AstroSkipper

Sphinx Windows 10 Firewall Control XP Windows 10 Firewall Control XP is a great firewall from Sphinx in the form of a special version for Windows XP. This firewall allows the user to perfectly control all incoming and outgoing network connections. There is a preset of zones and rules, but you can define custom ones according to your needs. Never again any unwanted or clandestine connections to other servers! Windows 10 Firewall Control XP 7.5 is the last working version in Windows XP. In terms of version 7.5, there are only two versions for Windows XP: the free version Windows 10 Firewall Control XP Free and the paid version Windows 10 Firewall Control Plus XP. Features: Homepage: https://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/ https://web.archive.org/web/20151229143305/https://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html Version number: 7.5.105.217 Date of creation: 06.01.2016, released in the period from 06.01.2016 to 10.01.2016 System requirements: Windows XP (32/64-bit,SP 1,2,3) and Windows Server 2003 (32/64-bit,SP 1,2) Version history and release notes: Reviews: https://chefkochblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/06/windows-10-firewall-control-review/ Download link of Windows 10 Firewall Control Free XP 7.5.105.217 (English version): https://www.sphinx-soft.com/download/W10FC7.5/Windows10FirewallControlFree-XP-Setup.exe Download link of Windows 10 Firewall Control Plus XP 7.5.105.217 (English version): https://www.sphinx-soft.com/download/W10FC7.5/Windows10FirewallControlPlus-XP-Setup.exe Older versions are still available here: https://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html. In the lower right corner, you can select various older versions from their "Archive". Screenshots: More screenshots on https://web.archive.org/web/20151229143305/https://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html by clicking onto the item "Screenshots". The paid Plus version is definitely worth its money. I use it for years, and for me it is the best firewall solution for Windows XP ever. Here is a link from December of 2015 where you can compare the Free versus the Plus version and get more information: https://web.archive.org/web/20151229143305/https://www.sphinx-soft.com/Vista/order.html A key for Windows 10 Firewall Control XP Plus has to be requested by contacting the support because it is no longer offered officially. I mention this due to the circumstance that a regular key doesn't work with the XP version. Cheers, AstroSkipper

Malwarebytes Free/Premium Malwarebytes is an antimalware program which comes in two versions: Malwarebytes Premium with real-time protection as a commercial version, and Malwarebytes Free without real-time protection in the form of freeware. Malwarebytes for Windows 3.5.1.2522 is the last XP-compatible version. It doesn't receive program updates anymore but still gets definition updates. Features of Malwarebytes Premium: Malwarebytes Premium offers a very powerful protection, fighting threats that are too advanced for standard antivirus products. It cleans infections, prevents future infections, blocks malicious websites, and hides from malware. Here is a short list of features: Outstanding three-layer protection (ransomeware protection is not supported in Windows XP). Removes malware and spyware. Real-time protection. Automatically finds malware. Stops exploit attacks. Shields against malicious websites. Exclusion list. Fast scan feature. Has a quarantine function Automatic updates. Malwarebytes Premium is a fully-fledged antimalware program (formerly antivirus program), which is sufficient to protect a computer against malware. Of course, other on-demand scanners can also be used, but preferably not those with a background guard, as otherwise, as always, incompatibilities can occur. Malwarebytes Free works like an offline scanner. You can manually scan your computer, partitions, folders or files on demand. It does not offer any real-time protection. Homepage: https://web.archive.org/web/20180516182016/https://www.malwarebytes.com/premium/ Version number: 3.5.1.2522 Date of release: 08.05.2018 System requirements: Windows 10 (32/64-bit) Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) Windows 8 (32/64-bit) Windows 7 (32/64-bit) Windows Vista (Service Pack 1 or later, 32/64-bit)* Windows XP (Service Pack 3 or later, 32-bit only)* Active Internet connection 800MHz CPU or faster, with SSE2 technology 2048 MB (64-bit OS), 1024 MB (32-bit OS, except 512 MB for Windows XP) 250 MB of free hard disk space 1024x768 or higher screen resolution Release notes: http://web.archive.org/web/20200928192157/https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039019013-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-3-5-1-Release-Notes Release history: http://web.archive.org/web/20201028173600/https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005863113-Release-History-News Review: https://www.ghacks.net/2018/05/23/a-look-at-malwarebytes-3-5-1/ Tests: https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/manufacturer/malwarebytes/ Download link: https://data-cdn.mbamupdates.com/web/mb3-setup-legacy/mb3-setup-legacywos-3.5.1.2522-1.0.365-1.0.5292.exe Screenshot: Malwarebytes is not compatible with all security programs. In my case, I noticed a total incompatibility with avast! 18.8. That was the reason I didn't use the version 3.5.1.2522 for a long time. Since I got completely rid of avast!, cleaned my Windows XP system deeply and fixed some errors, Malwarebytes Premium is now my preferred antimalware solution, and I am satisfied with that at the moment. Cheers, AstroSkipper

