HijackThis is a free utility that can be used to detect settings that may have been changed by spyware or malware. This portable security software is available as a stand alone executable, making for a great portable anti-spyware and malware detection tool to add to your collection.
Detecting Setting Changes with HiJackThis
What is HiJackThis?
HiJackThis is a free utility that can be used to scan a Windows computer for settings changed by potentially harmful software. It was originally developed by Merijn Bellekom but is no longer actively maintained. It is designed to detect and list certain types of system settings, browser hijackers, and other malware.
This free malware and spyware detection tool works by first scanning your computer for changes. It then displays items or settings that have been changed. You are then given the opportunity to selectively remove these items from your machine.
When run, it generates a log file that lists various entries found in the Windows Registry and file system. Users can analyze this log to identify potentially unwanted or malicious software. It's important to note that the utility doesn't automatically remove or fix identified issues; instead, it provides a detailed report that users can use to make informed decisions about what to remove.
HiJackThis also does not actually know if your computer settings were indeed changed by malware or spyware. In some cases those settings may have been changed by legitimate software. So you should only remove or fix items if you are sure of what you are doing.
HijackThis Specifications | Official Site | Download Link
- Authors Website: Project Page
- Developer: Merijn Bellekom
- Release Date: First released in 2003
- License: Freeware
- Supported OS: Windows
- Downloading: You can get this free malware and spyware detection and removal software here:
HijackThis Download