FAQs SpyCop Instruction Manual Here General SpyCop Questions Troubleshooting Downloading and Updating Scanning with SpyCop What Spyware is and what SpyCop does Technical Support Ordering, Licenses & Registration

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General SpyCop Questions

Q. What are the system requirements for SpyCop?

A. SpyCop will run on any relatively recent Windows machine:

• SpyCop requires any system running Windows, Win95, Win98(all versions), WinME, WinNT 4(w/SP4 or higher) Win2000 or WinXP(all versions).  We recommend a 400MHz or faster processor for optimal performance however an older processor will run the software at a lower speed.

• All versions of Windows must have Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher installed; it does have to be your default browser.  Macintosh, Linux, FreeBSD, etc are currently not supported.  Please do not inquire about the availability of products for these platforms. 

• If SpyCop reports that it needs a newer version of OLEAUT32.DLL on Win9x, download and install this patch (for both Win95 and Win98).

A. SpyCop v5.2c includes:
-Fix for the autoscan screensaver where it would not run properly on some windows versions.
-Fixed certain dialogs which could cause the software to become unresponsive.
SpyCop v5.3 includes:
-New and Extremely powerful Rename function gets spy files that are in use without safe mode!
-Updated possibly confusing dialogs.
-Added user's guide to help menu.
NOTE: 5.3's second release changes the main.exe to a new filename to prevent being crashed by certain unethical spy programs.  The program is identical to 5.3's first release.
SpyCop v5.4 includes:
-Ability to scan VXD files
UPGRADING: It is recommended SpyCop is uninstalled before upgrading.  Be sure to take note of your license data available under Help, About so that you can activate the new version with ease.  Upgrades are free for life, you do not have to re-register!  Simply download the new version from this site.

Q. How many spy programs can SpyCop detect?

A.SpyCop can currently detect over  different COMMERCIAL COMPUTER MONITORING spy programs!  That's many more than ANY competing product can even come close to!  That count does NOT include multiple versions of the same product making the  detectable programs a very conservative number.  Lastly, that count is not inflated with viruses, trojans or other programs already taken care of by antivirus packages.  Unlike many competitors, SpyCop does not attempt to be a jack of all trades (and master of none).  We focus on the detection of commercial computer monitoring spy programs and do it better than anyone else!

Q. Can I remove the SpyCop icon from my desktop?

A. Yes.  Simply drag it to the recycle bin and the software will remain installed.  You can then directly access the program file through explorer for increased security.  The program file can be determined by navigating to where you installed the software and looking for the .exe file with binoculars as an icon.  During installation, you are presented the option not to install icons.

Q. How do I find "undetectable" hardware keyloggers on my system?

A. Finding hardware keyloggers is really easy when you know what you are looking for.  Click here to see our page with pictures and instructions for finding and removing these keyloggers.

Q. Are there any known conflicts with other software?

A. We are not currently aware of any incompatibilities.  The SpyCop software does not modify your system's core files in any way nor does it remain resident in memory.  If problems appear to be caused after SpyCop is installed, the reason is an error on your system which caused the addition of new files to be corrupted or cause corruption.  As with any software, run SCANDISK or CHKDSK to check for disk errors and close down background tasks before installing and have a recent system backup.

Q. Can the person spying on me see that I used SpyCop?

A. Starting with SpyCop v3.5, the answer will usually be no.  SpyCop is now configured in such a way that it appears to be a standard Windows utility to the majority of spy programs and therefore is not listed in their reports.  However, spy programs which actually record snapshots of the screen may still capture SpyCop in operation.  For maximum stealth, run SpyCop in Windows Safe Mode.

Q. Why does SpyCop default to install in xxxx location?
Q. Why is the filename not simply spycop.exe?

A. Some unethical spyware companies are developing code to crash privacy protection software such as SpyCop. We will periodically change the installation directory and program filename to prevent being crashed by Spy programs that locate spy detectors based on this information.

Q. What is the difference between the personal and corporate versions?

A. The difference between the Corporate and Personal versions is that we provide assistance on getting the Corporate version running on a network with automated deployment.  This level of support is not available with a Personal license.  A Corporate license also has site licensing options and can be used on more than one machine.  A Personal license is limited to use on one machine at any one time.  Additionally, if the product is to be used commercially or in a commercial environment, then a Corporate license must be purchased.  There are no feature differences between the two programs.

Q. I am having trouble installing SpyCop or am receiving an error while trying to run it

A. This is almost always caused by a conflict with another program that you may have running on your system.  Other times, you just have way too many things running in the background and so not enough resources are left for SpyCop to run properly.  There are a couple of ways to get SpyCop going on an overloaded system:

Method 1:  Close down background tasks (Win95, Win98, WinME, WinNT and Win2k)
To close down background tasks, press CTRL + ALT + DEL once and then start double clicking everything except EXPLORER and SYSTRAY.  You may want to try SpyCop after you close each thing to figure out the cause of the problem.