Alphabetical list of programs that have recently been abandoned or should be avoided Name Version Type Date Link Reason Avast Free Antivirus 2015 10.4.2233.1299 AM+ 17.09.2015 Link Abandoned † November of 2023 Bitdefender Antivirus 1.0.21.1109 AM+ 19.04.2016 Link Abandoned Free Edition † EOL: December 2021 † EOS: June 30, 2022 Kaspersky Free Antivirus 18.0.0.405 AM+ 27.08.2018 Link Should be avoided † June of 2023 Malwarebytes 1.75.0.1300 AM- 09.04.2013 Link Abandoned Anti-Malware Free † March of 2024 Malwarebytes 1.75.0.1300 AM+ 09.04.2013 Link Abandoned Anti-Malware Pro † March of 2024 Malwarebytes 2.2.1.1043 AM+ 18.03.2016 Link Abandoned Anti-Malware † May of 2022 Wise Anti Malware 2.2.1 AM+ 26.12.2019 Link Abandoned † EOS: After 2019, exact date unknown WiseVector StopX 3.0.7.0 AM+ 03.06.2022 Link Abandoned † January of 2023 Name Version Type Date Link Reason

Alphabetical list of programs that need to be tested for compatibility, features and support or whose installers have been lost Name Version Type Link Status Vir.IT eXplorer 9.5 AM-/AM+ Link Further detailed user experiences, Lite/Pro reviews, tests and screenshots needed

Alphabetical list of working antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP All explanations according to this list can be found in the first post of this thread. Name Version Type Licence Date Link 360 Total Security 8.8.0.1119 AM+ F 18.12.2019 Link Essential Avast Free Antivirus 18.8.4084.0 AM+ F 15.11.2018 Link Avast Internet Security 18.8.4084.0 AM+ C 15.11.2018 Link Avast Premier 18.8.4084.0 AM+ C 15.11.2018 Link AVG AntiVirus Free 18.8.4084.0 AM+ F 26.11.2018 Link CurrPorts 2.77 CP F 13.12.2023 Link eScanAV Anti-Virus 22.0.60 AM- OF F 26.04.2023 Link Toolkit (MWAV) InSpectre 0.0.6675.8 SC F 21.04.2019 Link Look 'n' Stop Firewall 2.07 FW C 17.10.2009 Link Malware Hunter 1.181.0.803 AM- OF F 01.04.2024 Link Malware Hunter Pro 1.181.0.803 AM+ C 01.04.2024 Link Malwarebytes Free 3.5.1.2522 AM- OF F 08.05.2018 Link Malwarebytes Premium 3.5.1.2522 AM+ C 08.05.2018 Link Panda Free Antivirus 22.02.01 AM+ F 27.12.2023 Link PC Tools Firewall Plus 7.0.0.123 FW F 01.12.2010 Link Process Hacker 2.39 (r124) MF CP O 29.03.2016 Link RogueKiller 15.15.3 AM- F 11.03.2024 Link Anti-Malware Free RogueKiller 15.15.3 AM+ C 11.03.2024 Link Anti-Malware Premium Shadow Defender 1.5.0.726 VP C 02.08.2020 Link Spectre Online SC F 08.01.2018 Link Browser Test Spybot – Search & 2.4.40.0 AM- OF F 01.07.2014 Link Destroy Free Edition Ultra Adware Killer 10.7.7.0 SP F 09.05.2023 Link Ultra Virus Killer 11.9.8.0 MF F 29.03.2023 Link Windows 10 Firewall 7.5.105.217 FW F 06.01.2016 Link Control Free XP Windows 10 Firewall 7.5.105.217 FW C 06.01.2016 Link Control Plus XP Zemana AntiMalware 2.74.2.150 AM- F 21.08.2017 Link Free Zemana AntiMalware 2.74.2.150 AM+ C 21.08.2017 Link Premium Name Version Type Licence Date Link

Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond I hereby open a new thread on the topic of security programs for Windows XP. I have been thinking about that for a longer time, and then I decided to tackle this project. Windows XP is a very old operating system and a deeper knowledge of how to make it more secure is very important in my opinion. Therefore, I think it makes sense to get an overview of all the security programs still available for Windows XP. The thread "Which Antiviruses are Known for a Fact to be Working on XP SP3 as of 2019?", where I have previously written frequently about antivirus programs, has become rather bloated and confusing due to many informationless posts, is mainly focused on the topic of antivirus programs for Windows XP and has been completely unstructured from the very beginning. It is good to have such a thread full of different information for reference but there are many posts either outdated, incomplete or off-topic. Therefore, I have decided to start a completely different thread from scratch. I deliberately chose the term antimalware in the title of this topic. In these days, most so-called antivirus programs can not only identify computer viruses, but also trojans, worms, rootkits, exploits, spyware, and so on. Generally speaking: a virus is a malware, but a malware is not always a virus. Therefore, malware is a generic term for any malicious software, including viruses. For many years now, the so-called antivirus programs have actually been antimalware programs. In any case, this new topic here is about antimalware, firewall and other security programs for Windows XP. Under the term other security programs, I include among others security suites like internet security and total security, antivirus, antispyware, anti-rootkit, anti-exploit, online and offline scanner, ad blocker, protection layer, virtualization, security check and control programs and so on that make the use of Windows XP safer. And to avoid any misunderstanding, the main focus in this thread is on the concept of security. Those security programs that have been officially classified as insecure or not trustworthy are not the subject of consideration here, of course. Furthermore, many of these security programs can no longer be clearly classified in one of these categories due to their multifunctionality. I therefore define the following categories and their abbreviations: AM+ = Antimalware program with real-time protection AM- = Antimalware program without real-time protection SP = Specialized program (focused on one main antimalware function) IS = Internet Security TS = Total Security ON = Online scanner OF = Offline scanner AB = Ad blocker FW = Firewall VP = Virtualization program PL = Protection layer program SC = Security check program CP = Control program MF = Multifunctional program In addition, for the sake of simplicity, I define the following licence types and their abbreviations, reduced to the essentials: C = Commercial (any payment software including shareware) F = Free D = Donationware O = Open source In the second post of this thread, I will provide and maintain an alphabetical list of working antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP which were each presented in a corresponding post here. This list has the following columns: Name, Version, Type, Date and Link. Name means the name of the program, Version means its last/latest version, Type means its license type, Date means its last/latest date of release or creation (in some cases, there is no date of release available anymore) and Link means the link to its corresponding post here in this thread. I will only include programs in this list that receive updates in some form, be it program updates, definition updates or database updates. With the exception, of course, that there are also programs that do not necessarily need such updates. In the third post of this thread, I will create and maintain an alphabetical list of programs that need to be tested for compatibility, features and support or whose installers have been lost and therefore could not be tested. In the fourth post of this thread, I will create an alphabetical list of programs that have recently been abandoned or should be avoided. Some of them should only be used for a while or be avoided due to security reasons. This project is very extensive and involves a lot of work. In-depth research in particular is very time-consuming, but necessary. So be patient, especially if the list of programs fills up slowly! As always: Good things come to those who wait. And just for clarification, I will not check all the programs myself to see if they can be installed properly and work, of course. Here, other members can make a perfect contribution with their knowledge or experiences already made. Furthermore, all the programs I have listed are not necessarily to be understood as recommendations. Basically, they are simply options that are still available for Windows XP. Because we all know that most manufacturers of security software have long since given up on Windows XP. If I personally consider a program to be good, I will express this in its relevant post. More about that here: Any discussions, questions or suggestions about security programs for Windows XP are explicitly welcome. But one thing must be very clear, everything should relate to this topic. Just for clarification, insulting, provocative or completely off-topic posts (especially about operating systems other than Windows XP) will not be tolerated. That means, please stay on topic! This thread is intended to be a well-structured source of information where readers can get ideas on how to make their old Windows XP a bit more secure. If you like this thread, or you find it interesting and helpful, I would appreciate any contribution, be it a comment, a like or an upvote. Thanks for your interest! Windows XP forever! Kind regards, AstroSkipper

Yep! At least, I think so.

I think @D.Draker actually meant @UCyborg but he mixed it up a bit as @UCyborg is from Slovenia. Yep, that's why I am on the sunny side of the street. The motherboard of my old computer is from 2000. Therefore, no problems here to use all old DOS tools. It must be an advantage to be a dinosaur for once. By the way, HDAT2 has always been part of my emergency collection of CDs/DVDs.

No, unfortunately not. I always use the forum search to find a program I am looking for here in this thread. The problem with such a list is its regular maintainance, which is a lot of work, of course. And there are only a few members who would take on such work.

You're welcome! To write about Total Commander was a personal concern for me. Absolutely! I totally agree. Simply unbelievable! I don't know that from any other program. I think so, too.

@Cixert With this statement, I meant especially the offline installer of AVG Antivirus Free 18.8.4084.0.

Did you try the online installers I linked for you? And you are right. The offline installer for the version 18.8.4084.0 does not exist anymore as I already mentioned. It used to exist, but it has been completely removed.

That is, of course, a nice touch from you.

