Computer Hope

Other => Computer News => Topic started by: Broni on September 19, 2008, 05:15:42 PM

Title: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 19, 2008, 05:15:42 PM
http://www.dozleng.com/updates/calendar44514
(all list's updates after 9/18/09 provided by our members)

Below is the current list of dodgy installers:

    * Adobe Flash Player - Google Toolbar
    * Adobe Reader - eBay Desktop
    * Adobe Shockwave Player - Norton PC Checkup
    * AnVir Task Manager - Registry Cleaner Pro
    * AOL Instant Messenger - AOL Toolbar
    * Apple’s Software Updater - Safari Browser, QuickTime, iTunes
    * Applian FLV Player - Yahoo Toolbar
    * Auslogics Registry Defrag - Ask Toolbar
    * AVG 8 - AVG Security Toolbar (Yahoo Search bar)
    * BitComet - Google Toolbar
    * BitDefender Anti-Phishing Free Edition - Ask.com search engine. No opt-in. No opt-out.
    * BitTorrent 6.1.2 - Ask Toolbar
    * CCleaner (standard installer) - Yahoo Toolbar <<<Offers Slim version, without toolbar (http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds)
    * ClamWin - Ask.com
    * Comodo Firewall Pro - Ask Toolbar (This toolbar is detected as spyware/adware by several vendors)
    * Comodo Internet Security, Antivirus & Firewall - Ask Toolbar
    * CPUZ - Ask Toolbar
    * Cyberlink PowerDVD 8 - Google Toolbar and BETA of Moovielive
    * Daemon Tools - Search tool and sponsor ad module
    * Defraggler - Yahoo Toolbar
    * DivX - Yahoo Toolbar
    * DVDVideoSoft Free Studio - ASK toolbar
    * FormatFactory 2.10 (and higher) - Ebay shortcuts
    * FormatFactory 2.15 (and higher) - Ask toolbar
    * FoxIt Reader 3.0 - - installs FoxIt toolbar, makes Ask.com your default search, create desktop, quick launch, and start menu shortcut to eBay
    * Free Download Manager - Software Informer bundle
    * GameVance - Ask Toolbar/The Weather Channel Desktop
    * Glary Utilities - Ask Toolbar
    * GOM Player - Ask Toolbar
    * GoogleTalk - no addon but will change default search setting of IE
    * GoogleEarth - Pre checked Google Chrome; sets Google Updater as a startup
    * Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield Community Toolbar from Conduit
    * ICQ 6 - ICQ Toolbar
    * Iobit Advanced One Care - Yahoo Toolbar (selecting no will still do changes on the system)
    * IOBit Security 360 - IObit/Conduit toolbar
    * IOBit Smart Defrag - Yahoo Toolbar/Search Settings
    * IrfanView (Google Toolbar for IE and Google Desktop Search)
    * IsoBuster - Ask.com Toolbar
    * iTunes (QuickTime, AppleSoftwareUpdate, AppleMobileDeviceSupport64, Bonjour64, MobileMe64) <---- undisputed leader
    * Java Runtime Environment (JRE) - installs Java Quick Starter, Microsoft Live Search Toolbar, OpenOffice installer pre-checked
    * Logitech Setpoint (Logitech Yahoo! Toolbar)
    * Maxathon 2 - Facebook Sidebar Plugin
    * McAfee Site Advisor update - Yahoo! default browser search
    * Miro 2.5 - Ask toolbar
    * MP3 WMA Converter - Yahoo Search and Delio Comparsion Shopping Toolbar
    * Nero 9 Lite Free - Ask Toolbar
    * Nero Burning Rom - Ask Toolbar (This toolbar is detected as spyware/adware by several vendors)
    * PC Tools Firewall Plus - Google Toolbar and Threatfire
    * PrimoPdf - Paltalk
    * RealPlayer - Google Chrome
    * Recuva - optional Yahoo toolbar (checked by default) <<<offers Slim version without toolbar (http://www.recuva.com/download/builds)
    * Shockwave Player - Norton Security Scan or Google Toolbar
    * SIW (System Information for Windows) - Crawler Toolbar
    * Skype - Google Toolbar
    * Spyware Doctor - Google Toolbar
    * Spyware Terminator - Web security guard, Crawler
    * Sun Java RE (online installer) - Google Toolbar
    * Sun Java - OpenOffice.org
    * Thoosje Sidebar - Amazon or eBay Toolbar
    * Threatfire 4.7.0.9 - Google Toolbar
    * Trillian - Ask Toolbar and Weather Channel Desktop
    * Unlocker 1.8.7 - eBay shortcuts
    * Veoh media player - Yahoo toolbar, search engine change & search protection
    * VSO Image Resizer - Ask Toolbar
    * WeatherBug - Ask Toolbar
    * Webroot SpySweeper - Ask Toolbar (This toolbar is detected as spyware/adware by several vendors)
    * Winamp - Winamp Toolbar
    * Windows Live Installer - Windows Live Toolbar and Sign-in Assistant
    * Windows Update - Windows Genuine Advantage Notification - (pre-checked, not required, should not be high-priority)
    * Windows SteadyState - Windows Live Toolbar
    * Winzip - RegistryBooster
    * Wise Disk Cleaner - Ask Toolbar
    * Wise Registry Cleaner - Ask Toolbar
    * xp-Antispy - eBay shortcuts/toolbar
    * xplorer2Lite - Conduit toolbar
    * YaHoo! Instant Messenger - YaHoo! toolbar, with ‘YaHoo! Search Protection’ and homepage change to YaHoo!
    * ZoneAlarm - SpyBlocker (Ask Toolbar) (This toolbar is detected as spyware/adware by several vendors)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on September 19, 2008, 05:20:08 PM
I think this list should be individually checked and maintained because this is important...
If we do a collective effort to verify each one of these buggers then we can spread the word thru the PC community and in doing so affect real change....

