Member Avatar for bobfrancis10

Hi, I have a friend who insists on using Incredimail, is it spyware and are there problems with it?????:rolleyes:

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by semontuffel

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Short answer: IncrediMail itself was never proven to be a secret “keylogger” spyware product, but it did install low‑level integration components and (over the years) bundled browser toolbars and extras that many people found unwanted. User reports in this thread reflect that split: saw no problems, tried removing a DLL, and the company defended the product in later posts. For context, the service was retired and the IncrediMail servers were shut down on March 20, 2020. (techwarrant.com)

What the scary‑word “IMHook.dll” refers to: it’s a legitimate IncrediMail component that registers a Windows hook so the client can implement global shortcuts and notifiers. Because hooks can intercept keystrokes, some scanners and process‑info sites have flagged IMHook as suspicious — that capability is why people have worried. Deleting the DLL outright can break IncrediMail features (users reported F‑key shortcuts and notifier behavior changing when it was removed). Don’t delete DLLs blind; inspect and disable safely instead. (file.info)

The bigger risk historically came from bundled toolbars (Incredibar / MediaBar / MyStart) and optional extras that behaved like PUPs or browser hijackers. If you or a friend still have remnants, remove the toolbar/PUP first and then clean startup items and hooks using trusted tools (Autoruns / Process Explorer), and scan with a current anti‑malware product. If you need the mail data, export contacts/messages first — IMAP accounts just re‑add to a new client; locally stored IncrediMail mail often needs a converter or import tool to move into Thunderbird/Outlook. (shouldiremoveit.com)

Practical checklist (short):

  • Back up IncrediMail data and contacts before touching anything.
  • Run a full scan with an up‑to‑date anti‑malware (Malwarebytes or equivalent).
  • Use Autoruns/Process Explorer to locate and disable suspicious autostart entries (do not delete system entries without confirming).
  • If removing IMHook.dll is being considered, uninstall IncrediMail properly or disable startup entries first — only resort to file deletion after safe backups.
    This keeps cleanup safe and avoids breaking your mail archive or Windows behavior. (learn.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for dlh6213

Many people say they use Incredimail and have no problems with it. I had it myself and started having trouble after one day, though it may have been a coincidence -- haven't dared try it again :)

Here are a couple of sites that have negative things to say about it, but there are many that praise it as well; probably best to let your friend decide for him/herself.


Member Avatar for crunchie

I have Incredimail on my PC for my daughter. There is a dll file which I think is called *Imhook* that I deleted as it is meant to be the bad file in the program.

Member Avatar for bobfrancis10

Thanks dlh6213 and Crunchie, for the advice, I have forwarded the info to my friend so she can make up her own mind.

Thanks Bob.

Member Avatar for incredmediateam

At IncrediMail, we are committed to the improvement of the IncrediMail application as well as the satisfaction of our users. We value your feedback and will take it into account as our services evolve.

IncrediMail is not spyware. We are certified by industry leading groups as 100% spyware free. In fact, IncrediMail vehemently opposes any kind of behavioral targeting and believes strongly in providing our customers a safe and free email experience. ([snip][/snip])

Thank you for considering IncrediMail™. And please visit us at [snip][/snip] to learn more.

The IncrediMail Media Team

Member Avatar for semontuffel

IncrediMail is a simple to use and highly effective e-mail system. IncrediMail contains functions such as a highly effective and quick e-mail search tool. I am really impressed from this software.

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