That's what low level format means nowadays. So not no but yes. Before disposing of or smashing a hard disk, one should explore and try all options. I have said before, I am a non-believer. So no faith here in anything. Trial and error is an appropiate method, though.

I would backup all accessable data and perform then a low level format. Then you can check whether the pending sectors have been remapped or not. Exactly that I did successfully in the past using a low level format tool from WD (I don't know its name at the moment) and Spinrite 6.0.

AVG Antivirus Free 18 is a cheap imitation of avast! Free Antivirus 2018. As I have reported several times, I had various problems with avast! But AVG takes the cake. With AVG Antivirus Free 18.8.4084.0, I had only problems and even crashes on my computer (real Windows XP). That's why I provided the download link to AVG Clear 18.8.4084.0 that you quoted, to get rid of this version completely. The choice between AVG 18 and avast! 2018 is like between plague and cholera , but I would always choose avast!. You can already see how "good" AVG is from your posted links. They removed all original links to the version 18.8.4084.0 of AVG Antivirus Free and offer a previous version. Maybe, because the version 18.8.4084.0 or its installer is crappy indeed? Anyway! If you really want to install AVG Antivirus Free 18, then I have this link for you: Download of the online installer for AVG Antivirus Free 18.8.4084.0: http://web.archive.org/web/20181227134304if_/https://install.avcdn.net/avg/iavs9x/avg_antivirus_free_setup.exe This installer is language-neutral, but I'm definitely not going to try it, not to mention the fact that I hate online installers anyway. And the most recent, official online installer is supposed to recognise the operating system automatically and install the correct version. Here is the download page: https://www.avg.com/en-us/windows-xp-antivirus#pc All at your own risk! I already warned you. The offline installer of AVG Internet Security 18.8.4084.0 should work, too. Maybe, there is an option to install the free version instead of the trial when starting its setup, or after the trial period ended, it should revert back to the free version as usual. BTW, I know Avast bought AVG some times ago. I think they want people to use their own, original products, and that is one more reason to remove such AVG installers. Doing so they have less rival products. Cheers, AstroSkipper

If "Made in Germany" or another imprint suggesting German production is found on electronic components, this does not mean that the part was produced entirely in Germany. The production costs in Germany are far too high. Therefore, most of it is produced abroad and perhaps finished here. Purely German, electronic components are certainly rather rare. You shouldn't fool yourself about that. The end consumer is just getting screwed anyway.

Yep, unfortunately! Unpredictable and unauthorised actions every now and then! Basically, avast! 2018 is a good protection program. I used avast! Premier in my system for years. But there were several reasons to switch to other programs. You can read more about that in this post: You should definitely reinstall avast! 2018 at regular intervals if you want to use this program in your system I personally no longer use avast! 2018. My protection program has been Malwarebytes Premium 3.5.1.2522 for some time, and I am satisfied with it. Cheers, AstroSkipper

Update notification! The Root Certificates have been updated and are now from 25-04-2023. Here is a screenshot: Therefore, my self-created, offline Root Certificate Updaters in the section 11.2.4. Downloads related to Root Certificate Updates (in the first post of this thread) will also be updated as soon as possible. Cheers, AstroSkipper

Yep, you're right! The proof is in the pudding. When I wrote my comment, I was on my couch using an Android tablet. Now, I am back at my Windows XP desktop computer. Although stated as XP-compatible on their website, Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 7.4.2.0 is unfortunately not compatible with Windows XP anymore. It can't be installed.

Very good examination! As Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 7.4.2.0 use the database from Oct 10th 2022 under Windows Vista, then it will most probably use the same database under Windows XP. Anyway! I assume there won't be any more recent database for this version in the future due to the lack of updates in the cloud for more than 6 months.

This thread is about antivirus programs targeting Windows XP SP3 only. Posting a list of antivirus programs targeting Windows Vista is not really helpful and rather misleading. There are a lot of versions inside this list which won't work under Windows XP SP3. Anyway!I know this list but it doesn't belong here. At least, you should change the headline to "AntiVirus & Security Software for Windows Vista". To answer your question, Malwarebytes Free v3.5.1 should serve perfectly your needs. I use Malwarebytes Premium v3.5.1 under Windows XP. It is the last version for Windows XP but still receives definition updates. Its detection rate is very good. Only the premium version has a background guard.

OT: Unfortunately not! I know this shop but I have never ordered anything there. BTW, that a shop is a German one says nothing about the quality of offered hardware, which in most cases is of Asian origin anyway nowadays. For old, already used hardware, I prefer eBay or eBay Kleinazeigen, and for new hardware, Amazon and some real shops in my surrounding.

AFAIAA, unfortunately not. But the last months, I have presented some different antivirus or antimalware programs here in the thread and disseminated information about them, all still working under Windows XP.