Let's face it they do it for dollars but if an organised effort lets them know WE are tired of it they will have no choice but to seek revenue streams elsewhere.

I'm open to suggestions/ideas.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on September 19, 2008, 05:21:28 PM
BTW i saw no instance of the Yahoo toolbar in 4 installs of AVG 8.0
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 19, 2008, 07:05:15 PM
Quote
I think this list should be individually checked and maintained because this is important...
Very good idea.
Maybe, we should pin it, and I can keep updating it, when any comment will be posted in this thread.

Quote
i saw no instance of the Yahoo toolbar in 4 installs of AVG 8.0
The list is from July 1st. When I first attempted to install AVG 8.0, couple of months ago, I believe, Yahoo toolbar was there, but I can't swear by it.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: ChrisXPPro on September 19, 2008, 08:29:02 PM
This stuff being thrown us is more than irritating.  I remember thinking when I upgraded Irfanview how sneeky it was re the Google toolbar .... all too easy to zip on thru and not notice.

Makes me think there is even more usefulness in running in Sandboxie for a trial run!
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 19, 2008, 08:44:23 PM
patio
I guess, we were both right about AVG:
AVG 8 - AVG Security Toolbar (Yahoo Search bar)
The AVG Security Toolbar provides you with easy access to manage your AVG Search-Shield and AVG Active Surf-Shield protections without having to open the AVG control center. The AVG Security Toolbar also allows a direct search through Yahoo! where the LinkScanner™ technology will flag any dangerous or questionable sites, safe sites will show on Yahoo! as usual.

We're talking about AVG security bar powered by Yahoo.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on September 20, 2008, 11:12:06 AM
Gotcha...i dissallowed Link Scanner which is why i probably never saw Yahoo....
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: drmsucks on September 20, 2008, 12:36:55 PM
Very nice, Broni :)

And a firm reminder to ALWAYS do a custom install, if possible. It is much better to 'not install' than to 'uninstall.'
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 20, 2008, 12:42:38 PM
Quote
And a firm reminder to ALWAYS do a custom install
That's the main problem. Most average users don't do this, and that's why all those drive-by-install thrive.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 21, 2008, 04:31:57 PM
List modified...
RealPlayer removed
Recuva added.

Don't you think, we should pin this thread?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: drmsucks on September 21, 2008, 05:30:11 PM
Don't you think, we should pin this thread?
Yes - as long as someone maintains it.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 21, 2008, 05:32:21 PM
I can do it, but I don't want to scroll through 15 pages to find this thread.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: drmsucks on September 21, 2008, 05:35:40 PM
I understand that - I only have one vote :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 21, 2008, 05:46:07 PM
It's time to use your double personality, Jack :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: drmsucks on September 21, 2008, 05:53:00 PM
We vote, "Yes."