Method 2: Run in safe mode (Win95, Win98 and WinME users)
To run in safe mode, restart your computer, and as soon as Starting Windows ## is displayed or your computer beeps, whichever one comes first, repeatedly press F8 over and over again until a menu comes up.  Select safe mode and your computer will start in safe mode.  Once started, Run SpyCop from its icon as usual.

Method 3: For errors on Windows XP systems
If you get an error message when you try to install or run SpyCop on WindowsXP, try right-clicking on the spycop.exe file, choose "Run As", and then uncheck the box that says "Protect my computer and data from unauthorized program activity".  SpyCop should then install and run properly.

Method 4: For KERNEL32 errors during installation and software startup or random closes
Don't install SpyCop into a folder called SpyCop. We recommend that you install the software to its default location.  Certain spy programs use this to stop the software from operating properly and display fake crash screens.  You may wish to go a step further and install SpyCop into a custom, randomly named folder.

Method 5: Utilize SpyCop's Super STEALTH Mode (v5.5 and newer)
Super STEALTH Mode will temporarily revert your system to the way it was after a fresh Windows installation. Any non-standard programs will be closed automatically, including Spy programs. NO FILES ARE MODIFIED ON YOUR DISK...this feature only manipulates programs loaded in memory. For more details on the use of Super STEALTH Mode, refer to the product documentation. As soon as you reboot, your system will be back to normal.

Q. SpyCop appears to hang up while pre-scanning or is listed as non-responsive

A. During the pre-scan stage, SpyCop may appear to hang up and even be marked as an unresponsive application by Windows XP.  This can occur if you have a slow system or lots of files on your drive.  The pre-scan process indexes the files on your drives and figures out which ones to scan.  Because of the large amount of calculations that occur, the application may temporarily be unresponsive, especially on slower systems.  You can ignore this and eventually the scan will proceed as normal.

Q. How do I uninstall SpyCop?

A. To uninstall the software, go to Start, Programs, SpyCop, Uninstall.  SpyCop is not listed in Add/remove programs for obvious security reasons.  You can delete the uninstall icon from the start menu for increased security.You can also navigate to your SpyCop folder via Windows explorer and double click the unins000.exe file.

Q. I removed the software and still get reminders on startup to scan or register.

A. You must uninstall the software properly using the included uninstaller.  Deleting it via explorer before running the uninstaller will result in bits and pieces being left behind. To fix the situation, you must reinstall the software and then properly uninstall it.  To properly uninstall the software, click Start, Programs, SpyCop, Uninstall.  If you set up the screensaver, you should go back into the screensaver settings and choose a different screensaver before uninstalling.  Lastly, be sure that the product is not currently running before uninstalling it.

Q. SpyCop is scanning slowly!

A. SpyCop is the most thorough spy scanner available as it searches every byte of every program file on your system.  This makes it impossible for spy software to go undetected once we know about it.  It is also recommended to close down background applications as they tend to waste system resources and slow down your entire system.  Don't forget that SpyCop can be minimized while scanning, so you can do other things on your computer while the scan proceeds.  When minimized, SpyCop switches to low priority so that it does not affect your other tasks.  There is no need to sit there and watch SpyCop scan your system!

Please see the manual for more techniques on optimizing the software.

Q. How do I download the software?

A. Here are step-by-step instructions for downloading and installation:

1. Once you have paid and received your access and registration codes, click the download link HERE
2. Select "Save As" and navigate to or create an empty folder.
3. Wait until the download completes and close your browser.
4. Navigate to the folder that you saved the downloaded file in via My Computer.
5. Run the downloaded file and follow the onscreen instructions to install the software.
6. Follow the instructions for activation in the email sent after you registered.

Q. I download and install a new version, but the old version still remains.

A. This is the main reason for our recommendation to uninstall and completely remove any old versions before upgrading.  Here are step by step instructions for upgrading:

1. Completely uninstall the old version.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Use Windows Explorer to manually delete any remaining SpyCop/ET files, if any.
4. Download the new version of the software.
5. Install the new version.
6. Run the new version and enter your existing registration data.

Q. The automatic database update is not working properly

A. The database update feature requires that your IE Internet settings are configured properly.  If your IE browser works, then the SpyCop update function will work.  You do not have to use IE as your primary Internet browser and you don't need to have IE set as your default browser!  You can change your IE settings via Control Panel, Internet Settings.  You may also need to upgrade the software itself to get any more database updates.  This normally occurs when a change is made to the internal database layout.  It is required that you completely uninstall your old version and make sure the SpyCop folder is gone through explorer before installing a new version. 

