HIJACK THIS....Is it recommended and how is it used?

Question

Also, does it eat up RAM?

Answer 1

HijackThis is a very effective antispyware program. However, it does not work like other conventional antispyware programs. It does not scan for spyware. Instead, it takes an inventory of all the programs and processes running on your computer and creates a log. Next, you exam the log and determine if there is any spyware infecting your computer. It takes a computer expert to interpret the log. Fortunately, there are several websites where can submit your log and have computer security experts interpret the log for you for free:

(http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?s=f5fcfe0fdf93aeb22d4b110a1c1512ac&showforum=37)

These guys are computer security experts who volunteer there time to help people.

For more information, read these articles:

1. "How to Cure....Part - 3 Using HijackThis - Download and Install" -- written by malwarehelp.org (http://www.malwarehelp.org/how-to-curepart-3-using-hijackthis.html)

2. "Manage browser add-ons with HijackThis" -- written by lifehacker.com (http://www.lifehacker.com/software/spyware-cleaners/manage-browser-addons-with-hijackthis-030895.php)


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"But fear not. HijackThis is a freeware tool that "lists all installed browser add-ons, buttons, startup items and allows you to inspect, and optionally remove selected items." The app can help not only disable malware, but to optimize your browser startup.

The problem with HijackThis is that it doesn't identify malicious browser add-ons; it leaves the decisions about what to disable up to you. Recommended for advanced users." -- lifehacker.

Answer 2

It is a safe program when you know how to use it but an unfortunate name. Read all the information you can on it then if you use it create a restore point first then alter/delete one entry and if everything works fine create another restore point and alter/delete one entry again, then just repeating this, rolling back if anything goes strange.
Just found the guide to reading the log here it should help http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/htlogtutorial.php

Just have to mention the link above in juliepelletiers answer leads to a site that should not be used and i would just like point out its the current incarnation of the phonies that run Hijack-This.net. it seems they offer up bogus antispyware tools that change every few weeks. Currently it's something called 'SpyOnThis', and they recommend it in favour of HijackThis, pretending they own that product as well and claiming it is a good alternative for non-expert users.

Do not buy this program! Visit SpywareGuide.com and Eric Howes' Rogue Antispyware List, it will only find false positives and then urge you to buy the full product. The site also misuses the copyrighted name HijackThis.

Answer 3

Yes, it is recommended but ONLY when you have malware like spyquake or other nasty spyware programs. Not only will it get rid of some stuff, it will tell you what you have so that you can look on tech support boards (I use the one at gamefaqs) and see how to remove them. However, do NOT fix anything unless you know what you are doing. Fixing everything the scan brings up will crash your system big time. You must be able to read a HJT log or go to a website and post a log to have other computer users tell you how to remove what it finds. So unless your an advanced computer user or you know of a tech support board where you can sign up for free and post a log, don't use it.

Answer 4

Hijack This is a program that analyzes your computer's registry and gives a report, and is used for detecting registry entries for a variety of ailments like dialers, spyware, popups, and viruses. But also, there might be other irregularities also, and it will show them.

This program should be used with extreme caution and is best when the report is copied and sent to tech experts. In fact, I have gone to tech sites for help now and then over the years and they have at times asked people to get this program and run and copy the report and post it for their examination, and then they give their recommendations as to what to do when you run the program once again.

Answer 5

It is highly recommended if you know what you are doing. I've never met a tech that didn't use it.

It does one simple thing. It gives you a complete start up picture and includes other things like browser helper objects that load and can be viruses. Then you can check the ones you want to delete,

It is great if you really understand what should be there because it doesn't depend on definitions. The problem is that there is a lot of good stuff on that list and you can screw things up. If you don't know what to make of the list there is options to save a log and there are several places you can post it that people will help.

Answer 6

HiJack This is a Good tech tool.. I recommend Window Defender for the average user who want to control there startup programs.

See more at
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/support/howto/softwareexplorer.mspx

Free Download site
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d&displaylang=en

Answer 7

As you can see on their homepage ( http://www.hijack-this.org/ ), it is strictly recommended for expert users. This said, I've seen many places where the hijack this log is almost required for troubleshooting assistance.

Just make sure to avoid changing anything unless you know what you're doing.

Answer 8

anthing with the word HIJACK , you dont use as one software with the same name HIJACK peoples computers