FixMeStick Review – You should get a rough idea of what a FixMeStick is, as we’ve written about this virus and malware removal gadget some time ago. FixMeStick may just looks like any ordinary USB Stick on the market, but it’s different on the inside. The gadget contains three anti-virus engines that is able to help you detect and remove viruses and malware from infected computers.
In this article, we are going to look in-depth at this gadget – on how to operate this gadget (or rather USB Stick) and walk your through the entire process of running virus scan and removal. And yes, thanks to the people over FixMeStick for sending this piece of handy gadget all the way from Canada for reviewing purpose. Thanks. 🙂
Introduction
FixMeStick made its debut on May this year. It’s the first ever consumer-ready USB device that supports malware/virus detection and removal on Windows. The device uses a LiveUSB architecture, Lubuntu as it’s OS, and is powered by three anti-virus engines, namely Kaspersky Labs, Sophos, and GFI VIPRE.
Do you really need FixMeStick, yes, when you already has a reputable anti-virus solution currently installed on your system? Well, while this device is not meant to replace your traditional anti-virus program, however when virus infections have widespread-ed on your system that your anti-virus can no longer handle them or in the worst scenario, you can’t boot into Windows anymore, then that’s the time to put FixMeStick in use.
Many users will choose to reformat their Windows while advanced users might use a bootable Linux-based system rescue disc to try remove nasty malware and return their system to its previous working state. Rescue disc is a good option, well, it can rescue your system, however not every user especially novices, know how to use the disc. So instead of relying on other people to remove the infections or reformat Windows, you can actually fix the infected computer by yourself with FixMeStick.
FixMeStick works the same way as a rescue disc, but is simpler to use than the latter. The ready-to-go USB device runs on PC reboot, at which malware and viruses can be effectively remove without fuss. Reason? Because Windows is not loaded, therefore there are no way viruses and malware can interfere the removal process. 🙂
Here’s a video on how to remove infections using FixMeStick.
[youtube id=”RtYN3R7YL-A” width=”600″ height=”338″]
Did we mention that FixMeStick comes with auto-updating feature. Yes, being a USB device, FixMeStick can update its virus database via LAN and store the updates on the device itself.
Are you ready to give this piece of gadget a try? Read on.
What’s inside the box?
You will find the FixMeStick device and a piece of card that contains simple-to-follow instructions on how to run the device. Yes, just that. No other fancy stuff inside.
Well, the package that we currently have on our desk is an old one. The new package now looks like the one below.
How to use FixMeStick?
As we mentioned earlier, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to run FixMeStick. You simply insert the FixMeStick into the USB slot, the same you would do with your USB stick.
When the device is successfully recognized, access the content of the device from My Computer. There’s only file inside – the Run FixMeStick executable file. Double click to open.
A window similar to the screenshot below will greet you. Click Reboot and Run FixMeStick.
Your system will automatically reboot. During reboot, you will be taken to FixMeStick’s interface.
If you can’t boot into Windows in the first place, you need to modify the boot order in the BIOS setup after the insertion of FixMeStick. In the BIOS, set your system to boot from USB drive.
During reboot, the FixMeStick’s interface will be automatically loaded. In the first run, you are prompted to accept the license terms before continue.
From this point onward, you can just sit back and relax as the program will now take over the operation. No more input from you until the scan result is displayed. 🙂
FixMeStick will first check for internet connection, then check for product updates and update the virus database to the latest version. This is to ensure that the program has latest virus definitions before it runs the scan. Note that FixMeStick will only recognize wired network (or LAN). Make sure you plug your system into a wired network.
It is possible to proceed to scanning without first updates the virus definitions. But there is a risk that the program won’t be able to detect the latest threats on your system.
The scan process takes around 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the number of files and total file size on your system. In our test, the program took around 2 hours to scan a close to 300GB of data spread into two partitions.
After the scan has completed, you are displayed with the scan results. You can then quarantine the viruses and malware found. It is 100% revertible if problem arises after the removal. Also, you need to beware of false positives. During our test, we noticed one false positive.
When you are done cleaning up the infections, you can boot into Windows. A webpage will be displayed where you can send your feedback to the developer or get help from them if you have any issue.
Conclusion
FixMeStick is easy to operate and did a good job for removing infections that your traditional antivirus can no longer handle them. However, the USB device is not meant to replace your anti-virus program. Yes, you still need anti-virus program to prevent infections on your system. When infections got past your anti-virus program, get the FixMeStick to clean up the mess.
FixMeStick is compatible with any version of Windows – Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista and XP and works an unlimited number of times on up to 3 PCs. It comes with a price tag of $59.95 a piece for 1 year subscription. If you want to use FixMeStick on dozens of computers, an unlimited FixMeStick can be purchased for $299. Also valid for 1 year.
For more information about FixMeStick, you can visit the official webpage here. Or get latest news and updates on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.
FixMeStick Giveaway
We’ve two piece of FixMeStick (each worth $59.95) for giveaway. Yes, thanks again to people over FixMeStick for the sponsorship. We’ve grateful for that. 🙂
The rule is simple. You need to collect as much entries as possible to have a greater chance to win one of the two FixMeStick USB devices.
Do come back daily to increase your entries.
The giveaway contest will end at 23:59 PM EST on December 17, 2012. 2 lucky people will be selected randomly as the winners and then be contacted by email. Announcement will be made the following day on December 18, 2012.
Note : My Tech Quest reserves the rights to change any terms and conditions of the giveaway without any notification, and all decisions are final.
