How to Upgrade your Webroot Products on Vista
The new Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is now available for download from Microsoft. Windows Vista users can download this via Windows Update or the Microsoft Website. Microsoft is also expected to begin pushing Service Pack 1 to Vista users in April to users who have automatic updates turned on.
The latest versions of Webroot’s products are Windows Vista Service Pack 1 compatible, and we offer convenient and easy product updates for our customers who are upgrading to Vista and Vista Service Pack 1.
How do I upgrade to the latest version (5.8) of Webroot Spy Sweeper or Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall?
Please note: Only Webroot Spy Sweeper and Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall versions v5.5.7.124 and higher are Vista Service Pack 1 compatible. Versions 5.8 and higher are also fully compatible with the advanced 64-bit Windows Vista™ Service Pack 1 operating system.
To ensure your PC is protected during your update to Windows Vista Service Pack 1, all Windows Vista users should immediately update their Webroot Spy Sweeper and Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall product to the latest version by following the procedure outlined below:
- Open your Spy Sweeper or Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall application
- Click Check for Updates
- Follow the steps to update to the latest version
If, for any reason, you are unable to check for Webroot product updates and prefer to simply download the latest version of your Webroot product, simply follow the steps below:
- 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 Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall will be emailed to you.
If you have not registered your software, please visit: https://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 Parental Controls for Vista?
Within the product, click on the Live Update button to be automatically upgraded.
How do I upgrade to the latest version of Window Washer (6.5)?
Window Washer customers who are not using Windows Vista should take the following steps to upgrade:
- Open your Window Washer application
- Click on Check for Updates
- Follow the steps to update to the latest version
Please note that Window Washer 6.0 is not Vista compatible. Vista users should upgrade immediately to Window Washer Version 6.5 as outlined below.
Window Washer 6.0 customers who are using 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 Window Washer 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.
Click here for additional support.
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 Spy Sweeper or Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall, 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 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 AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall®, 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.
In addition, Webroot's firewall technology is fully integrated with the Windows Security Center for added convenience. Webroot Desktop Firewall provides superior protection to the basic security features found in Windows, and will not cause conflicts with those features.
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 AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Firewall 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.
