyware tool to avoid the hassle.

PlayazCircle reviewed v6.0.0.632 on Jul 22, 2008

Best antispyware, there is other spyware protection that can detect and remove like Spyware Doctor.

tipstir reviewed v6.0.0.354 on Jul 7, 2008

Prior version 5.1.0273 seems more stable than 5.5 and 6.x. Those other two seem to have problems. Anyway this software has found more stuff than Spyware Terminator did go figure! Plus features are automatic and you don't have to download or use another browser shield like you do in ST. SD offers all of that protection with the main software. I use this with PC Tools Anti-Spyware and PC Tools Firewall Plus using code injection protection.

ballyhairs reviewed v5.5.1.336 Beta on May 21, 2008

The BEST antispyware

alshawwa reviewed v5.5.1.322 on May 9, 2008

lovely software , but its not a free one where you can have same tools with same detection rate for free such as adaware superantispyware , spybot S&D

Banquo reviewed v5.5.0.204 on Mar 29, 2008

Had a horrible time removing this from a customer's computer. Appears to be a rogue program, it would constantly put popups on the screen saying the computer was under attack and to click here to fix, disabled the task manager, changed wallpaper to a big warning sign, and made the computer unusable.

Psychocrusha reviewed v5.5.0.204 on Mar 25, 2008

This used to hog all my resources and seemed to take over my pc, but now it is a bit lighter on the resources and a lot more managable. It also detected some crap on my pc that the other guys didn't catch, and it keeps me pretty much protected from spyware.

why hello there reviewed v5.5.0.178 on Feb 3, 2008

After reading PC Magazine shoot their goo over Spyware Doctor 5.5, I decided to try it out. How bad could it be, right?

It was a disaster. Right out of the gate, it "detected" several infections that weren't infections at all, and happily offered to delete a bunch of valid registry entries. How nice.

But the worst was yet to come.

Within a half hour of running it for the first time, the Spyware Doctor service (i.e. background application) began devouring CPU time, to the extent that the mouse cursor wouldn't even move. Every once in awhile it would take a breath, and for a moment, I could move the mouse. I was ready to scream my lungs out by the time I finally managed to reboot the system without having to resort to a hard reset.

Thanks, PC Magazine. Have any other wonderful advice?

tipstir reviewed v5.5.0.178 on Jan 7, 2008

I decided to give this one a try so far so good it has detected more than what I was using prior and the freeware one call Spyware Terminator well lets say this one doesn't give me a head ache.

I just schedule scan once a week and it also proected the systems from anything odd or nasty trying to get int. I also use this with Spyware Blaster for IE BHO.

Bruce_Bach reviewed v5.5.0.176 Beta on Dec 11, 2007

This software is ok. It is a memory hog and it actually intercepts real programs and stops them from working. A bunch of emails to tech support finds no help except that they lie and say it's fixed when they haven't even looked at the problem.
THEIR SUPPORT SUX! STAY AWAY!
If I could give lower then a 1 I would.!!

Willy reviewed v5.5.0.115 Beta on Dec 2, 2007

Detection rating is 4-5, rest of program is a complete dud. Huge resource hog, usage of real-time prtection bogs down PC to the point of absolute non enjoyment. Free version is fine, but I wouldn't shell out cash for this one. CounterSpy is humming along beautifully on this PC right now, recommend trying that one first.

ballyhairs reviewed v5.5.0.115 Beta on Nov 30, 2007

I give it 4 for its high detection, real time protection is not needed, just run on demand scanner once in a while and you are safe.

Andy Dean reviewed v5.5.0.115 Beta on Nov 30, 2007

mavetwel12 please grow up.
If you want that sort of thing Google is available.

Back on topic. I've tried various releases of this programme and must admit I'm not a big fan of it. The freeware version is ok for run on demand but the full version is a total resource hog.
I've moved over to SUPERAntiSpyware for now.

mavetwel12 reviewed v5.5.0.111 Beta on Nov 29, 2007

does anyone know a register key to activate the full version. id apreciate it thanks

paul-white reviewed v5.5.0.111 Beta on Nov 21, 2007

Like a fool I tried the program and registered straight away. Bought the program and found that my PC didn't behave like it should. E-mailed support and was given a fix. But by then I had un-installed the program and my PC has not functioned properly since despite using XP's restore facility. They gave me a full refund but I still have an XP system that doesn't behave as it should. The problem? Only minor but the system tray icons don't display, hide and un-hide as they used to. But I wonder what else doesn't work as it should........

CyberDoc999 reviewed v5.5.0.111 Beta on Nov 21, 2007

I think this is a great program
for what it does....
It is one of the best!
far better than spy-sweeper

Bruce_Bach reviewed v5.1.0.272 on Oct 10, 2007

I purchased this program and have been running it for about 1 year now.
The program itself is pretty good but when I ran into problems with the new update to 5.01 there support did everything but fix it.
They lied and said it was fixed when they never even checked and then never got back to me at all. All they do now is spam me trying to get me to buy again.
I WILL NEVER USE THIS PROGRAM AGAIN.

armpit reviewed v5.1.0.272 on Oct 5, 2007

Full of bugs, unstable, horrible support. Stay away from it.