Q. How do I update the Software or Signature Database?

A. New spyware is continuously being released and SpyCop is continually being updated to detect these latest releases. To update the SpyCop software itself, simply visit the purchase page again and re-download the software or use the download links above.  Remember to uninstall the old version first, and make sure the folder is gone through explorer.  To update the signature database, use the File, Update Database feature.

Q. Can I manually update the spyware database?

A. If the database update feature is not working on your system, you can manually update the database by re-downloading and installing the whole software package.  The database in the downloadable package is updated less frequently than the one available from File, Update Database, but it is updated at least monthly. 

Q. Should I upgrade frequently?

A. There are two major parts of the SpyCop software package, the scanning engine or software, and signature databases.  The Signature databases are updated whenever new spy programs are discovered, when new versions are released that become undetectable with the current database, and to correct false alarms.  The scanning engine is updated whenever a new feature must be added, when a bug is discovered, when a spy program is found to be attacking SpyCop to try and escape detection or to improve overall performance.  Although it can be time consuming to upgrade frequently for both you and us, it is necessary to keep SpyCop top-notch in quality, capability and performance.

Q. Can I download the software to a CD or Diskette?

A. Yes, however be careful not to violate the license agreement displayed when you install the software. To place SpyCop onto a CD, download the SPYCOP.EXE file to a temporary location on your system and then start your CD burning Software (Adaptec, Nero, WinonCD, etc).  Make a data disc, and place the SPYCOP.EXE on the disc.  Use "Disk At Once" to create a CD compatible with all systems.  To place the software on a floppy diskette, simply select drive 'A' when prompted to save the file during download.

Q. I get a message that the download file is corrupt

A. This may be caused by Internet congestion or problems with your ISP.  Please re-try your download at a different time.  We've also noticed that AOL 7 users are the ones with most of the download corruption problems.  If you are unable to download the software successfully, email us using the information in the Technical Support section of this FAQ and we will send the software as an attachment.

Q. SpyCop detects a spy program but I believe it to be a false alarm

A. Just like anti virus programs can falsely detect a virus in a non infected program, SpyCop may detect spyware in a non spyware file. This is a rare condition with the most recent versions of SpyCop.  If you would like the detection confirmed, email us with the name of the spyware detected and the filenames of the file it has been found in.  It is highly recommended that you update the spyware database (File, Update Database) before scanning your system as false alarms may have been corrected and new spyware added.  Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to test scan every program out there.  Certain types of anti-virus or anti-trojan programs may set off a false alarm due to the way the program stores its own signature database.  Please be sure you are using the latest software and signature release before emailing us about false alarms.

Q. What is your false alarm policy?

A. If a file is falsely reported to be a spy program and we are alerted to it, we will immediately issue a database update within hours to correct the error.  If you are a software developer and your program is being reported as a spy program but it is not a spy program, let us know and we will correct the problem as soon as possible.  Due to the huge number of programs and files out there, it is impossible for us to test scan every one of them.  We must rely on false alarm reports to correct these problems. 

Q. SpyCop found a spy program, how do I remove or disable it?

A. Do not email us about spy programs that are found on your system except to report a possible false alarm.  If a spy program is found on your system, please follow these steps to remove it:

• The first and best way to remove a spy program is to use its uninstaller which is often available via control panel add/remove programs.  Check the add/remove programs list in Control Panel and look for suspicious entries.  Fortunately, there are many spy programs that fail to hide themselves from this list.

• Contact the person who installed it and have them remove it. Please note that we do not have a "crystal ball" and can't look to see who installed spy software on your machine.  Use the information provided in 'Spy Info' to see when the files appeared in order to deduct who may have had access to your system at that time.

• Contact the company who developed the spy program for proper removal instructions. Most spy developers will help you remove their software from your personal machine.  The 'Spy Info' button provides an option to learn more about the spy program, including the company name.

• Lastly, you can try using SpyCop's powerful rename feature to disable the spy program.  We rename the file instead of deleting it to allow you to restore it if for some reason you need to.  The Rename button is located in the Spy Info dialog.  You can then delete the renamed file after restarting your system.

A. The best way to find the .spy files and rename them back is to use the built in Windows find dialog.  Go into My Computer and press F3.  In the find dialog that appears, enter *.spy as the search query.  Once all the files are found, you can click them one at a time in the list and press F2 to rename them back.

Q. How can I check to see if a spy program that I heard about is detectable?

A. You can check the SpyCop database for a spy program in the Trial and registered versions by going to File, Check Signature Database.  If a spy program is not detectable, use the link provided in the software to let us know about it and we will make it detectable.

Q. Will SpyCop find government spy programs?

A. If we can obtain a copy of ANY spy program, we will make it detectable.  Our commitment to your privacy is to find ALL computer monitoring spy programs available. 

