Free on-demand scanners that fit these criterias

Discussion in 'other anti-malware software' started by J_L, Nov 6, 2013.

  1. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    8,738
    1. Windows 7 64-bit support.
    2. Supports updating (not re-downloading the whole thing again).
    3. Supports custom scans (context menu preferred, but manual selection is fine)
    4. Supports quick scans (if it can be done with custom scans, I'd like to know how).
    5. Prefer removal, but not necessary.
    6. Does not install unnecessary bloat or anything malicious.
    7. Effective at its job (sorry no SUPERAntiSpyware).
    8. No duplicates (like Zemana AntiMalware).
    9. No automatic actions, especially with false positives.
    10. No trials or other limitations on the above.

    Currently using: Comodo Cleaning Essentials, Emsisoft Emergency Kit, HitmanPro, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, Trend Micro HouseCall

    Why? Cause I can, it's a hobby, for files/folders/drives that won't fit in VirusTotal or Metascan Online, extra insurance, to make a shortlist, etc.
    Freeware matching most of the requirements will be considered (like the ESET Online Virus Scanner I'm eyeing, which is missing the 4th requirement).
    Yes, I co-author Probably the Best Free Security List in the World, but I haven't tried the current versions of all the software listed. Plus, I'm always looking for more. Thank you.
     
  2. quanzi_1507

    quanzi_1507 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2009
    Posts:
    320
    Try Norton Power Eraser :D

    Go to advanced options > system scan for a quick scan.
     
  3. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    8,738
    Oh yeah, I remember that. Pretty much is a quick scan by default. Always seemed to get false positives though. I wonder about the effectiveness of Reputation Scan as well (so many unknowns).
    *Just remembered them not willing to fix the FP called littlefighter2 I reported, because it "uses aggressive methods to detect these threats,there is a risk that it can select some legitimate programs for removal" (quoted from email). Wasn't even some non-default Windows setting, but the directory, executable, and shortcuts of a non-malicious game I installed (without its bundleware).

    There's also WinMHR, but it's still a beta from 2-3 years ago. Also don't have quick scans, although it can monitor 32-bit processes. If I remember correctly, it wasn't very effective for a 30 engine cloud scanner and had false positives that doesn't show on VirusTotal.
     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2013
  4. tsilo

    tsilo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2006
    Posts:
    376
    Try Bitdefender Antivirus Free edition.. Set virus shield off.
     
  5. roger_m

    roger_m Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2009
    Posts:
    8,627
    Avira is worth a look. While I haven't used it for some time, in the past (and I can only presume it still does) it had the option to install it without the real time scanning component. In doing so you avoid any incompatibilities with other security software.
     
  6. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    8,738
    I did state on-demand scanners for a reason. Doing that still leaves bloat (see #6) and potentially conflicting components. Plus, why BDAV when I already have EEK and HMP?

    Indeed, I've done that myself in the past. May try again later.
    *Leaves 2 services and a tray icon running at startup. One of them is Avira Real-Time Protection for some reason. Although they can be disabled, it's still bloat and I'm not feeling adventurous, so VirtualBox snapshot restored.

    @All: Does anyone know how to perform a quick scan using custom scans?
     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2013
  7. Noob

    Noob Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    6,491
    You pretty much listed them all . . . LOL
     
  8. acr1965

    acr1965 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2006
    Posts:
    4,995
    I don't know if Eset's scanner would fit your criteria or not. But if you go to the Eset scanner page using Chrome you will be able to download the .exe and use/test it to see what it offers.
    http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/
     
  9. Solarlynx

    Solarlynx Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2011
    Posts:
    2,015
    I believe Panda Cloud Cleaner fits the requirements in OP.
     
  10. guest

    guest Guest

  11. treehouse786

    treehouse786 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Posts:
    1,411
    Location:
    Lancashire
    choosing custom folders and/or 'operating memory should constitute a quick scan

    @guest
    OP has already stated he uses EEK
     

    Attached Files:

  12. treehouse786

    treehouse786 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2010
    Posts:
    1,411
    Location:
    Lancashire
  13. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    8,738
    I've already mentioned ESET, what should I select in Custom Scan to make it a Quick Scan?

    Panda Cloud Cleaner is pretty slow like without a quick scan, and seems to lag my system (and block Internet connection for some reason). After I cancelled, its process stayed in the background and can't be killed. I'll reboot and retest later.
    *Forget Panda, couldn't even log out or shutdown normally.

    I'll check out the next two later as well.
    *Sophos Virus Removal Tool doesn't have custom scan, so no go. Neither does EMCO Malware Destroyer, although it can scan different domains. Plus, it's effectiveness is questionable.
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2013
  14. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    8,738
    Removed Trend Micro HouseCall. The program is basically a launcher that downloads the whole package in your temporary folder, which doesn't last and has to be re-downloaded all over again. Also, "Quick Scan (Recommended)" took over 20 minutes.
     
  15. Enigm

    Enigm Registered Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2008
    Posts:
    188
    http://www.clamwin.com/

    A real eye-opener -
    Most AV-programs are absolute garbage that throw up 'warnings' and what-not all the time, for nothing except to make you think they 'protect' you .

    'Norton' - ROFL
    'Reputation-Scanner' even more ROFL .
     
  16. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    8,738
    ClamWin doesn't fit the 7th requirement, and installs background processes like Avira. Not sure if I remember correctly, but it scans the memory for threats instead of quick scan. I'd like more areas than that but not full scan.

    As for "garbage", what else do you use for detecting malware?
     
  17. Kerodo

    Kerodo Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2004
    Posts:
    8,013
    ClamWin is almost worthless because it's detection is very poor compared to all the others....
     
  18. guest

    guest Guest

    See? It's not only me who think ClamWin has poor detection rate.

    Anyway, what about Kaspersky's rootkit scanner? I don't remember its name but I believe it can be updated without manually re-downloading the program again. Unless you want an all-you-can-detect kind of scanner.
     
  19. SweX

    SweX Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Posts:
    6,429
    Haha. I don't know anyone who thinks that Clam has a Good detection rate :D
     
  20. acr1965

    acr1965 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2006
    Posts:
    4,995
    anyone using the kaspersky avz tool? does it fit the criteria?
     
  21. guest

    guest Guest

    what about Emsisoft Emergency Kit Scanner or Comodo Cleaning Essentials?
     
  22. fblais

    fblais Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2008
    Posts:
    1,340
    Location:
    Québec, Canada
    Did you read the first post, line "Currently using:..." ?
     
  23. J_L

    J_L Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2009
    Posts:
    8,738
    You mean TDSSKiller? Looks lacking in the custom scan department. Yes, I prefer those kind of scanners for my uses.

    I've used it before, the issues were false positives (aggressive engine) and low detection rate (specialized signatures). Didn't seem to change when tested today, although I haven't touched the second issue. Also seems to not works as well under 64-bit.
     
  24. phalanaxus

    phalanaxus Registered Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2011
    Posts:
    509
    AVZ wasn't designed for everyday use. It is designed to be run when Kasperksy fails and the system needs manual analysis.
     
  25. guest

    guest Guest

    Yeah, that one. And yes, I checked it myself and it doesn't support custom scan. Sorry for that. :oops:

    I don't think there is any more good scanner out there that you've never been heard of before, J_L. Most of those unpopular scanners usually are either have poor detection rate or just duplicating other scanners. :doubt:
     
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.