ZenWarrior reviewed v5.1.0.271 on Oct 3, 2007

With an anti-virus program which was offered as a scam or con job, and a firewall which is no better than a sieve, I must agree that PC Tools has headed downhill very quickly over the past year.

Spyware Doctor itself has been a great product for me. However, I'm now being told I need to update it, but the previous time I followed that instruction it ended up with PC Tools removing something which had previously been there freely, but then asked me to pay for it. (I think that was its god-awful anti-virus software.)

That said, PC Tools' customer service really sucks. PC Tools gives the impression that it really would rather not deal with those pesky little things called "customers." Submit a support ticket and you *might* hear something back one day--long after the question or issue needed a response or fix.

DakotaSunRunner reviewed v5.1.0.268 on Sep 26, 2007

This program is useless and not worth one cent. I tried it and it removed nothing and did not even work correctly. So I finally removed it. Seems PC Tools need to do some updating on their software and at least put out a workable product. This is typical with PC Tools however, for even their anti virus is not much good. Just my opinions of course and naturally if your a novice to computers and software you may or may not be aware of these problems with PC Tools. IF I could have given this software a zero I would have.

serrebi101 reviewed v5.1.0.268 on Sep 26, 2007

This product offers nothing over spybot. Just go use that instead of this. It does everything this program does and more, all for free.

toasale reviewed v5.1.0.268 on Sep 26, 2007

For those with trouble go to:

http://www.pctools.com/forum

ratpackid reviewed v5.1.0.268 on Sep 26, 2007

This program works very well. I have had it for about 6 months now without any problems.

Expressline reviewed v5.1.0.268 on Sep 26, 2007

Well People The trial claimed i have 100 infections. I bought it then installed it then I ran the scan Spydoctor says it found three infections. Waste of money. The Spyware Sweeper from Webroot worked better. That found five infections and removed it. If anyone wants the CD KEY here it is enjoy racking your brains out trying too make it work as good as they said it should work Here is the Key I have the real copy go to the Spyware doctor web site stroll down all the way to the bottom and install the trial. Run it then when it asked for a CD KEY put this in. EDB5-4BB7-45FE-7EA8-4A8B-50C0-5749-80C4-A17B-3DDF

Andreas2000 reviewed v5.1.0.268 on Sep 26, 2007

Ive tried this program before.. In my opinion this is a fake program it finds spy-ware etc.. and you can't remove anything when you try to remove things you get a window with an url where you have to pay for a full version to remove malware/spy-ware/ad-ware.

Use spy-bot or ad-aware instead.

CyberDoc999 reviewed v5.0.5.259 on Sep 23, 2007

fails to remove spyware!
time to buy spy-sweeper!

Bruce_Bach reviewed v5.0.5.259 on Aug 23, 2007

I have been an avid customer for Spyware Doctor for a couple years now. I have turned my friends and busness associates on to it. This version is not a beta and will not let certain programs run. Sysdumps are produced and traced back to SD.
Working with there tech support after 4 emails having to prove the problem was related to SD they told me to just keep updateing and it will be fixed soon. I can't run version 5 so i reinstalled version 4 and asked them to let me know when fixed.
They didn't reply for a couple weeks so i asked them and they said it was fixed a long time ago.
I uninstalled version 4 and reinstalled verison 5 and same exact problem.
I have paid good money for 4 different computers and this is not the kind of support I expect.
They just lost me as a customer!
NOT RECOMMENDED BECAUSE OF LOUSY SUPPORT!

crusader666 reviewed v5.0.5.259 on Aug 21, 2007

Have they no morals?
What they seem to have done now is release two versions under the 5.0.5.259 label.
One is just basic spyware which looks identical to all the previous versions but only has about 188,00 signatures.
It continues to update as a trial.
The other version has 'so called' Anti virus. When running as a trial, anti virus is disabled and you only have the basic 188,000 signatures.
When registered, you have – wait for it – 647,455 signatures.... exactly the same as version 5.0.1.205 at this time.
So all they have done is re-classify what is spyware and what is virus but they have gained greater control over the program.
If you turn the registered version back into the trial version by usual registry cleaning and temp folder cleaning, the next time you update, you will download a 4 MB update file that restores the basic 188,000 signature file and renames the RefDB.bin2 file to RefDB.old.
So, it looks like there is no point in upgrading from 5.0.1.205. (until of course they stop providing updates for that)

ZenWarrior reviewed v5.0.5.259 on Aug 16, 2007

Underhanded bas****s. The previous version will notify you of a needed upgrade, however you are not told that upgrade will deactivate the previously free antivirus plug-in from PC Tools.

This company continues to demonstrate abject cluelessness when it comes to customer relations. I will *NOT* renew my subscription when the time comes. I prefer doing business with more honest, reputable, and forthcoming firms.

Oh, and the previously free antivirus plug-in now costs an additional $10. You only find any of this out when you have a close look at the Spyware Doctor interface. No warning is given users that their antivirus app has been disabled. PC Tools, a company supposedly looking to protect you instead leaves you and your system wide open to viruses.

Get a freaking clue, PC Tools! (It's back to Avast for me. And, you've lost this customer and his no small number of your antispyware installations on many others' computers.)

Addendum: Interesting that one page of their web site states antivirus is free and comes with Spyware Doctor, but another page wants to charge you that $10. Yes, abject cluelessness and a "we don't give a damn" attitude toward customers.