Q. A spy program that I myself installed is not being detected!

A. New spy programs come out all the time, and we do everything possible to keep up and make them all detectable.  In some instances, you may find a spy program which is not yet detectable.  Don't panic!  Send us a link to where we can obtain the spy program in question and we will investigate it for inclusion in a future database.  Don't forget to check your settings to make sure that SpyCop is properly configured and that your database is up to date.

Q. Can I use SpyCop on my work computer?

A. SpyCop is licensed for use on computers that you own or that you have authorization to scan.  We do not support the use of any of our products illegally, to impede an ongoing police investigation or in any other unauthorized manner.  You assume all responsibility for your use of the product.

Q. What is SpyCop?

A. SpyCop is to computer monitoring spy programs as a virus scanner is to viruses.  Once downloaded and installed on your system, SpyCop can be used to scan your entire system for the presence of thecomputer monitoring spy programs available.  SpyCop is not an anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-trojan, anti-webbug or anti-advertiser scanner. SpyCop is not an anonymizing service or email filter.  SpyCop is the leading non-memory resident monitoring detector which gives you the power to scan your system for spy programs whenever you feel it prudent to do so.

Q. I have Ad-Aware, why use SpyCop?

A. SpyCop and Ad-Aware detect different types of spyware.  We recommend that you use an advertiser scanner such as Ad-Aware in addition to SpyCop.

Q. Can SpyCop find Hidden and Stealth spy programs?

A. Yes. SpyCop uses a search method which goes far and beyond other spyware scanners in that it does not simply scan your registry or go by filename. SpyCop can find spy programs that are not shown in the task list and are not present in the registry. SpyCop can even find those spy programs where the installer renamed the files to make them appear to be part of the system!  If we are aware of a spy program (and we are aware of just about all of them), it can not escape detection.

Q. How do I contact SpyCop?

A. If you ever need assistance with an antiespion product you can use our contact form HERE

Q. How do I report new spyware?

A. If you have found out about a new computer monitoring spy program which had been released recently, you can report it to us for inclusion in a future SpyCop database update.  First, check the SpyCop database via File, Check Signature Database before reporting spy programs.  If a match is not found, use the 'Report a Spy' button in the query dialog.  To enable us to investigate the program quickly, please send us a direct download URL for the spy program.  If this is not possible, please send us a link to the home page of the manufacturer.

Q.  I reported a spy program but it has not been added

A. There are many spy program resellers out there who use "Private Labeling" to sell other products as their own brand.  Many spy programs that you discover, but can not be queried in the SpyCop database, are in fact detectable under their original brand names.  Run a test scan on the spy program in question to be sure. Secondly, we get quite a few spy program reports which are advertiser spy related.  SpyCop is a computer monitoring spy detector, not an advertiser spy detector. 

Q. Is there a technical support number I can call?

A. All technical support is handled via Email.

Q. I ordered the software online but never got my serial number.

A. The registration information e-mail may take up to 24 hours to arrive.  It is important that you use an accurate e-mail address when ordering the software.  We've had hundreds of orders where mis-typed e-mail addresses have results in bounced registration emails.  If you believe you entered your address wrong, please contact us and let us know.  Lastly, some people are using services which require email senders to reply to a second message with a code as an anti-spam tool.  RegNow's automated registration messages tend to be bounced by these services, so disable them before ordering if necessary.

Q. How do I enter my registration information?

A. The registration procedure is as follows:
1. Start the trial version of the software
2. Enter the name exactly as it appears in the email sent
3. Enter the serial number (not the order number) in the three boxes exactly as it was sent
4. Click Submit to accept the information.  The software will exit.
5. Start the software again and it will be fully functional.

Q. My serial number is not working!

A. Please keep in mind that your name is case sensitive, and spacing of the letters must be exact.  The serial number is a three part code clearly labeled as such in the email sent after you ordered.  The order number is NOT the same as the serial number.  The serial number is also sometimes referred to as an authentication key, registration code, etc.  They are all the same code.  We highly recommend that you copy and paste the registration information directly from the e-mail sent to you to ensure accuracy.  Lastly, Evidence Terminator codes and SpyCop codes are not interchangeable.  If you are sure that you are entering the correct information and the code is failing, please send an e-mail and we will create new registration information for you if necessary.

Q. How is the software shipped to me?

A. SpyCop is distributed via the Internet as an electronic download.  After purchasing the software, you will be given a download link and your registration information to unlock the software.  With this method of distribution, there is no shipping to wait or pay for.  Within minutes after ordering you can have the full version up and running!

Q. Is purchasing online safe and secure?

A. Absolutely!  Ordering via telephone or snail-mail because these "old-fashioned" methods are not encrypted and can be intercepted easily.  You can rest assured that your information is safe while purchasing any of our software.