(http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n469/drmsucks/schizophrenic.jpg)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 21, 2008, 06:02:23 PM
Thank you, Kirk, and Jack :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 22, 2008, 05:32:38 PM
Thanks Calum for pinning it.

Edited: CCleaner, Recuva
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: drmsucks on September 22, 2008, 05:43:16 PM
We're happy :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 22, 2008, 06:56:15 PM
For Kirk, and Jack:

(http://www.swanshotel.com/images/pic_beers.jpg)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: drmsucks on September 22, 2008, 07:23:10 PM
Shtanks :-\

(http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n469/drmsucks/drunksarelovely.jpg)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 22, 2008, 07:25:11 PM
That was quick....LOL
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: drmsucks on September 22, 2008, 07:26:37 PM
Low tolerance :(
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Calum on September 23, 2008, 09:59:32 AM
Thanks Calum for pinning it.
Wow, scary . . . . how'd you know it was me?
Anyway, you're welcome, nice topic.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 23, 2008, 07:15:26 PM
Quote
how'd you know it was me?

(http://orlandonest.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/crystal-ball.jpg)

Seriously, when you're subscribed to some topic, your receive notification about pinning topic, and by whom.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Calum on September 24, 2008, 03:48:55 AM
Oh . . . I totally didn't know that.
I've never subscribed to a topic actually.
Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on September 24, 2008, 04:33:58 PM
:)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Siscorskiy on September 25, 2008, 05:34:20 PM
 I hate it when they do the "Automatic Install" (recommended)

or the "custom install"( in small letters, of course.(NOT RECOMMENDED) :\
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Dead_reckon on September 30, 2008, 07:50:31 PM
I can confirm the Yahoo tool bar in earlier versions of AVG 8, I removed it in favor of AVG 7.5, I don't like the background processes. And, nice analogy with the image DMR, For every piece of software, there's something lurking inside. Oh, the best solution when installing windows live messenger, remove windows live installer after WLM is installed. Or it'll try to update Windows Live software and such, quite bothersome, almost as bad as windows update insisting it MUST install while I'm in the middle of Counter-Strike: Source.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on October 01, 2008, 06:53:01 AM
I have sent a personal e-mail to every Vendor listed stating my displeasure with their marketing schemes...i've yet to recieve 1 reply but the effort is worth it.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 01, 2008, 05:53:40 PM
Wow! You have a lot of patience afterall :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on October 01, 2008, 06:25:52 PM
Well i only typed the letter once and just edited it each time...
The only way this activity will go away is by enough people being proactive about it...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 05, 2008, 08:39:30 PM
List updated.
Infamous iTunes was missing from the list.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 16, 2008, 05:41:36 PM
I just added Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 6 Update 10 to the list. It offers OpenOffice installer, and that option is pre-checked.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 16, 2008, 07:16:01 PM
Oh, it install also Java Quick Starter

To disable JQS, open up the Java Console (inside the Control Panel), go to the Advanced Tab and then uncheck JQS (in the Miscellaneous section.)

(http://discussions.virtualdr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8167&d=1224205435)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 17, 2008, 09:09:29 AM
Another one.
This morning, I received pop-up about Adobe Shockwave Player update, and some Norton PC Checkup comes along, pre-checked.
I still have to investigate, where did that pop-up came from.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on October 17, 2008, 04:49:37 PM
Well i only typed the letter once and just edited it each time...
The only way this activity will go away is by enough people being proactive about it...

Just an update...

No responses as of yet...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 17, 2008, 05:54:47 PM
I'm preparing first round, just in case ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 12, 2008, 05:47:12 PM
Java Runtime Environment entry updated, it adds Microsoft Live Search Toolbar.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 18, 2008, 05:41:58 PM
Here are some more for the list.

Auslogics Registry Defrag - Ask Toolbar
Defraggler - Yahoo Toolbar
SIW (System Information for Windows) - Crawler Toolbar

And now for the most shocking one I have seen in a while..... Download IE 7 with the Google Toolbar. Whats up with that? http://www.google.com/toolbar/ie7/
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 18, 2008, 07:53:53 PM
Thanks, evil.
First three updated.
As for IE, does it happen when you download it from Google site only, or...?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on November 19, 2008, 10:43:56 AM
I have Auslogics ver. 1.4 and did not get an Ask toolbar...
Perhaps this is new ? ?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 20, 2008, 12:38:00 PM
1.4 or 4.1?