RVail reviewed v5.0.5.259 on Aug 15, 2007

Excellent product.
Can be used for free via Google Pack:
http://pack.google.com
Recently detected a trojan file that NOD32 missed.

Varsok reviewed v5.0.1.205 on Aug 5, 2007

Scanning is great... but not the best.
Spyware Doctor removes trojans with ease, but does not detect the remains of it, which may still download malicious viruses. I mean, hear from someone with experience. The exact thing happened to me, and I ended up using online scanners to remove the viruses, which took quite a while.
The protection states that it blocked a malicious action, but I wasn't so sure about that. But by all means, it is a good software, better than the average Anti-Viruses.

CyberDoc999 reviewed v5.0.1.205 on Jul 3, 2007

The best of the best!

internetworld7 reviewed v5.0.1.205 on Jul 3, 2007

I'm using Spyware Doctor 5.0 starter edition and Avira Antivir for antivirus protection. Two great products with great detection rates. I really appreciate how Spyware Doctor loads quickly at boot up in this updated version.

glassdesigns reviewed v5.0.0.186 on Jun 10, 2007

Works great at detection but this version causes my computer to hang on reboot. If this problem gets fixed I will give it a 5. I had to reinstall my older version to solve the reboot problem.

Zebbie79 reviewed v5.0.0.186 on Jun 3, 2007

Maybe detection is good, but it is incompatible with Kaspersky (PC Tools wanted me to uninstall it). Makes computer very slow at boot even with realtime protection off. Haven't even tried it with realtime protection on because afraid of breaking my computer.

RaGhul reviewed v5.0.0.186 on Jun 2, 2007

For detection and removal, no other app beats Spyware Doctor.

Version 5 is still a little glitchy, but scanning is top-notch, as usual. The 'Intelli-Scan' feature (formerly Quick Scan) now scans less of your PC, which is just fine since 98% of the time you'll only get spyware in your browser's cookies.

Still a resource hog in 'real-time' (yawn). But then again, that goes for almost ALL antispyware apps...

...ah, what about Spyware Terminator, you ask? I tried it. Didn't notice any real protection, just a very annoying UAC-like interface that kept warning me about every little thing. It lasted 3 hrs on my PC before I sent it to the Recycle Bin.

If they slimmed this down a little, it'd get a FIVE, but still in my top five antispyware list, and an important tool in my arsenal.

fibreiv reviewed v5.0.0.186 on May 22, 2007

I had some spyware on my computer that just brought up ads for Spyware Dr. No thanks.

lost89577 reviewed v5.0.0.185 on May 20, 2007

"spyware doctor" is the best i have used/try, but since version 5 they added anti-virus to it and is a real system hog. also disable cookie blocker as soon as you update. its settings are set to high unless you like relogin every 2mins while checking your email.

i am for them to fix the system usage before i reinstall, i think will go install version 4.8 now

ratpackid reviewed v5.0.0.185 on May 19, 2007

Great program. It does slow your computer down a bit, but hopefully they will get that worked out soon. I have used spybot and adaware and they are good programs, but SD found a lot of things that those programs never found. Also the real time protection really works. I would recommend this program to everyone.

robmanic44 reviewed v5.0.0.185 on May 19, 2007

I actually like Spyware Doctor, but it's hard to justify the price. There are so many programs that work as well without the trmendous expense.

gnovak1 reviewed v5.0.0.185 on May 19, 2007

I'm really corius why I never had any problems with SD?
First,before you write a review check your PC and internet settings,
second,check out spyware tests results on the net and you'll see the difference between SD (Spy Sweeper&CounterSpy as well) and the other products.
I never had any problems with Spyware Doctor (it uses only 10Mb!),it never blocked my internet or freezed my PC.
And I have only 1.2GHz and 512Mb of RAM.

tinkerdill reviewed v5.0.0.185 on May 18, 2007

Really, don't use this program. Use Spybot, Adaware and even Arovax. This is hoax program.

thirty5tech reviewed v5.0.0.184 on May 17, 2007

a pretty good software , i have used this in the past, even though it has block me from connection online, Just have to go to the setting options and set it up correctly and it should work fine, yes it may slow down your pc a bit when running on your background, But do you really need a spyware program running in your background, This software is really good when it comes to cleaning spyware and adware, I used spybot for most of my spware cleaning, and if spyware could not remove them, that it has happen before, then i run the spyware doctor to remove it for me, Thsi application is best used for a advance pc user then a average pc user , But overall is a really good software to remove spyware that other spyware scanner cant remove.. but if you need a spyware software to run on your background, then try to used Spyware Terminator, Is free and has real time spyware protection.. but will not remove all of the spyware it finds, you could say will remove about 95 percent of them, the rest you will need to used spyware doctor to remove..

but overall is a good one.. which they were free, but then again, how much will you be willing to protect your computer from breaking down or stealling your information, you really cant put a price tag on ..

ballyhairs reviewed v5.0.0.184 on May 3, 2007

Yes I do give it 5 despite being a memory hog, its has a very high detection, it removes whatever it detects and leaves it clean, I have been using in for along time and never had a problem. I disable real time monitoring though, just scan every couple of days.
Be honest when rating. Some other antispywares are free and pretty good, but this one is VERY good

