I've been thinking to use these software as layer protection and I need your opinions.Which the best ?

I don't think ''which is best'' is the best way to ask for opinions.

A verses B threads never work

Sandboxie and returnil operate in different ways. I love sandboxie and I would never browse without it. However Returnil has some great plus points when testing software out.

Dennis uses both I thnk, perhaps he will give some imput here when he sees this thread abu.

Hi abu afa.

What I like about sandboxie is it's visibility. When a program is running sandboxed, all the changes it creates can be seen in the sandbox. On this computer, that folder is C:\Sandbox. You can delete stuff if you like. I use a bat file, not the sandboxie recommended method, to securely delete the sandbox from time to time. There have been suggestions that things can escape the sandbox, sorry I cannot give you a link, but that has never happened here. Sandboxie is not supported for 64 bit, and has problems w/ Vista: Sandboxie Forum

I don't use Returnil much, DennisD is really knowledgeable about it, but Powershadow works much the same way. The good thing about either of those apps is that if all else fails and you get hammered, when you restart the problem is gone. No excepions here, so far, for Powershadow.

They will run together, provide good layers, I think.

DennisD and Andavari will be along in a bit, they know more.

Happy to give a reply, and in the well worn words from an old TV show .... here's one I made earlier.

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?s=&...st&p=146204

Thank a lot to all of you for good opinions.I'll try it

About how much memory does Sandboxie on average use while running?

alot and the more windows you open the more memory it takes up. I have it but hardly use it because of that, just don't like it at all

That's surprising since the install file is less than a Meg in size. Thanks for the info though.

I've never used an app like Sandboxie, so I'm reading more about it and trying to decide if it's worth while. Another layer of protection is always a good thing, but if it's a RAM hog and just slows the computer down, it's probably not worth it to me.

does returnil work with other anti-virus, anti-malware programs?

Sandboxie works with just about anything.

Here is a list of known conflicts

http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?KnownConflicts

thanks its just that after reading what was on returnil website about how it works i wasn't sure if it would work with av's, am's

I've never had that problem with Sandboxie. This is the memory usage right at this moment with 5 tabs open not including this one. I surfed happily with 512mb until recently, and memory was never an issue at all.

http://pixpipeline.com/l/ce4d57c512e9.jpg

Just for info, I've just opened 10 bookmarks in tabs, and 2 in new windows, and memory usage for all 4 services is under 10mb.

How do other users compare with this?

See the attached Sandboxie`s thumbnails these are self explanatory.

A new version of Sandboxie came out 2 days ago, by the way. Remember to update: http://www.sandboxie.com/

Same as DennisD, memory never been a problem here (XP home). Don't have the same numbers as in his picture, but it uses about the same percentage of total RAM.

I've run the following combinations w/ no conflicts (all the while using Spybot, SpywareBlaster & SpywareGuard):

Sandboxie + Powershadow
Sandboxie + Returnil
Sandboxie + Returnil + AVG + Comodo Fwl
Sandboxie + Returnil + AVG + zone Fwl
Sandboxie + Powershadow + Avast + Zone Fwl
Sandboxie + Powershadow + Avast + Comodo Fwl
Sandboxie + Powershadow + Avast + Outpost Fwl

A-Squared full version caused a conflict with Avast. Avast scanner wouldn't start, explorer would lock up.
Spybot's Tea Timer uses a ton of memory. Microsoft Security Essentials did too, but it was not a fair test.
SpywareGuard uses a lot of memory.

Thanks for testing and posting the results, Login123 .

Spybot is a bit overestimated in my view. But a-squared is improving. Used to have a lot of false positives. BitDefenders freeware scanner is a bit underestimated. It can remove what it finds. Like SAS and MBAM there's no realtime protection. That's basically what there is of freeware scanners with removal and no realtime protection, I believe: SAS, MBAM, a-squared, BitDefender. We all need a few of those for second opinion.

I just installed Sandboxie, which seemed to complete successfully, but I get the following error whenever I try to run the app:



What needs to be done to fix this problem?

Sandboxie has a forum of it's own. I'm trying to search it. http://www.sandboxie.com/phpbb/

Edit: did you reboot after the install?

Don't know, TeeJay3800, try the sandboxie forum? tzuk is pretty well on top of it. http://www.sandboxie.com/phpbb/

I think this is THE ANSWER,TeeJay3800

Sandboxie did not lidt that under System Requirements in their FAQs. Not Nice of them!

Thanks, abu. Unfortunately, even after following the instructions in that link and then uninstalling/reinstalling Sandboxie, I STILL get the same error. I'm at a loss at this point. We'll see what the Sandboxie forum says.


Unfortunately, that's not uncommon. Windows 2000 is often listed as being "officially supported", but there is no mention of things like this that prevent the app from functioning on Win2k.

EDIT: The problem is resolved and Sandboxie is working great! If anyone else encounters the same problem, see here for info: http://www.sandboxie.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=41747.

Good fix, TeeJay3800. Just a thought, it might be useful to other members if you posted about how it works on your system...memory and RAM use, slow downs, etc.

I can not see that it makes any diffrence here, although other members report differently.

edit: epost, you said "Spybot is a bit overestimated in my view". You're right, it runs a bit heavy, and there are probably other apps which duplicate its protections. I keep it because it has been around since the dawn of time, and in the good ole days it was one of the few dependable anti-malaware apps available. Also, it doesn't affect the function of my system enough to notice, and the Tea Timer has caught changes which got past everything else. Same for the venerable SpywareGuard. Not recommendations, just a statement of what works here.

