

Inexperienced users are advised to exercise caution or seek help when using the latter option. HijackThis can generate a plain-text logfile detailing all entries it finds, and some entries can be fixed by HijackThis. On February 16, 2012, Trend Micro released the HijackThis source code as open source and it is now available on the SourceForge site.

Browser hijacking can cause malware to be installed on a computer. HijackThis is used primarily for diagnosis of malware, not to remove or detect spyware-as uninformed use of its removal facilities can cause significant software damage to a computer. The program is notable for quickly scanning a user's computer to display the most common locations of malware, rather than relying on a database of known spyware. It was originally created by Merijn Bellekom, and later sold to Trend Micro.

HijackThis is a serious tool for any user who needs to root out a serious infestation, but wield it with caution.HijackThis (also HiJackThis or HJT) is a free and open-source tool to detect malware and adware on Microsoft Windows. The program still installs into whatever directory in which you unzip the file, which can make it hard to locate. The unique ADS Spy tool scans for alternate data streams, which some browser hijackers use to hide from spyware removers.

The process manager and hosts file editor help you excise virulent infections. The latest version adds powerful tools to the Config window. Saving the log creates a text document you can post to these forums. To find that out, search the Web for that item's name or go straight to a forum, such as SpywareInfo or Computer Cops. Clicking Info on Selected Item tells you why the entry was flagged as suspicious, but not whether it's actually malware. Don't check off an item and hit the Fix Checked button unless you're sure it's malware. Pressing the Scan button generates a log of dozens of items, most of which are just customizations. The tiny program examines vulnerable or suspect parts of your system, such as browser helper objects and certain types of Registry keys. If persistent spyware is bogging down your computer, you might need HijackThis.