Orbitration reviewed v5.0.0.182 on Apr 27, 2007

I had to uninstall this yesterday from a client computer that would not connect to the net, nor would it let me install a new antivirus without going through a ton of hoops (to me, anyway, compared to other antispyware software *spywareblaster* cough * spybot S&D * cough. After removal, net connectivity returned. Who knows.

gnovak1 reviewed v5.0.0.174 on Mar 29, 2007

The difference between .168 and .174 is enormous!The first one was full of bugs,which PC tools managed to eliminate (at least the majority of them) in a very short time.
Before v.5 I was using v.4,but only for on-demand scanning,'cause if I used SD as a primary AS,it needed 5 min to load up,using 99% of CPU power during starup.The v.5 (.174) is very light on resources,loads up extremelly fast and far now at least in my PC works without a hinch.Before that I used Spy Sweeper v.5.0.7.1608,which worked flawlessly,but now Spyware Doctor (.174) is my primary AS.
For me (and my PC) PC tools made with .174 (in compare to .168) a giant,light years long leap to the better.If they'll continue with this way of work,I'm sure that the next versions of SD will be even better and without bugs.
P.S.A little tip:
use NOD 32 2.7 AV (the best AV anyway) and firewall without AS add-on (or disable it) and there's no way that SD will crush your PC (or get in any conflict with the other apps)

phe4321 reviewed v5.0.0.174 on Mar 28, 2007

I recently upgraded from version 4 to 5, and now wish I had waited. First, my computer was brought down to a crawl...even snails go faster! Second, my Win XP SP2 laptop kept "blue screening". I finally disabled Spyware Doctor, and all is fine. Where did the quality go?? Is it because of the Vista code changes? At least that excuse would make sense. Do yourself a favor. Don't install version 5 until you read good reviews about the latest version! I wish I had.

imnra reviewed v5.0.0.174 on Mar 28, 2007

Too bad...this used to be a very good program. I praised it many times! Unfortunately, this version (SD5) is not compatible with other antispyware and virus programs. It also slows down my system. I keep checking the new versions and trust that this company will fix the obvious problems, but the same issues are not fixed yet. This latest version gets a 1 from me. Unable to see any major improvements. Maybe the next release will be better...I hope.

AnthonyB reviewed v5.0.0.174 on Mar 28, 2007

5.0.174 is better than the initial release (5.0.169) but still turns lots of machines into teapots due to compatibility issues with other AntiVirus programs.

Will be good once they sort out the compatibility issues but avoid for now (and probably the next 3-4 builds if the last 2 are anything to go by).

conleym reviewed v5.0.0.174 on Mar 27, 2007

Version 5 is a real disappointment! My XP-SP2 machine became unbootable after upgrading from v4. I had to go into safe mode and uninstall it before I could return to normal mode.

Johnbald01 reviewed v5.0.0.174 on Mar 27, 2007

I am not too happy with the updated version. My firewall does not startup anymore. It also gave me a warning that my SpybotS&D is spyware because it does not recognize it correctly, lousy coding. Also looks like another resource hog. This was a solid product. Once again a company trying to do too much with a product. You would think they would learn from Symantec, Webroot of what not to do to their product.

dolcesculacciare reviewed v5.0.0.174 on Mar 27, 2007

This app has gone down the toilet... avoid it !

Wintings reviewed v5.0.0.169 on Mar 17, 2007

Stick with v4 of this program unless you want Internet Explorer 7 to run in treacle and want major problems with BiTorrent clients like uTorrent. They should have done a lot more debugging before going public with this release.

bjteam reviewed v5.0.0.169 on Mar 16, 2007

I've noticed that it does take up a lot of CPU usage, but I don't care because I don't keep it running! I only do scans if I haven't scanned in a while. It does the job, but it isn't perfect. And people who say it screws up their computer are just weird, because my computer is only 1.4ghz, 512ram.

toasale reviewed v5.0.0.169 on Mar 16, 2007

I had used SD for four years via torrents, but with the "hogishness" of resources exhibited by its newest platforms, I'm using C-Spy & S-Sweeper. Yup...all through torrents!

Johnbald01 reviewed v5.0.0.169 Beta on Mar 9, 2007

I have been using this program going on two years and I agree it is a resource hog for some. I have 3.5gb ram so no problem and it works great. My main complaint is the updates require input from the user each and every time which can sometimes be two or more times a day. I would rather it updated like spysweeper does, automatic.

RaGhul reviewed v5.0.0.161 Beta on Feb 25, 2007

I recently had a friggin' headache with UTORRENT. The GUI was dirt slow. Right-clicking a download to set Bandwidth Allocation meant waiting 10 seconds for the context menu!

My first thought was that the new version (1.6.1) was the culprit. I uninstalled, removed any traces of U-T, re-installed and... still dragging. Well, before giving up and reformatting, I decided to check for spyware. Spybot caught a lot (as always), but utorrent STILL dragged. I ran Spyware Doctor, and... voila! PROBLEM FIXED!!

Many people have complained that SW Doctor is a resource hog. Well, it IS. But as a 'last-ditch' effort, it's (without a doubt) the most thorough of the AS apps.

