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

[AstroSkipper]

@Multibooter The fact that your offline scanner could soon stop working should not worry you too much. As I already mentioned, there are still plenty of alternatives whose scan engine is definitely more up-to-date than a scanner from 2012. Have a look at my list here: https://msfn.org/board/topic/184730-antimalware-firewall-and-other-security-programs-for-windows-xp-working-in-2023-and-hopefully-beyond/?do=findComment&comment=1244365
You will definitely find what you are looking for, even if the list is not yet complete. Maybe, Malwarebytes Free, eScanAV Anti-Virus Toolkit (MWAV) or RogueKiller? All of them are on demand AV/AM scanner.

 

[Guest]

It should also be possible to use Hitman Pro:

https://www.hitmanpro.com/en-us/downloads

 

 

[AstroSkipper]

32 minutes ago, Sampei.Nihira said:

It should also be possible to use Hitman Pro:

https://www.hitmanpro.com/en-us/downloads

The Hitman Pro scanner has been on my internal list for a long time. I had tried it once, but was rather disappointed with the newer versions compared to older ones. In addition, the programme can only be used for 30 days, after which you have to pay then. So, it is commercial with a free trial period.

Edited June 23, 2024 by AstroSkipper

[Guest]

HP can be used for 30 days with its full removal capabilities.

If you activate the free license.
After the 30 days you can use it,without paying, with its detection features.

P.S.

But obviously if you activate the free license,it means that you are infected and therefore you have to change the security configuration that did not protect the system.

Edited June 23, 2024 by Sampei.Nihira

[AstroSkipper]

Tried Hitman Pro. Now, I know why I didn't like it. No option for a user-defined scan when starting the tool the first time. On the second run, I got a BSOD.  Not in the mood for another attempt.  Malwarebytes Free, eScanAV Anti-Virus Toolkit (MWAV) or RogueKiller are much better and more convenient.

[D.Draker]

11 hours ago, Multibooter said:

Kaspersky signature updates are hosted on servers, whose owners can easily pull the plug on Kaspersky, no more signature updates, just as the operating companies of European satellites did, pulling the plug on RT TV, no more English-language Russian TV channels in the EU (OT: Arabic-language was not pulled).

This whole post is off topic, not only the Arabic part. Because those two aren't tied together. Russia never allowed French TV stations, why would we need Russia TV here? I think we know better what to decide for ourselves,

[D.Draker]

11 hours ago, Multibooter said:

My concern is that after September 30, 2024 I will not be able to update my ancient Kaspersky AV because Kaspersky may have difficulty finding servers for providing signature updates internationally.

In such case, the comeback to Russia would be a good decision, I mean, Kaspersly is so much worth it, so you say. 

P.S.

You know something we don't? What else Russia will do on September 30, 2024? Do I need to alert the authorities?

[Dixel]

11 hours ago, Multibooter said:

My concern is that after September 30, 2024 I will not be able to update my ancient Kaspersky AV because Kaspersky may have difficulty finding servers for providing signature updates internationally.

How come you love Kaspersky so much, but don't know the server location can be selected?

Or you want to imply Russia servers will go down, too? Or Russia doesn't have its own servers and depends solely on the West? Or Russia will again do something outrageous on 30.09.2024, so it will be cut off by the World powers this time completely? In every possible scenario you drew, Russia doesn't look that attractive. Please think it over, the boss might not like what you wrote, in the meantime, you can familiarise yourself with the text from Kaspersky support article.

I took a screengrab for you.

[Karla Sleutel]

Long time ago, on my father's PC, upon testing Kaspersky software, we discovered it can't be uninstalled completely, it only says "it's been uninstalled", which is not true.

Many encrypted, hidden and protected files, registry entries were left on the computer, even after running the official Removal Tool.

My father had to wipe out the whole PC to get rid of that spying files. It's still unresolved! "How to completely remove hidden Kaspersky files" - remains unanswered.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-completely-remove-hidden-kaspersky-files/c2223ab4-16e9-410b-b3ba-3fa94f272805

I don't recommend Kaspersky product.

[Saxon]

Wow!  

"I was scanning with MWB and noticed a Kaspersky File flash by. I went to Reg Editor and tried a search to delete it but cant find it. Not being Paranoid but I then get an email to sign up to Kaspersky.  Can anyone help me find the File to delete it"

link

[Multibooter]

On 6/24/2024 at 12:30 AM, D.Draker said:

You know something we don't? What else Russia will do on September 30, 2024? Do I need to alert the authorities?

I enjoy your humor

"The new restrictions on inbound sales of Kaspersky software, which will also bar downloads of software updates, resales and licensing of the product, kick in on Sept. 29, 100 days after publication, to give businesses time to find alternatives. "
https://www.reuters.com/technology/biden-ban-us-sales-kaspersky-software-over-ties-russia-source-says-2024-06-20/

"The White House has made the ban official by banning the sale, resale, and licensing of any Kaspersky security products or services within the US or by US persons"
https://uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/152911/us-expected-to-ban-kaspersky-antivirus-software-over-russian-ties

If I remember right, Eugene Kaspersky went personally to Iran because of the US-Israeli Stuxnet virus, maybe that's why Kaspersky has so much negative headwind.