Yes, I know. Realtime protection for spyware as a stand alone is a bit tricky if it's freeware we're talking about. Most freeware have virus and spyware in one and the same program. Spyware Terminator is all I can think of as an alternative right now. And Windows Defender.

i take it using returnil your hard drive won't have as much wear and tear?

When you install Returnil, as long as you configure it to use "Memory Caching" and not "Hard Drive Caching", it does reduce wear and tear on the Hard Drive.

But bare in mind, that Returnil will be using the Page File (Virtual Memory) as well as RAM unless you turn off your Page File when using it. To that end, Returnil is not reliant on the Page File. All depends of course on how much memory you have to play with.

There's more information about this on the Returnil section at Wilders.



Also bare in mind that if you have a second drive, a partition, or the use of a thumb drive, you do not need to install the "Virtual Partition".

It's only real purpose is for users with 1 drive. It gives them an area to download and save to while Returnil is active.

Watch the install process carefully so you don't miss the "Cache Method" choice or the "Virtual Partition" option. If you don't require the latter, you just skip it while installing.

The Returnil forum on Wilders is a great source of info and help, and they always put themselves out to do just that. One of the developers, Mike (Coldmoon) calls in here now and again, and I've seen him and other members move heaven and earth to help folk with any problem they encounter.

I've been using this program since it first came out, and I have never encountered a problem in that time. I use Memory Caching, have never disabled the Page File, and I don't have the Virtual Partition mounted.

Hope that helps.

I've removed the link for the new version I posted as it won't install properly on my PC.

This could be something I've changed recently, but to be safe, stick with the version I intend to reinstall. I'll post immediately if I find the cause is on my PC, and not a Returnil problem.

http://download.cnet.com/Returnil-Virtual-...4-10704691.html

This has to be Sod's Law after posting that I've never encountered a problem, although I have a suspicion as to the cause, and I think it's my PC.


EDIT: Version 2008 installed and working perfectly again, and I'm 99% sure the problem was due to a recently user added reg entry.

I haven't tried to install the new version until I check this out at the Returnil/Wilders forum.

I should have watched the telly tonight.

Well, Who Knew... Runs in memory...gonna have to give it another look. Probably everybody knew but me. Should have been paying more attention. Thanks, DennisD.

I think ??? Powershadow uses available hard disk space, which gives Returnil a big edge. Although I don't hear the HD chatter much when using PS.

Already installed here and running well so far

Seen your thread over at Wilders Returnil part of the forum about your BSOD Dennis.

While you were there you will have noticed that there is a lot of disquiet about the new 2010 version of Returnil, many people are having problems with it and have gone back to the previous version.

Quite a few people cannot see why Returnil now needs to have an av as part of it's install.

Perhaps they ought to have stuck to what they had, this user seems to think so anyway (he also had BSOD Dennis)

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=254851


.

I agree hazel, and I did notice I wasn't alone.

I don't think it was to do with my PC, but I thought it wise to remove the link for the new version until I found out one way or the other.

I'm back with the 2008 version, and it's running as perfectly as it ever has, so I have no hesitation in recommending it unreservedly.

The new version I will be steering clear of. I for sure don't require the Virus Guard.

how do i configure to memory caching instead of hard disk? i cant find anything like that. Everything else seem's to be fine but the anti-virus isnt working?

also the updating doesnt work it seem's neither

From my post above:



Saying that, I don't recollect any of these options while installing the failed Version 2010, so if that's the version you've installed I can't answer that one.

If you've installed the 2008 version, you do clearly get the options during the install process. If you've missed them, the best course of action is to uninstall it and reinstall it again after rebooting.

There's also a small check box to uncheck at the "Skip the Virtual Partition" bit.

If you have any queries about any of this, ask, and I'll uninstall mine and take screenshots of the process.

Thanks Dennis. This is a very helpful post. You may recall I'm a Sandboxie user, but have been very interested in Returnil as well to complement SBIE. I like the functional simplicity that RVS seems to offer. Your post answers some questions I had about the choice of RVS options during the installation process.

Like Hazelnut, I also saw your thread over at Wilders. I think I'll sit tight for now to see how things unfold with the RVS 2010 issues.

According to the information I've just received, the new version is to receive a fix:



That taken from the reply I received at Wilders this afternoon.

Far be it from me to level any criticism at the new version, but I would suggest thinking about installing the tried and trusted Version 2.0.1.9002, which is the 2008 incarnation, or hang back a wee while before delving into the new one until it has been running for a while.

Returnil 2008:

The main difference I can see with the new version is the "Returnil Virus Guard". There will be other improvements of course.



Link:

Just an update.

Decided to try out 2010 again after the Server Level fix.

I didn't get a BSOD on reboot this time, I got one as soon as I pressed the "Restart" button. It was instantaneous, and as I found out pretty terminal.

In safe mode I discovered there wasn't an uninstall option which I could find, and even after manually removing every Returnil file from Program Files and a couple of locations in System32, and installing an ERUNT backup from the morning before this install, I could not get past this BSOD.

I tried a lot of things involving different rescue packages, but the only thing which saved me was my Macrium Backup Image, which I'd only just updated last week.

Whether this was Returnil on it's own, or a conflict of some sort matters not a jot to me. You couldn't now pay me to try this 2010 version again.

This may not be your experience, but it would be neglectful of me not to point out mine.

That sounded like a level one BSOD Dennis

Glad to hear you were able to get back up and running.

Sounds like Returnil 2008 will be what most people stick with for quite some time.