Of all the antispyware proggies I've tried, ONLY Spybot and SW Doctor check Firefox cookies. For me (and I'm sure, most of you), this is VERY important. Webroot SpySweeper works much like SW Doctor (resource hog, but very efficient), but has no Firefox support.

I wouldn't recommend ANY antispyware app for 'real-time' protection. They'll cripple your system's performance worse than spyware ever could. But for the real hard, slimy suckers, run Spybot, then this guy.

[NOTE]
I used v4.0.0.2621 (Couldn't get ahold of a retail v5 beta). If it didn't eat up so much RAM and CPU (both!!), I'd have given it a 5. That's something to work on, PC Tools.

imnra reviewed v5.0.0.161 Beta on Feb 23, 2007

It seems this program is going "downhill". Now it slows down my system and has compatibility problems. The earlier versions worked ok...I hope they improve this beta. This version gets a 1 from me. Will wait for the next improvement.

ZenWarrior reviewed v5.0.0.161 Beta on Feb 22, 2007

Version 5.0.0.161 Beta? Tried it. Response:

"Run away! Run away!"

This puppy slowed my computer to a crawl. And, a perfectly good company seems doggedly headed in the direction of Norton et al by trying to be all things (firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, etc.). I'll continue to take mine a la carte, thank you.

Coolshrek reviewed v5.0.0.155 Beta on Feb 19, 2007

For what is supposed to do, I’d give it 9 out of 10.
For the way it goes about doing it and being an obscene resources hog, I’d give it less 1 out of 10.
Buy it if security is critical to you and you are a patient person.
Do not buy it if security is critical to you but you want to still have some hair left on your head after finish pulling it and want to have your computer released to you before you are going to turn 87 years old and die!

jofin reviewed v5.0.0.155 Beta on Feb 16, 2007

A year ago I would not have hesitated in giving this 5 stars but the last year has seen a massive slow down in my computer as "upgraded" versions have been released.
Firstly I used to auto start it at windows start up but it takes ages to load now.
If you enable the real time protection it slows the computer to a snails pace for long periods.
My renewal is due in June and unless there is a considerable improvement in performance, I will not be paying out for another year.
This is particularly sad as it is a very good program but enough is enough!

dolcesculacciare reviewed v5.0.0.147 Beta on Feb 6, 2007

I'd been an avid supporter of this software but it got to be such a resource hog under XP I seriously considered abandoning it... Trying the beta with Vista clinched the deal... it runs but is still soooooooo beta that they shouldn't have released it yet... i'll probably try it again once the beta's complete, but my expectations aren't high... Spyware Doctor was very good... now it's bloated bugware.

merlin666 reviewed v5.0.0.145 Beta on Feb 1, 2007

Question and not a review: I have tried version 4 and got a BSOD as it can not coexist with Zonealarm. Has this problem been fixed?

freegoo reviewed v4.0.0.2621 on Jan 3, 2007

Are you guys cutting on this program for not being free aware that there is a free version out there? http://www.computeractiv...uk/spywaredoctor4/index

I'm only giving 4 stars because this program is plagued by the same thing many other anti-spy programs are: overactive cpu utilization and overly protective On-guard protections. I watched task manager and spyware doctor was eating up 50% of my cpu cycles frequently. Who needs to worry about spyware with that kind of resource hog?

I'm not even sure why I load anti-spyware on my computer, the past year or two I haven't gotten anything more than a rogue cookie on my computer.

rburly reviewed v4.0.0.2621 on Jan 3, 2007

I've paid for Spyware Doctor the past 2 years and the program DOES do what it says. My complaint, as mentioned below, is the resource hog that it is. I have 2GB of RAM but get locked up occasionally, and, if I do slow down, I know the prog that's doing it. I've consciously "exited" SD soon after my machine is loaded. As mentioned below, I'll go with freeware rather than pay for another year.

QBgreen reviewed v4.0.0.2621 on Jan 3, 2007

A "3" for its abilities. It can do a good job of cleaning and maintaining. However, the price is resource drainage and excessive memory use and its own unique program quirks. Other anti-malware/spyware programs have managed to be very effective without exacting these situations.

Dark reviewed v4.0.0.2621 on Jan 3, 2007

I had read great things about Spyware Doctor and its detection / cleaning capabilities. I tried out the trial version and was quite impressed with the results. The practically daily updates are a great incentive for purchasing a subscription, which I did.

However, the program, like a few have pointed out here, is a tad too resource hungry and slows the system down considerably. I think that once they decide to address this issue, they've got a great contender here. For the time being, I've sought out other leading spyware protection programs that are a bit lighter on the system load.

