The problem with “malware” (viruses, trojans, spyware, adware etc) scanners is that not single program detects everything. Check my previous post about online multi-av scanners. Online scanning only works on one file at a time though, so some software to scan an entire PC is needed.
What is needed are “on-demand only” AV programs.
Most anti-virus software insists on running full realtime protection, and being the only AV program on the system. However, some can be installed at the same time as other AV software, and used just for scans (on-demand) rather than full realtime protection. Realtime protection tends to slow a system down a lot too.
I am going to start a page with lists of on-demand only anti-malware software, but to make a start I will list some here. To qualify, the software must run a scan on demand, with no background processes, services or system hooks (beyond kernel mode drivers necessary for some malware removal). Ideally the software should be installable that way but I will allow software (such as AntiVir) which can be cleaned up post install.
Anti-Virus:
- Avira AntiVir*
- AVG AntiVirus
- ClamWin AV
- Avast Virus Cleaner
Online Anti-Virus (usually ActiveX based):
- Trend Micro HouseCall
- AhnLab’s MyV3 (anti-virus) and MySpyZero (spyware)
- Authentium Command on Demand
- ESET Online Scanner
- CA Virus Scanner
- F-Secure Online Virus Scanner
- McAfee FreeScan
- Panda ActiveScan
- Kaspersky Online Scanner
- BitDefender Online Scanner
Anti-Malware:
- Spybot Search & Destroy
- AdAware
- SysInternals Rootkit Revealer
- DLLCompare
- Ewido Micro Scanner (now AVG Free Advisor but the old one still works)
- Hitman Pro
- IceSword rootkit detection
- Prevx CSI
- RunScanner
- Silent Runners
- Bug Hunter
- DarkSpy
- Trend Micro Rootkit Buster
- Sophos Anti-Rootki (free registration required)
- RootKit UnHooker
- SUPERAntiSpyware (free for non-commercial use)
- Ewido Micro Scanner
- Spyware Blaster
- XoftSpySE Anti-Spyware
- SpyCatcher Express
- Normal Malware Cleaner
* AntiVir requires manual disabling of start-up items and services, plus blocking of the realtime scanner with Software Restrictions Policies to prevent it loading when you do an update.