Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

HijackThis VS TDSSKiller

Compare HijackThis VS TDSSKiller and see what are their differences

HijackThis logo HijackThis

HijackThis is a malware detection and removal tool that's ideal for users who demand more granular control over every aspect of their computer's performance.

TDSSKiller logo TDSSKiller

Kaspersky Lab has developed the TDSSKiller utility that allows removing rootkits.
  • HijackThis Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-29
  • TDSSKiller Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-20

HijackThis features and specs

  • Lightweight and Fast
    HijackThis is a lightweight tool that doesn't require much system resources and operates quickly, making it convenient for users who need to perform quick scans without slowing down their system.
  • Detailed Log Reports
    Generates detailed log files that provide comprehensive information about the system's registry and file system, allowing advanced users to identify potential malware or unwanted entries.
  • Portable
    HijackThis is portable, meaning it can be run from a USB drive without the need for installation, which is ideal for on-the-go troubleshooting or analyzing multiple systems.
  • Community Support
    The tool has a strong community of users and experts who can help interpret log files and provide guidance on which entries may be harmful.

Possible disadvantages of HijackThis

  • Not for Beginners
    The tool requires a certain level of technical knowledge to interpret the logs correctly. Inexperienced users might accidentally remove important system entries, leading to system instability.
  • No Real-Time Protection
    HijackThis does not provide real-time protection or automatic removal of threats, which means it can only identify potential issues rather than actively prevent them.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface of HijackThis is considered outdated and less user-friendly compared to modern tools, which might be off-putting to new users.
  • Limited Scope
    It focuses primarily on hijacking issues related to browsers and doesn't offer comprehensive malware removal or scanning capabilities compared to full-fledged antivirus software.

TDSSKiller features and specs

  • Effective Rootkit Removal
    TDSSKiller is specifically designed to target and remove rootkits, which are particularly challenging forms of malware that can hide deep in the system files.
  • Lightweight Tool
    The tool is small in size, making it quick to download and run, which is beneficial for systems with limited resources.
  • Free to Use
    TDSSKiller is available for free, making it accessible for users without the need for a paid subscription or license.
  • Easy to Use
    It offers a straightforward interface and instructions, making it user-friendly even for those with limited technical knowledge.
  • Regular Updates
    Kaspersky provides updates to TDSSKiller, ensuring it is equipped to handle the latest rootkit threats.

Possible disadvantages of TDSSKiller

  • Limited Scope
    TDSSKiller is focused primarily on rootkits, so it might not detect or remove other types of malware such as viruses or phishing attacks.
  • Potential False Positives
    There is a possibility of false positives, where legitimate software and processes might be flagged as malicious.
  • Requires Manual Execution
    TDSSKiller needs to be manually downloaded and run, which might not be convenient for users looking for automated protection.
  • No Real-Time Protection
    The tool does not offer real-time protection, meaning it cannot prevent infections from occurring, only remove them after detection.

HijackThis videos

Trend Micro HijackThis Malware Removal Test

More videos:

  • Review - Trend Micro HijackThis Nedir? Nasıl Kullanılır?
  • Review - Using HijackThis to remove malware

TDSSKiller videos

TDSSKiller Rootkit Removal by Kaspersky Labs

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to run and use tdsskiller

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to HijackThis and TDSSKiller)
Cyber Security
55 55%
45% 45
Security & Privacy
55 55%
45% 45
Antivirus
73 73%
27% 27
Malware Protection
42 42%
58% 58

User comments

Share your experience with using HijackThis and TDSSKiller. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, HijackThis should be more popular than TDSSKiller. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

HijackThis mentions (3)

  • Il mio portatile ha sempre circa il 80-90% minimo di ram in uso.
    Non so usarlo. é questo https://sourceforge.net/projects/hjt/ ? Source: over 2 years ago
  • CSRSS.EXE.MUI potential virus?
    HijackThis might be what ya need to remove it. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • errors since latest chia client update 1.2.10
    The last 'issue' I encountered in attempting to use Bram Cohen's brainchild developed after I had used a very nifty piece of (old) software called HIJACK THIS!.exe which checks and logs your Windows registry and what's happening in there, so you can spot anything out-of-the-ordinary. And the chia-apps I had downloaded used unusually high amounts of processor capacity (66% between midnight and 06:00) for extended... Source: over 3 years ago

TDSSKiller mentions (1)

  • What Antivirus for a Mid size business with 15 employees?
    I would also recommend running TDSSKiller to look for rootkits, you can download here. Source: over 2 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing HijackThis and TDSSKiller, you can also consider the following products

AdwCleaner - AdwCleaner is a free removal tool for : Adware (ads softwares)

GMER - GMER is an application that detects and removes rootkits .

Malwarebytes - Malwarebytes protects you against malware, ransomware, and other advanced online threats that have made antivirus obsolete and ineffective. Free Anti-Malware & Malware .

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit - Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit is a rootkit removal program by the Malwarebytes best known for providing the antimalware program.

Spybot - Search & Destroy - Spybot Search & Destroy is an anti-malware, adware and antivirus program for safe removal of the threats from the PC and browser.

AdwareMedic - AdwareMedic is a specially designed tool to remove all kind of adware and potentially unwanted threats and program from the PC.