Notreallyhere reviewed v4.0.0.2621 on Jan 2, 2007

When i first downloaded this program I thought it was great. It found viruses and spyware and all kinds of crap. I even went over to my friend's house to install it on her computer. Less than two days after that the resident scanner on both of our computers decided to eat every last bit of our system resources. It took about 3 hours on both computers just to get the program to close. I uninstalled it right away and we have had no problems since. There is some serious bug they need to work out.

bokhylla reviewed v4.0 on Sep 8, 2006

I trust this program very, very much. Nowadays, Spyware Doctor is among the very best in finding spyware and adware. It also stops you from visiting bad sites (if you have it activated all the time). It tried to stop me to visit a bad site which downloads against your will, the adware program called - Error Safe - (please avoid Error Safe, it is really criminal), but I thought that Spyware Doctor was wrong and visited the site anyway, to realize (with horror) when I saw the words Error Safe on that site, that Spyware Doctor was right. I have read about this adware before. Quickly I closed Firefox, but some adware were downloaded. I scanned my pc with Spyware Doctor, Ad-Aware SE Personal and Spybot Search & Destroy. The first scan with Spyware Doctor was enough. I think that Spyware Doctor, nowadays, nearly finds most adware and spyware -in the wild-. It scans your pc a lot faster than Webroot Spy Sweeper (also among the very best), which is very slow. I only, now and then, scan my pc with Spyware Doctor. I do not have it activated all the time. This program together with Ad-Aware SE Personal (freeware) and Spybot Search & Destroy (freeware) are all you need against spyware and adware. If you also use Firefox (with the extension -no script-) you will very seldom find anything at all.
Björn Lundahl
Göteborg Sweden

cooldude7273 reviewed v4.0 on Sep 4, 2006

Best Spyware program ever! (or best I have ever used anyways). Both Ad-Aware and Windows Defender say there are 0 problems found. Spyware Doctor found 302 infections, some serious ones too!

Cutterschoice reviewed v4.0 on Jul 27, 2006

When I first paid for this program about 2 and a half weeks ago I thought it was amazing, I noticed a few strange things going on with my pc, like games saying files were corrupt, keyboard going crazy and having to unplug it and plug it back in, but didn't relate any with SD, until the program it's self would lock up when I tried to close it, if you use the internet and have this running after about 15min it's like your on dial up everything slows down. It is extremely power hungry and even with a dual core machine it is a poor product for what it is meant to do.
I'm now on my way up the road to fax them my cancellation form, yes that’s right the 30 day money back guarantee entails you, printing of a cancellation form, emailing them for a number to write on the forum, and then paying to fax it, then email them to tell them you have faxed it, it's ridicules, I waited 4 days for a support question reply just to give them a chance, but now I’ve given up with the company. Good luck anyone that decides to spend there money on this.

SethBeckett reviewed v4.0 on Jul 14, 2006

I've had this program for about 9 months now. Initially I was wild about it. And unlike others, I have had what appeared to be meaningful dialog with customer service reps. However I've had a problem with this software that dates back to program updates starting about 4 months ago.

I prefer to do all my updates, loading the program, running scans by myself, by hand, so I turn all the 'auto' this and 'auto' that off. Everything was going along fine. However in recent months, the software, with ALL these things turned off, is determined to contact a small range of internet address approximately once an hour, that belong to AKAMAI technologies, with whom PCTools has apparently partnered. Now AKAMAI, as you may be aware is in the business of collecting internet usage information and sells statistical analysis of same to a very wide variety of customers.

PCTools to this point (conversations going back some months) will not say exactly what information they are trying to glean from my computer to give to AKAMAI for their statistical research, but I'd like them to fess up about it.

At least with Zone Alarm I can block whatever it is transmitting, and I suppose I could find a way to trap packets, etc, but I haven't that much interest.

The bottom line is that it DOES act like spyware because they are collecting information without telling you and providing it to AKAMAI technologies.

If don't believe this, and you have Zone Alarm, I suggest you go into it and bump the TRUST LEVEL of Spyware Doctor down a couple of notches - so it has to ask your approval to contact the internet. Other firewalls may allow you to do this too (this assumes turning off all auto updates). You won't have to wait too long. And it doesn't matter whether or not you allow the communication to take place. It just keeps communicating away, about once an hour. Traceroute the addresses it's going to.

Anyway, Spyware Doctor has become spyware itself, but it does a pretty good job with the "other guy's spyware." It's a real shame they've done this. I would give it a high rating otherwise.

It's also started doing some other suspect things lately too, one of which seems to be a form of 'padding the numbers' to impress users - but this is another issue, and is not causing any harm.

Wintings reviewed v4.0 on Jul 11, 2006

I do agree with the previous poster about PC Tools' poor customer support. I raised a problem with them and got one "formulaic" response that missed the point, and then when I followed up, nothing.

ZenWarrior reviewed v4.0 on Jul 10, 2006

I have rated this program a 5 and a 3 beforehand. And, that reflects the ups and downs I've had with it. It works quite well as anti-spyware. However, it continues to kill a couple of apps, and adding them to the exclude list makes no difference. Currently, it kills CompuPic Pro every single time it does a scan -- which is every single day.

So today, I rate it a 2. That is entirely a function of *zero* customer support provided by PC Tools. Inform them of a problem and *maybe* they'll get back to you sometime in the next century, but very likely not. This is one firm that clearly does not like to communicate with its customers. (FYI, posting about problems with PC Tools/Spyware Doctor in the Sysinternals forums sometimes gets their attention, but only sometimes.)

In sum, it works quite well as an anti-spyware program, but the customer support theoretically backing it up leaves *everything* to be desired. Support tickets apparently vanish into a black hole somewhere, never to be seen again.

Be prepared to *possibly* have conflict problems with other software you have installed. Then be prepared to live with those problems. PC Tools certainly isn't going to help you resolve them.

eblade reviewed v3.8 on Jun 11, 2006

Seems to run ok, haven't had any problems with other software while it's been running it's initial scan. I am rather curious how it's finding 200+ objects so far (at about 80% complete) when no other program i've got finds more than 2.

