I think the issues are these:
1) Combofix was designed to be used when suggested by a malware expert, and by following their instructions.
2) Many find it on the web and just use it, or have others suggest it with no knowledge of how it works. Some of these people use it with not only no ill effects, but for some, miraculous recovery of their infected systems. Hence the "I use it all the time", or " I know people who use it all the time with no problems".
The possibility exists that 9 out of 10 (a fictitious number) of people could use it and it will do no harm. But that 10th one will have his Operating System totally borked and render their PC unbootable, and beyond recovery. Now mind you, the numbers may be 1 out of 10, with 9 borked machines. But people see these second hand stories of how people used it themselves and it's great. It's a powerful program, and I doubt many of us have any idea how it works.
I am constantly countering those who post here that it's safe to use, and people are over reacting, or it is snobbish to say don't use it on your own. The reason for that for me personally is the great respect I have for Jacee, a certfied malware expert and Microsoft Security MVP (nuff said). Because the creator of Combofix himself says don't use it yourself. Because the security sites post warnings against it's use (there is no ulterior motives for this, they are all volunteers as we are here, and are just looking out for their members, and those needing assistance).
You should not run ComboFix unless you are specifically asked to by a helper. Also, due to the power of this tool it is strongly advised that you do not attempt to act upon any of the information displayed by ComboFix without supervision from someone who has been properly trained. If you do so, it may lead to problems with the normal functionality of your computer.
And lastly, I have seen many a post on the web of people who used Combofix on their own, or at a friends (with friends like these...) urging, where the result was a disaster. Had these people been directed, and instructed in the use by a malware expert, the outcome would have been different.
If I choose to run Combofix by myself, that is my decision. If others choose to do so, that is their decision. But for the literally possible millions who may read this thread, we have a responsibility to make the warning, and to confirm it when needed. So go ahead and run with scissors...but be aware, we've warned you it is fraught with peril!
A Guy
If you're infected and a trained analyst, such as Jacee, deems the use of Combofix appropriate for your infection then she would talk you through it's use. So many people run it thinking it will fix everything, that's not what it's designed for.
