What is Combofix?
Combofix is a free anti-malware program developed by sUBs for Windows computers. In short, it’s a program that scans for and attempts to remove known malware. Generally, the program is aimed at advanced, or at least intermediate users.
Combofix performs a considerably deeper scan of the system compared to regular anti-malware programs, making it a good option when all else fails. It can be used to delete pesky infections, such as spyware, viruses, trojans, rootkits, programs that are purposely made difficult to delete, and similar threats. Combofix is not a program for beginner users, so unless you are an advanced user or have been requested to run a scan by a technician, you should not operate the program.
The warning to avoid using Combofix if you are not an advanced, or at least intermediate user should not be taken lightly as the program could negatively affect your computer if misused. It may end up deleting necessary files, resulting in an unbootable computer. Therefore, you should only use Combofix if you fully understand what you are doing.
For advanced users, particularly those working in the IT field, Combofix will be a very useful tool as it provides quick solutions to many malware issues. So why is it useful and how does Combofix work, you ask? All necessary information is provided below.
Why is Combofix useful?
Combofix is a very easy-to-use program and requires minimum user interaction. It can automatically get rid of all kinds of malware, from unwanted programs to rootkits and trojans. Because the program performs an in-depth scan of your system, it can locate and remove deeply rooted malware that is otherwise missed by other anti-malware programs. Therefore, it is often used when dealing with particularly pesky malware infections.
In addition to removing malware, Combofix also generates useful logs containing information about malware on the computer. If, for whatever reason, the program cannot automatically remove a threat, users have the option of manually removing it with the help of log files created by Combofix. After every scan, Combofix will create a log file, detailing both removed infections and threats it was not able to get rid of. If you are an advanced user, you can use the log to identify the issue and delete the malware manually. However, only perform manual removal if you know what you are doing.
Combofix is also a useful tool for technicians working to help other users clean their computers. Users are sometimes requested to download and install Combofix when seeking help dealing with malware. A log from a scan with Combofix can provide valuable insight into an infected computer, allowing technicians to provide correct solutions to malware issues.
Do bear in mind that the tool should be considered a last resort in some cases, as it can cause damage if not operated correctly. Since the whole scanning and removal process is automatic, you will not be allowed to interfere, and if you do so by force, you could end up damaging your system irreparably.
While it should not be operated by beginner users, it can help advanced ones quickly remove all kinds of malware, even the most persistent ones. So whether you are looking to clean up your computer or trying to find a tool to fix other people’s devices, you will find Combofix to be useful. And if you are a beginner looking to use Combofix, only do so under professional supervision.
How to use Combofix?
Combofix is a very easy-to-use program as everything is done automatically. In certain cases, when malware prevents programs from running normally, you will need to boot your computer in Safe Mode in order to run Combofix. Once you run the program and go through a couple of warning windows, a scan will initiate. The program will do everything automatically, so no further interaction with the tool is necessary. Depending on how severely infected the computer is, the scan can take somewhere between 10 to 20 minutes.
When the program detects any known malware, it will delete it automatically. It will also automatically delete files in your Recycle Bin, temporary Internet files and Temp folder. Therefore, if you keep important files in those locations, you need to move them elsewhere before launching the program. Once the program is done scanning and deleting malicious files and programs, it may or may not reboot your system, and prepare a log report.
In the log, you will find a list of malware that Combofix deleted. The log will also contain information about infections it was not able to get rid of. If you are an advanced user, you can use the log to help remove malware manually. Or you may be asked to upload the log when looking for help on various malware removal forums. In order to better understand the issues, technicians of various forums often ask that users run a scan with Combofix. If you are a beginner user, only operate the program when requested by a technician.
Combofix Compatibility
Combofix is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. It can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
However, Combofix for Windows 10 and Windows 8 is not available, so if your computer is running one of those operating systems, you will not be able to use it.
Combofix Download Free
Combo fix is a completely free program. If you are asked to pay for it, someone may be using the tool of the program to make money. If you are requested to use the program by a technician trying to help you with your malware problems, he/she will provide a safe Combofix official link.
Do keep in mind that there have been cases where users tried to download Combofix from dubious sources only to end up with malware, particularly file encrypting ransomware. Therefore, as is the case with any other program, you should only download Combo-fix from a reputable source