Ragle Gumm reviewed v3.8 on Jun 9, 2006

Beware!!! I installed this software and since this time I have many many problems. It killed several of my programs (can´t run them anymore) and collided with my firewall. When SD is active, I can´t connect to the Internet. I don´t care about those recommendations from PC Magazine ... for me it´s just a pain in the a$$ ...

pctech5189 reviewed v3.8 on May 12, 2006

This is the best anti-spyware application on the market. The others have no clue what there talking bout that its a virus and all that. Theres nothing bad in this program and its totally safe.

btman reviewed v3.8 on Apr 19, 2006

the ones giving this low ratings are idiots... there is no virus on it... post one probably didnt even download SPYWARE DOCTOR NOT SPYWERE U IDIOT SPELL SPYWARE RIGHT..... so im taking it he downloaded a program not close to this... even probably post #2 which he apparently found a virus on it.... currently i have 3 anti virus programs and not one found a virus on it... this is version 3.8 and i must say it keeps getting better! lots of updates, lots of protection.. worth the money... dont let idiots fool you... get this and ewido i would recomend

mr_mr_007 reviewed v3.8 on Apr 18, 2006

WORNING!
At first I thought Wow this is great, I have had an older version of "SpyWere Doctor" for years on my old computer and it was great. But i was fooled. The new "SpyWere Doctor" did not work in my new computer wen I added one more user to it. The old is to old for my new Computer. And after i tried to uninstall the new "SpyWere Doctor" it uninstall the program and it took some other useful stuff from the computer with it. My computer stopped working and I had to reinstall my "Operative System".
I will never install "SpyWere Doctor" again, untill the defect is repared.

I would have given it a 5 if it did not hackup my Computer. It is great if you do not have more then one user on your Computer ore if you are not planing to uninstall it some day.

I'm just saying to those who build "SpyWere Doctor" to fix this, then it will get 5 of me an old ex "SpyWere Doctor" user. And after that I might use it again.

ZenWarrior reviewed v3.8 on Apr 6, 2006

I would love giving this app a five-rating (and would have until recently), but when the last release came out that prevented both disk defragmenter and disk checker from running, PC Tools ignored my every request for support. Only after posting in the Sysinternals forums (along with countless others) did I ever hear back from them. And although the work-around offered clearly worked for most others, it left me with a crashing system until I uninstalled Spyware Doctor entirely. That means I paid for a month of subscriptions (and support!) that I never received.

On top of that, and I know nothing is perfect, it actually missed a couple of things for the very first time after upgrading to the current fixed version. So scream here as you may, but -1 for ignoring paying customers and another -1 for not being as thorough at cleansing my system as in the past.

Hey, PC Tools! Believe it or not, even minimal support is a part of the package customers expect receive when you receive our money.

Oh, and when they did finally contact me, they requested more information. Well, guess what. Every single crash auto-generated a complete crash and system information report that was also auto-emailed to PC Tools.

When I asked how in the world I could provide anything more than the 2-3 pages already sent (several times) by Spyware Doctor, I was told another division in the company received those. Huh?! Then that means only one thing -- the left-hand of PC Tools does not know there is a right-hand, more less have even a clue as to what each hand is doing and/or receiving. Those crash reports clearly vanished into a black hole somewhere at PC Tools instead of ending up where they might be helpful in resolving customers problems.

At the very least, when the problem with the previous version became obvious, an e-mail to registered users would have made a great deal of sense. Instead we were left pulling our hair out. As is [still] easily seen in the Sysinternals forums, it was far from an isolated or irreproducible problem.

white lightning reviewed v3.8 on Apr 5, 2006

Eset NOD32 detect virus in it

Techguy22 reviewed v3.5 on Mar 13, 2006

Best overall anti-spyware program I have seen yet. It has great blocking and even better detection rates.
(I would like if they added more support for alternate browsers like Opera and Firefox.)
Great program well worth the money, keep up the good work PC Tools.

MsDude reviewed v3.5 on Feb 7, 2006

I purchased this version of spyware doctor 2 weeks a go. Since then i have done a full system scan every 2 days and it only found few tracking cookies, so i guess its doing a great job. Takes a bit longer to startup than other antispyware products but im willing to cope with that. I would definitly recommend this to all users. :)

nutball50 reviewed v3.5 on Feb 3, 2006

I thought Spy Doctor was outstanding the first two times it worked. Now, it always locks up. I have tried deleting and re-downloading an updated 3.5 version. Nothing helps so far.

I have to give it a 1.

If they can get it working, I'd be more than happy to rescind this rating.

ZenWarrior reviewed v3.5 on Jan 10, 2006

Superlative software! It out-performs all other similar applications. It cleans up what Ad-Aware, Spybot, Microsoft Anti-Spyware, Arovax, and all others leave behind. It's worth every penny you pay for it. In fact, a quick search should turn up places it can be bought for only $19.00 US. Living without Spyware Doctor is living very dangerously. It's not only the best at detection, but also better than anything else at protection/immunization.

