Additional Information
A freeware virus scanner utility to remove specific viruses and rootkits
| Latest Version | McAfee Labs Stinger 13.0.0.242 (64-bit) |
| Requirements |
Windows XP64/Vista64/Windows 7 64/Windows 8 64/Windows 10 64/Windows 11 |
| Updated | December 25, 2024 |
| Author | McAfee, Inc. |
| Category | Anti-Virus |
| License | Freeware |
| Language | English |
| Download | 2155 |
Overview
McAfee Stinger is a specialized utility that can detect and remove specific viruses, but it should not be considered a complete replacement for full antivirus protection. McAfee Stinger 64bit can be a useful tool for administrators and users dealing with infected systems. It uses advanced scan technology, including rootkit scanning and scan performance optimizations, to quickly identify and remove threats.
In addition to its scanning capabilities, Stinger includes Real Protect, which uses machine learning and behavioral-based classification to detect zero-day malware in real time.
Features
In addition to its scanning capabilities, Stinger includes Real Protect, which uses machine learning and behavioral-based classification to detect zero-day malware in real time.
Features
- Standalone virus detection and removal
- Real Protect real-time behavior detection
- Next-generation scan technology
- Rootkit scanning
- Scan performance optimizations
- Quarantine management
- Customizable scans
- Command-line support
- Scan logs
- GTI File Reputation and network heuristics
How do you use Stinger?
- Download the latest version of Stinger.
- Choose a convenient location on your hard disk, such as your Desktop folder, to save the file when prompted.
- Navigate to the folder where the Stinger file is saved and run it.
- The interface will be displayed.
- By default, it scans for running processes, loaded modules, registry, WMI, and directory locations known to be used by malware to keep scan times minimal. To add additional drives/directories to your scan, click the "Customize my scan" link if necessary.
- It has the capability to scan targets of Rootkits, which is not enabled by default.
- Click the "Scan" button to begin scanning the specified drives/directories.
- McAfee Stinger will repair any infected files it finds by default.
- It leverages GTI File Reputation and runs network heuristics at a medium level by default. If you select "High" or "Very High," McAfee Labs recommends that you set the "On threat detection" action to "Report" only for the first scan.
FAQ
Q: Why didn't Stinger detect the virus I know I have?
A: Stinger is not intended to replace a full antivirus scanner. It is designed to detect and remove specific threats.
Q: Where can I find and view the scan log in Stinger?
A: By default, the log file is saved in the same location as Stinger.exe. Within the interface, go to the "Log" tab to view the logs as a list with timestamps. Click on the log file name to open it in HTML format.
Q: Where are the quarantine files stored in Stinger?
A: The quarantine files are stored in C:\Quarantine\Stinger.
Q: Can I use command-line parameters when running Stinger?
A: Yes, you can find the available command-line parameters by accessing the help menu within Stinger.
Q: I ran Stinger and now have a Stinger.opt file. What is it?
A: It creates the Stinger.opt file when it runs to save the current Stinger configuration. The next time you run Stinger, it will use the previous configuration as long as the Stinger.opt file is in the same directory as Stinger.
Alternatives
Malwarebytes: Anti-malware software with real-time protection, scans for and removes malware, adware, and PUPs.
HitmanPro: Second opinion malware scanner, uses behavioral analysis and cloud-based scanning to detect and remove malware.
Emsisoft Emergency Kit: Portable malware scanner that runs from a USB drive, and detects and removes viruses, Trojans, and other malware.
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool: Free scanner that detects and removes viruses, Trojans, worms, adware, and spyware.
PROS
- Removes specific viruses
- Real-time behavior detection
- Next-gen scan technology
- Targets Rootkits
- Free to use
CONS
- Not a full antivirus substitute
- Limited virus detection
- No scheduled scanning
- No real-time protection
- Minimal configuration options
Conclusion
In conclusion, McAfee Stinger is a valuable tool for users who suspect their systems have been infected with specific malware strains. It is lightweight, easy to use, and offers customizable scanning options. However, it should not be used as a full antivirus solution and may miss certain malware strains. Overall, Stinger is a useful addition to any user's malware removal toolkit.
