How to Upgrade your Webroot Products on Vista
The new Microsoft Windows Vista operating system is now available. Webroot products are Windows Vista–compatible, with convenient and easy upgrades for our customers upgrading to Vista.
How do I upgrade to the latest version (5.5) of Webroot Spy Sweeper or Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware & Firewall?
Existing Webroot Spy Sweeper and Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus customers that are not using Windows Vista should take the following steps to upgrade:
- Open your Spy Sweeper or Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus application
- Click on Check for Updates
- Follow the steps to update to the latest version
Existing Webroot Spy Sweeper and Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus customers that have upgraded to Windows Vista should take the following steps:
- Go to www.webroot.com/updates/redownload/request
- Enter your last name and email address
- Your download instructions with the latest version of Spy Sweeper or Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus will be emailed to you
If you have not registered your software, please visit: www.webroot.com/registration/manualRegistration.php
Once registered, you will receive download instructions which point you to the latest Vista-compatible version.
How do I update Webroot Child Safe for Vista?
Within the product, click on the Live Update button to be automatically upgraded.
Is Window Washer compatible with Windows Vista?
Yes. The latest version of Window Washer (6.5) is compatible with Windows Vista. Window Washer customers can update the product automatically by clicking on the Check for Updates button.
What Vista Means to Webroot Customers
Security is a full–time job that should not be left to a part–time security vendor. While Windows Vista does offer security enhancements, it does not offer complete protection against spyware and viruses. Webroot recommends that consumers use a proven antispyware and antivirus solution, such as Webroot Spy Sweeper or Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus, to completely protect your PC against spyware and viruses. Webroot is a leading security vendor with the most effective antispyware product on the market.
The default malware blocking application built into Windows Vista does not adequately protect you. In a competitive analysis, Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.5 blocked 100% of spyware while Microsoft’s Windows Defender blocked only 16%. Webroot provides daily and sometimes hourly security updates while Microsoft issues updates only once a week or so, leaving your PC exposed to infection. Spyware can do a lot of damage in a short period of time. Webroot detects spyware faster than any other security vendor and proactively issues the greatest number of definitions.
In a competitive analysis, Spy Sweeper 5.5 blocked 100% of malware attempting to infect a PC as compared to only 16% of Windows Defender. The test included 15 of the most common variations of damaging malware including adware, PUPs, system monitors, trojans and worms.
With our Vista–compatible software programs, Webroot continues to demonstrate not only our commitment to delivering comprehensive protection against spyware and viruses, but our commitment to our partnership with Microsoft as well. While there are some exciting new features in Vista, Webroot cautions users that Microsoft’s default malware blocking application and anti-virus program may not fully protect them.
As a company that serves on the front lines in the battle against cyber crime, Webroot feels strongly that to provide the best protection for Internet users, security must be the top priority. Providing information on critical security weaknesses in the Vista OS (or any operating system) allows users to make informed decisions about their computer security needs.
| Malware | Variation |
|---|---|
| AgentWinlogonHook | Trojan |
| Backdoor-Banwarum@mm | Trojan |
| Busky | Trojan |
| CashDeluxe | Adware |
| hacker defender | Trojan |
| LDPinch | Trojan |
| Loadcash.Biz | Trojan |
| Peper Trojan | Trojan |
| Playboy Dialer | Adware |
| Search-x-org Hijacker | Adware |
| SEPPBar | Adware |
| TrojanDropper-Agent-ED | Trojan |
| Update Notifier Fake Alert | Adware |
| Worm-Licat | Worm |
| Zlob | Trojan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need other security products when running Windows Vista?
Yes! Even though Windows Vista was built with added security, Microsoft still recommends that users run additional security programs to defend against new and evolving threats.
Webroot recommends that consumers use a proven antispyware and antivirus solution, such as Webroot Spy Sweeper® or Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus®, to completely protect PCs against spyware and viruses.
Malicious spyware and virus creators are always looking for new ways to exploit operating systems. Vigilance against these threats is essential even after the deployment of Windows Vista. Webroot provides over 2000 real–time, hourly security updates over the course of a year, while Microsoft issues updates only once a week or so, leaving your PC exposed to infection.
Webroot partner, Sophos, has already discovered three key vulnerabilities in Microsoft Vista. Well–known Internet worms –– Stratio–Zip, Netsky–D and MyDoom–O –– have all been able to execute on Vista. According to Sophos, these worms (or variants) comprise almost 40% of all malware currently in circulation.
I'm running Windows XP, how does this affect me?
If you're running Windows XP and don't expect to install Vista in the immediate future, Webroot Spy Sweeper and Webroot Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus will continue to offer the best protection against spyware and viruses.
If your Webroot Spy Sweeper subscription is valid, it will detect a Vista installation and will help you obtain your free update. If your current Spy Sweeper version is outdated or your subscription has expired, click on "Check for Updates" so you can stay protected.
Where can I receive additional information about Webroot products and Windows Vista?
Please check back to this site for updated Vista information.