(And I've thrown Microsoft Anti-Spyware in the trash. It hasn't found anything that I *know* is there in months now. Since acquiring the software from Giant, Microsoft has rendered it entirely ineffective for all practical purposes.)

oninopoo reviewed v3.5 on Jan 10, 2006

This program seems sound and has some nice features, but without the full version it's hard to say anything good. The shareware only detects the threats. Without being able to see how well it removes the threats, I can only give this program a 3.

Oldsod reviewed v3.2.2 on Nov 21, 2005

Good all around, but not by itself. Many nice hidden features and tools.Any Internet user should have this installed on their PC.Works with Spysweeper,CA PestPatrol,ZA Antispy,Spy Emergency, TrendMicro AS,Lavasoft SE, MalwareSweeper(free),Ewido and ASquared.Absorbing updates takes a few minutes(Active X Immune takes awhile) and startup is longer since the last upgrade.Protects four browsers and does find keyloggers and bad cookies.

btman reviewed v3.2.2 on Nov 9, 2005

omg 30$ geez spyware doctor first time i used it found 135 problems lavasoft found 50.... frequent updates lavasoft updates occasionally once every month... the immunization is good with spybot s and d and spyware doctor gets rid of cookies with an occasional scan every 10 minutes or so... lavasoft only ever finds occasional adware and spyware cookies.. spyware doctor lists bad sites gets rid of multiple p2p stuff many browser hijacks and ect... you people complain bout shareware but spyware doctor is allaround... look at their pc tools antivirus 2.0 which will uprise to the top !

Velocition reviewed v3.2 on Sep 10, 2005

I am saddened with some of the previous reviews. The whole point of finding a spyware removal solution is not to put programs head-to-head with each other, but is to find programs that work well with one another. For example:

Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE Personal + Spybot - Search & Destroy + Spyware Doctor + SpywareBlaster.

I feel that its essential to have all 4. Even though one may find more entries than another, are those the same exact entries? Most likely not.

I gave Spyware Doctor a 5 because of how frequent the definitions are updated, and how well it scans, despite how long it may take to do so. One small downside is Spyware Doctor's Scan Progress Manager. When it gets up to the Disk Scanner, it says the scan is 90% done when in fact, the Disk Scanner itself takes up at least 90% of the total scan time.

I also noticed that with the latest definitions, the # of false entries has gotten way less than what it used to be.

mabuhay reviewed v3.2 on Aug 20, 2005

Spyware Doctor is an extremely effective program for removing all forms of spyware, and is VERY thorough. Completely recommended.

Blackhole8746 reviewed v3.2 on Aug 19, 2005

Ad-Aware 1.06 SE Professional with active protection is much much better

DIRKES reviewed v3.2 on Aug 16, 2005

Use the combination 'Spybot Search and Destroy' and 'Adware personal' Freeware and make a donation to the author of Spybot Search and Destroy.
Is a better solution and you support it like FAIRWARE !

Bachalor reviewed v3.2 on Aug 16, 2005

It use similar scan-engine like LAVASOFT Adware.
I test it with a infected pc. The pc was infected with 23 Adware-Entries and/or Software.
"Spyware Doctor" found 20, LAVASOFT found 22 - ... Now you can decide, what you take.

PC Rat reviewed v3.2 on Aug 15, 2005

Locked up the first time The Computer Rodent tried to use it. Have NEVER had Adaware lock up in ~years~ of using it !

PC Rat

bokhylla reviewed v3.2 on Jul 24, 2005

Spyware Doctor is one of the best programs in finding adware and spyware!! That is also what PC Magazine thinks.
Björn Lundahl, Göteborg, Sweden

cdanr reviewed v3.2 on Jun 7, 2005

This is by far the best spyware removal program I've tried and I've used pretty much all of the major ones for Windows (MS Antispyware, Adaware Plus, Adware SE, etc). This one looks better, runs faster, has a smaller footprint and detects more malware. To the previous poster I'd like to know where you saw that version 4.0 had been released since there is not even the slightest mention of this at the maker's website (http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/)Version 3.21 still seems to be the latest. This is highly recommended!

denfed reviewed v3.2 on Apr 6, 2005

I PURCHASED this program a couple of months before MS released Antispyware BETA and have stuck with it. This program takes up less resources and is faster than MSAS. It does have deep scanning and more protection than the other programs offer. I have run scans with Ad-Aware, Spybot, and MS after running Spyware Doctor scan, and they never find anything that SD may have missed. I don't understand why some others complained that the program is not free, but if you want piece of mind and excellent protection, it is well worth the price.

petgamer reviewed v3.1 on Feb 1, 2005

I noticed that download.com gave a very high rating for this and it was pretty popular so I thought I'd test it out. It has a very nice Interfact I thought. The first time I scanned (full scan) it detects quite a bit of stuff ad-aware, spybot, or microsoft antispyware failed to miss but when I tried to remove them, my computer crashed and I had to turn it off and then turn it back on. Big pain... but after restarting it hasn't given me any problems. Would be nice to have the immunization (like spybot) and the guard (like microsoft antispyware) but of course it's not free. It took me about 2 scans to get rid of everything and I don't think it really offers deep scanning for files (just for the registry). It's an OK program.. I'll use it.

arvind reviewed v2.0 on Aug 8, 2004

Excellent. On first scan picked up 2 spyware objects that ad-aware (fully updated) missed. The fastest scanning times and a very easy to use interface. Only drawback is that its not free. Give this one a try.....highly recommended...