I'm not sure on the IE and Google thing. Someone mentioned that on another site so I just passed it along.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 21, 2008, 12:38:03 PM
I found this Google page that might be the answer as to why Google would endorse IE 7. It pays to upgrade your browser (https://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=76137)

Quote
We've added some great new features to Gmail. To check them out, please upgrade your browser to either  Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or  Internet Explorer 7 (with Google Toolbar).
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 24, 2008, 06:34:55 PM
Unlocker 1.8.7 - eBay shortcuts

Changelog for version 1.8.7

.....- Promotional feature: Added fully optional shortcuts to eBay during the installation. Simply untick "eBay shortcuts" in the choose components page during install if you do not wish to have those.

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 24, 2008, 08:19:50 PM
Updated. Thank you.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on November 25, 2008, 02:16:27 AM
Auslogics 1.5...still saw nothing.
Irfanview's Toolbar has an opt out option at the installation window.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 25, 2008, 10:38:00 AM
Auslogics 1.5 is the Disk Defrag.

I installed their Registry Defrag. http://www.auslogics.com/registry-defrag/index.php
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on November 26, 2008, 10:48:18 AM
Duh....i feel reel smart right about now..... ::)

Sorry.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 27, 2008, 03:15:16 PM
FoxIt 3.0 added.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on December 02, 2008, 07:42:46 AM
Process Library is now heavily pushing the Quick Access Toolbar...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on December 02, 2008, 08:09:54 PM
Do you mean the web site?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on December 03, 2008, 09:26:23 AM
Yep...google hits now list that toolbar the first 20 or so links...... >:(
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on December 03, 2008, 05:16:40 PM
I'm not sure, if I quiet understand ??
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on December 03, 2008, 06:08:52 PM
May have been a google bomb...when i googled it yesterday all links were for Quick Access toolbar. First page.
http://www.google.com/search?q=Process+Library&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a (http://www.google.com/search?q=Process+Library&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a)

It's normal now.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on December 03, 2008, 06:13:02 PM
ProcessLibrary/Uniblue have advertising methods that are similar to that of spam/rouge software.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on December 03, 2008, 06:15:58 PM
I understand now :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on December 03, 2008, 06:31:10 PM
I've never trusted/used any UniBlue products for very long at all.
Thanx for the info.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on December 04, 2008, 02:16:14 PM
Comodo Internet Security, Antivirus & Firewall - Ask Toolbar

New McAfee Site Advisor update - Yahoo! default browser search
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on December 04, 2008, 06:48:04 PM
Updated. Thanks :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on January 14, 2009, 11:07:47 AM
Maxathon 2 - Facebook Sidebar Plugin
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 14, 2009, 06:13:40 PM
Updated. Thank you.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Kip on January 15, 2009, 03:23:12 PM
GOM Player - Google Toolbar (checked by default)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 15, 2009, 06:30:34 PM
Updated. Thank you.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: harry 48 on January 17, 2009, 12:26:41 PM
i 'm just going through some threads ( time on my hands ) and i seen yours , i think i have 3 or 4 on your list

would it be ok to post my program list for you to look at
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 17, 2009, 06:26:24 PM
What exactly will I be looking for?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on January 18, 2009, 06:59:33 AM
Good Work Broni and EF...this is now the 3rd hit on a google search of the name ! !
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 18, 2009, 11:46:50 AM
It's 6th on my Google. Why?

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: harry 48 on January 18, 2009, 02:01:28 PM
advanced system 3
iobit version 3.1.0
from iobit.com , i have had this for about 1 year

goggle toolbar for internet explorer , i do not use it , it just appeared and i cannot remove it i tried everything i know

the above 2 are on your list i think
....................................... ....................................... .
should i remove the next 2

windows live installer
    "  "      genuine advantage notification
....................................... ....................................... .
are these ok to keep

microsoft silverlight
pro savage DDR and utilites
ESPRX520 users guide
java ( tm ) 6 update 11
  ""      "       "     "      4
  ""      "       "     "      7
dorling kindersley application database v 1.4
 


Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 18, 2009, 02:04:55 PM
You can uninstall java ( tm ) 6 update 4, and 7
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: harry 48 on January 18, 2009, 02:06:47 PM
thanks broni
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Kip on January 18, 2009, 02:11:24 PM
It's 6th on my Google. Why?

