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What is the FixMeStick?
What is it?
The FixMeStick is a plug-in USB tool that scans your computer for viruses before your computer boots into its normal operating system. The FixMeStick automatically updates itself and removes the infections that conventional antivirus software often can’t detect. Follow the easy directions on the back of your stick to start a scan, or you can get more help here.
Is the FixMeStick for one-time use?
You can use the FixMeStick an unlimited number of times on your selected devices during your subscription period.
Will it find the virus that I have? What if it doesn’t?
Because there are so many new viruses released every day, no single antivirus company can detect them all. FixMeStick is powered by an embedded multi-scanner that combines industry-leading technology from Avira, McAfee, and Sophos, and accesses even more engines over the internet to achieve up-to-the-second responses to the latest threats.
If you think the FixMeStick may have missed something, our technical support team can help. You can contact us via email.
My techie friend says he can make essentially the same thing as a FixMeStick for free, is this true?
Hacker types can create their own bootable scanner, but the FixMeStick is a better solution for most non-techies.
How does the FixMeStick work?
What happens to viruses FixMeStick removes?
When the FixMeStick detects a virus, it flags the file during the scanning process. These infected files are deactivated and moved to a quarantine file on the hard drive where they remain dormant. This new location is like a “virus graveyard” of deactivated or disinfected files. The infected files are not stored on the FixMeStick itself, so there is no chance of cross contamination between infected computers. By moving files to a quarantined location rather than deleting them, you can easily restore them if needed.
Do I need to keep my FixMeStick plugged in all the time?
No - you only need to plug in your FixMeStick when you want to run a scan. The FixMeStick doesn't download software onto your computer, which means it only runs when you plug it in. With FixMeStick, there is no software to install, or passwords to remember. Plug in your FixMeStick to scan your computer and unplug it when you’re done!
Do I need an internet connection to use FixMeStick?
The FixMeStick requires an internet connection to update the software with the latest malware definitions in order to be the most effective in finding infections on your computer. You can run a successful scan on a computer without an internet connection, but the FixMeStick won’t receive latest virus definitions unless it can connect to the internet. Click here to learn more about internet connections during a scan.
How does the FixMeStick subscription work?
When you purchase the FixMeStick, you purchase the FixMeStick hardware, software, virus definitions, and access to our expert customer support. The hardware you own forever. The subscription gives you access to our customer support, and a license to use the software on the USB.
Does FixMeStick store any of my information?
The FixMeStick device relays basic information about the technical details of your computer and the diagnostics of your scans to our servers. It does not store information on the USB drive itself. You can read about what information we store here.
What computers are compatible with FixMeStick?
Can I use it on my tablet or smartphone?
The current version of the FixMeStick isn’t designed to support tablet use. Creating a version for tablets is definitely something we have on our to-do list.
Will FixMeStick conflict with my antivirus software?
The FixMeStick won’t conflict with your antivirus software. It doesn’t install anything to your computer, which means it’s impossible for it to conflict with programs installed on your computer. We recommend antivirus software for daily protection, and the FixMeStick for a monthly deep-clean.
How do I buy a FixMeStick?
Where can I buy a FixMeStick?
You can purchase the FixMeStick on our online store, on Amazon, or in-store at major retailers throughout the world. The FixMeStick 30 Day Trial is exclusively available through our online store.
How does the 30 Day Trial work?
Try the FixMeStick for 30 days. At the end of the trial your subscription can be renewed for one-year at a discounted rate. If you decide not to renew, you can email us at support@fixmestick.com or chat with us on FixMeStick.com during business hours.
What kinds of payment do you accept on your online store?
We accept credit card payments from Visa, Mastercard and American Express, and PayPal.
How can I manage my FixMeStick Account?
Where can I manage my account?
Click here and 'Sign in' to access the MyAccount portal. With MyAccount, you can access information about your previous scans, and your billing and subscription information.
My subscription has expired. How do I renew it?
You can renew your FixMeStick subscription through your MyAccount portal here. If you have any difficulties with your renewal, you can send us an e-mail or a chat message. Be sure to include the serial number that’s located on the side of your FixMeStick.
What if I want to cancel my FixMeStick subscription?
If you wish to cancel your subscription, you can do so with MyAccount. We do not require you to return your FixMeStick for a refund or cancellation to be processed. If you have any difficulties cancelling with MyAccount, or if you do not have access to MyAccount, you can contact our customer support via chat or send an e-mail to: support@fixmestick.com.
Where do I get help?
What if my FixMeStick stops working?
If your FixMeStick ever stops working while your subscription is active we'll send you a replacement free of charge. You can contact us at support@fixmestick.com with the serial number on the side of your FixMeStick.
What if I lose my FixMeStick?
If you lose your FixMeStick we give you a discount on a replacement! Just send us an e-mail or a chat message and we'll provide your discount.
I can’t get FixMeStick started - or I have another issue, where do I get help?
You can find a number of solutions in our help centre here.
Why FixMeStick?
If I already have an antivirus program, do I still need a FixMeStick?
Antivirus programs work while your PC or Mac's operating system is running. These programs protect your computer from malicious software like viruses, trojans, spyware, and malware. Protection from these malicious threats is important and antivirus software is highly recommended, however, antivirus software isn’t 100% effective. The FixMeStick is a Linux-based device that runs before the infected operating system boots. This enables it to remove difficult infections, rootkits, and bootkits that your antivirus program may not be able to detect or remove properly while your operating system is running.
Why does FixMeStick use 3 antivirus engines?
Using the malware definitions of 3 different engines increases the likelihood of detecting viruses, as no single antivirus engine is 100% effective. Every antivirus company has a dictionary of different types of viruses that it detects, and they’re always adding to the dictionary. The FixMeStick licenses the dictionaries from 3 different antivirus companies and combines them into one super dictionary. If you have an internet connection during your scan, your FixMeStick will use even more cloud-based scanners to achieve up-to-the-second threat detection.