Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

[AstroSkipper]

On 7/9/2026 at 9:08 PM, modnar said:

On 7/9/2026 at 7:17 PM, AstroSkipper said:

@modnar Or do you use an extended kernel or an additional layer in your Windows XP installation where you have installed IOBit Malware Fighter 12.5? 

... 12.5 is for XP no doubt. However I already threw it off my box because it's too cut-down.

This statement is not really true. Although IOBit Malware Fighter Pro 12.5 can still be installed strangely enough under Windows XP, it says that this version is not compatible with Windows XP, if the user tries to enable real-time malware protection with IObit & Bitdefender engines or advanced protection against ransomware. It also advises to install IOBit Malware Fighter Pro 11.4 as the last XP-compatible version.  
And so, after all, this is what applies:

On 7/8/2026 at 3:11 PM, AstroSkipper said:

You have to download the last XP-compatible version 11.4.0. Here is the original website with this version: https://web.archive.org/web/20240830175125/https://www.iobit.com/de/malware-fighter.php
Download link: https://www.filepuma.com/de/download/iobit_malware_fighter_free_11.4.0.1360-40845/download/

Please test this version to find out how it works and whether it still receives definition updates or not! 

Edited Friday at 10:12 PM by AstroSkipper

[Tangy]

Custom Install of IOBit Malware Fighter 11.4.0 (easy to install )

Latest Database Version 2608 ( 2026 - 7 - 9 )

Fingerprint : 898269

I ran a smart scan

Objects scanned 107.446

Threats Detected 0  as expected

Time Elapsed : 20.02 minutes

Very light and smooth

 

 

[AstroSkipper]

1 hour ago, Tangy said:

Custom Install of IOBit Malware Fighter 11.4.0 (easy to install )

Latest Database Version 2608 ( 2026 - 7 - 9 )

Fingerprint : 898269

I ran a smart scan

Objects scanned 107.446

Threats Detected 0  as expected

Time Elapsed : 20.02 minutes

Very light and smooth

Thank you for providing the data! Which version have you tested? Free or Pro? 

Edited yesterday at 09:47 AM by AstroSkipper

[Tangy]

@AstroSkipper Free . I am sure you are aware that reviews have been unfavourable since its inception. Western propaganda ? Regarding Chinese products.

Better than nothing is debatable ? Yes, it could run seamlessly along side the Italian one and still be a very light compo.

What do you reckon ?

 

 

 

[AstroSkipper]

4 hours ago, Tangy said:

@AstroSkipper Free . I am sure you are aware that reviews have been unfavourable since its inception. Western propaganda ? Regarding Chinese products.

Better than nothing is debatable ? Yes, it could run seamlessly along side the Italian one and still be a very light compo.

What do you reckon ?

As I already said, it is no longer time to be picky when it comes to real-time protection under Windows XP. And of course, I read such reports about IOBit Malware Fighter. I personally never liked the IOBit company. Their products have never really been any good. And in the case of IOBit Malware Fighter, I can see why.

The positives:

• Easy to install.
• A clearly structured, very tidy and modern interface.
• Good usability.
• Lots of features not usually found in freeware.
• Excellent uninstallation speed.

The negatives:

• No daily updates as advertised. Today, it’s still installing the version from 9 July.
• Not really integrated efficiently into Windows XP.
• When the protection is activated, performance plummets.
• Version 13 is constantly being promoted, and you’re told to download it, even though it’s not compatible with Windows XP.
• No self-protection.
• The scan speed is so poor that I’m lost for words...

The scanning speed is the absolute worst I have ever experienced. Smart Scan was cancelled after 123,226 files!!! and 120 minutes!!! with only 5% progress!!! This is no Smart Scan. 



I then uninstalled it completely. The uninstallation was done in seconds. That just goes to show how poorly the programme was integrated into Windows XP. It was practically just a superficial add-on.  And it can even be shut down completely with just two clicks. That’s a goldmine for malware.  My conclusion: Looks great on the outside, but a flop on the inside. 

P.S.: And that’s the good thing about my ancient P4 computer. It mercilessly exposes the weaknesses of software. 

Edited 16 hours ago by AstroSkipper
Update of content

[AstroSkipper]

On 7/8/2026 at 4:34 PM, we3fan said:

COMODO Internet Security Premium 12.0.0.6818

Download link:
https://web.archive.org/web/20190502052352/http://cdn.download.comodo.com/cis/download/installs/1000/standalone/cispremium_only_installer.exe

I was curious to test this COMODO Antivirus, so here are my test results:
Day of testing: 5th of July 2026, few days ago
I didn't install  Comodo Firewall  from installer
Asks me to reboot before using the program hmm, OK I rebooted

With Internet OFF, all scans don't work hmm, all say 'Scan Aborted' after 1 second hmm; if I try any type of Scan it says 'STATUS: Updating' and then
'STATUS: Scan Aborted' after 1 second hmm.

With Internet ON, all scans don't work hmm, all say 'Scan Aborted' after 3 seconds hmm; if I try any type of Scan it says 'STATUS: Virus Database
Update (1.7 %): Checking for updates...' and then 'STATUS: Scan Aborted' after 3 seconds hmm.

So my conclusion with this COMODO Antivirus for now is:
All scans don't work hmm, all scans abort after 1-3 sec hmm

There are few places in the Options where you can 'disable Virus database Update before Scan', I disabled all of them (I think) and all other similar
options, but I still couldn't get it to work, I couldn't get 1 proper Scan hmm.

Has anyone tried this COMODO Antivirus?
Does the Scan work properly for you, or you also get 'STATUS: Scan Aborted'?

OK. Patient number 12.0.0.6818 from 2019 has been resuscitated and is eating again.   

 

„Oops!... I Did It Again“ ... 

Edited 3 hours ago by AstroSkipper