"He [Eugene Kaspersky] hired the researcher that identified the Stuxnet worm, which is believed to be the first instance of state-sponsored cyberweapon... They [Kaspersky Lab] also exposed Equation Group, which developed advanced spyware for monitoring computer use and was believed to be affiliated with the National Security Agency in the U.S"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Kaspersky

"Kaspersky Lab concluded that the sophisticated attack could only have been conducted with nation-state support. F-Secure's chief researcher Mikko Hyppönen, when asked if possible nation-state support were involved, agreed: "That's what it would look like, yes".... On 1 June 2012, an article in The New York Times reported that Stuxnet was part of a US and Israeli intelligence operation named Operation Olympic Games, devised by the NSA"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuxnet

If you want to be protected from Russian and Chinese government spying, maybe Western anti-virus software is a good choice. If you want to be protected from US government spying, maybe non-Western anti-virus software is a good choice. Or maybe use both Western and non-Western anti-virus software if you don't trust anybody

In any case: Everybody should have the FREEDOM to use the virus-protection software of his choice.

Edited June 25, 2024 by Multibooter

[D.Draker]

5 hours ago, Multibooter said:

If you want to be protected from Russian and Chinese government spying, maybe Western anti-virus software is a good choice. If you want to be protected from US government spying, maybe non-Western anti-virus software is a good choice. Or maybe use both Western and non-Western anti-virus software if you don't trust anybody

In any case: Everybody should have the FREEDOM to use the virus-protection software of his choice.

What do you mean "maybe"? Western software is everywhere, and on the leading positions. "Maybe" is not the right word in this case. There's simply no alternative. I tried some software from Eastern Europe, including Avast, it was terrible. It's not only my opinion, it was a huge scandal with Avast. Regarding "freedom", written by you in CAPSLOCK, it's a very old KGB playbook, literally everyone is aware of it, it's when our foes use Western freedoms against our systems. I support the US Government decision to ban Kaspersky. I have another question, why did they allow it in the first place? It's more a rhetorical question now, but in any case, it points out to something fishy among the midst of US services, because it's always too obvious with Russia, what it will do and so on. 

5 hours ago, Multibooter said:

I enjoy your humour

I wish it was just humour! Nevertheless, thanks for the compliment!

[AstroSkipper]

@Multibooter I really don't understand what you want to achieve here. I offered you alternatives to replace your Kaspersky software, a programme which you are not willing to provide any further information about. In any case, this is not a Kaspersky discussion thread. It will lead nowhere. Kaspersky is more or less a discontinued model, as you yourself have written above. This thread is about antimalware programmes that have a perspective and can be an option under Windiws XP.

[Multibooter]

On 6/24/2024 at 2:08 AM, Karla Sleutel said:

upon testing Kaspersky software, we discovered it can't be uninstalled completely

Many encrypted, hidden and protected files, registry entries were left on the computer, even after running the official Removal Tool.

I don't recommend Kaspersky product.

Gruezi! [=Swiss-German for Greetings] Uninstall issues exist with many programs, it's hard to get rid of them. The only clean method to protect yourself is to create a partition backup before the installation of any software and to restore the pre-installation partition. I have not installed Kaspersky "protection" components.

The use of old WinXP on an SSE-only computer may provide some protection, a lot of new malware etc seems to have higher system requirements I am currently posting from a 23-year-old Inspiron 7500 laptop, on which no anti-malware is installed at all. I even trust Roytam's Hongkongese New Moon 28 browser and NotHereToPlayGames's 360Chrome with online banking from this old laptop, without any anti-malware installed. Some old stuff is still useful.

BTW, many programs leave "trash keys" in the registry, which may or may not be flags for something. When you use Registry Trash Keys Finder v3.9.2.0 (1Sep2013) or Registry Trash Keys Finder v3.9.4.0 (8Jan2017) you will be surprised to see how many hidden flags there are in your registry, and first of all may be Microsoft... Do you trust Microsoft?

I also have my gripes about the Kaspersky Removal Tools. Not sure what Microsoft's removal tool of .NET Framework leaves behind Restoring a partition from a clean backup is still the best choice to get rid of unwanted software.

Edited March 22 by Multibooter

[Multibooter]

3 hours ago, AstroSkipper said:

I offered you alternatives to replace your Kaspersky software .. this is not a Kaspersky discussion thread... Kaspersky is more or less a discontinued model... This thread is about antimalware programmes that have a perspective and can be an option under Windiws XP.

Thanks for your recommendations. It's good to have alternatives, but they are all Western. eScan is part of Microworld Technologies in New Jersey, I couldn't find any info about them at wikipedia. Also, not sure whether their malware collection is up to the 19.000,000+ signatures of Kaspersky.

Kaspersky may be a discontinued model for US persons. The U.S. government did not prohibit your use of Kaspersky in Germany if you are a non-US person.

I definitely do not want to dwell too long on Kaspersky. Can you recommend another non-Western anti-malware program, maybe from China or Russia?

Edited June 25, 2024 by Multibooter