What is Combofix?
Combofix is a malware removal program for computers running Windows, developed by sUBs. Combofix is a popular last resort tool that deletes malware automatically after scanning for known infections. While the program requires minimal user interaction and is quite easy to use, it is not meant for beginner users. On the contrary, only those who fully understand what they are doing (advanced, or at least intermediate users) should be running the program.
Combofix is commonly used when other anti-malware programs fail to detect an infection on a computer, as it performs a deeper scan of the system. It scans for both minor infections like spyware, adware, hijackers, and for major ones like trojans, rootkits, etc. When it identifies a threat, it automatically deletes it without users needing to do anything. In addition to removing deeply-rooted malware, it also creates a log file detailing malware it could not delete automatically. Those logs can be used by malware specialists to remove those infections. This is why users who seek help on various cybersecurity forums will often be asked to download and run Combofix, as the logs the program provides will give valuable insight into users’ systems.
In case it has not been made clear, unless you are completely confident in your skills, we do not recommend using Combofix. The only exception would be if you were asked to use it by a professional. If the program is used by someone who is not entirely sure about what they are doing, the computer may be affected in a negative way. Worst case scenario, essential files will be deleted and Windows will need to be reinstalled. However, while the scenario bears mentioning, it is a very unlikely to actually happen.
If you have been asked to download Combofix or are simply interested in it, read on to find out what you can expect from the program and how it works.
Combofix features
Unlike many other anti-malware programs, Combofix does not have a lot of features. It’s not meant to be a tool that protects your computer from malware in real-time, nor does it provide Internet protection. It is simply a removal program, albeit a powerful one. This is why the program is very easy-to-use and requires minimal user interaction. Because it generates logs after every scan, it’s also a widely used program among technicians who help users deal with malware.
Malware removal
Once Combofix is launched, user interaction is not needed. The program will scan your computer for trojans, spyware, rootkits, unwanted programs, etc. The scan can take up to 20 minutes to complete, depending on how severely infected the computer is. If it identifies potential threats, it will remove them automatically. Combofix is particularly useful when trying to get rid of pesky programs deliberately made difficult to remove.
We should warn you that it will also delete temporary Internet files, as well as files in your Recycle Bin and Temp folder. If, for some reason, you keep files there, you should back them up or move them elsewhere. When the scan and malware removal processes are completed, a log will be prepared.
Logs
After every scan, a log will be created. It will contain information about what Combofix has removed, as well as the infections it was not able to get rid of. For inexperienced computer users, the logs will not be of much use. For advanced ones, however, they may be used to help delete malware manually. If you look for help removing malware on cybersecurity forums, you will always be asked to provide a log so that the person helping you can check the situation better. However, you should wait for the person helping you to ask you to use Combofix before you actually do.
Combofix free download
Combofix is a free program, and is available for download on many different sources. If you are asked to pay for the program, you are likely being scammed.
Combofix is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8, both on 32-bit and 64-bit systems (32-bit only on Windows XP). If your computer is running Windows 8.1 or Windows 10, you will not be able to run the program as it is not supported. Instead, you will have to look for Combofix alternatives.
Combofix alternative for Windows 10 and Windows 8.1
Unfortunately, the Combofix is not compatible with Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, and it’s likely that it will never be. However, we can recommend another program that will help you get rid of the malware that is currently inhabiting your computer. Anti-malware software WiperSoft will scan your computer for threats like adware, hijackers, worms, trojans, etc. WiperSoft is often the go-to tool for when other programs fail. It is compatible with all Windows versions. You can download the free version from the official website by clicking here.