It is 6th place in my search results also.
Maybe Patio is logged into Google and that affects his results.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on January 19, 2009, 08:06:00 AM
It's 6th on my Google. Why?

spelinng ? ?

 ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 19, 2009, 06:31:26 PM
Whose? :D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on January 26, 2009, 04:49:04 PM
Wise Disk Cleaner - Ask Toolbar
Wise Registry Cleaner - Ask Toolbar
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 26, 2009, 05:29:46 PM
Added. Thank you :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on February 04, 2009, 07:20:56 AM
And Coming Soon to a Machine Near You... (http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090203/ap_on_hi_te/apfn_tec_techbit_ask_symantec)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on February 04, 2009, 08:07:27 AM
Dumb move on Symantecs part. The Ask toolbar is detected by multiple malware scanners as adware/malware.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: BC_Programmer on February 04, 2009, 08:09:35 AM
The Ask toolbar is detected by multiple malware scanners as adware/malware.

And rightly so, IMO-

Does anybody actually WANT these toolbars? Do the Ask, Yahoo, etc toolbars even do ANYTHING useful? All I can see is them being used to advertise the site.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on February 04, 2009, 08:21:51 AM
Doesn't matter if they physically do anything. It's another form of advertising and directing traffic to affiliate web sites.

I don't know where the link is now but it was widely rumored that the AVG/Yahoo deal was astronomical. It's big business...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on February 04, 2009, 09:27:26 AM
This is exactly what Norton needed to improve...hehehe
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on February 27, 2009, 09:25:05 PM
BitTorrent 6.1.2 - Ask Toolbar
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on February 27, 2009, 09:36:44 PM
Oh, since when you're into torrents? ;D
Updating....
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on February 27, 2009, 10:04:38 PM
I've used my share. I just take issue with the "if it's there it must be free" attitude. :P
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on March 02, 2009, 09:33:54 AM
RealPlayer - Google Chrome
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on March 02, 2009, 10:59:15 AM
Done. Thanks :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on March 08, 2009, 09:16:54 AM
Climbed to # 3 on Google just behind Calender of Updates...which has been around alot longer since we started this.
Nicely Done !
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on March 08, 2009, 01:57:06 PM
What exact search phrase do you use?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Wefro_froyas on March 08, 2009, 03:38:40 PM
DvD videosoft installer has the ASK toolbar pre checked.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on March 08, 2009, 03:39:42 PM
What is the exact program name?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Wefro_froyas on March 08, 2009, 05:23:56 PM
What is the exact program name?
DvDVideoSoft: Free studio
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on March 08, 2009, 05:32:29 PM
Added. Thank you.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on March 09, 2009, 07:45:06 AM
What exact search phrase do you use?

The thread Title silly.......

 ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on March 09, 2009, 07:58:17 PM
Yay! I'm 3rd on Google, I'm 3rd on Google......LOL
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on April 28, 2009, 02:16:10 PM
BitDefender Anti-Phishing Free Edition - Ask.com search engine. ::)

No opt-in. No opt-out.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?p=1454890
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on April 28, 2009, 06:06:03 PM
That's a real shame. I'm gonna update the info with BitDefender in red then.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on April 28, 2009, 08:39:13 PM
Wow...coming from them...what a friggin dissapointment.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on April 28, 2009, 08:45:19 PM
Yea I was going to blog it when I noticed it released today. Didn't take much poking around to find the bad news. I haven't installed it but from what it sounds like is just a toolbar powered by Ask.com with "phishing protection" built in. Most browsers have that by default now days. It's just adware ::)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on April 28, 2009, 08:56:41 PM
Problem is ...is when the good guys get you to start 2nd guessing....not a good feeling.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Helpmeh on May 14, 2009, 06:01:29 AM
Problem is ...is when the good guys get you to start 2nd guessing....not a good feeling.
And Ask.com is actually linked with smiley central, zwinkies and IMVU.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on May 14, 2009, 05:36:02 PM
This is a sad one...

Foxit Reader - Ask Toolbar

Full details with screenshots. http://www.vitalsecurity.org/2009/05/why-i-flushed-foxit.html
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on May 14, 2009, 06:37:19 PM
It's getting crazy...going to update...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on May 14, 2009, 06:38:38 PM
Oh, it was already there.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on May 14, 2009, 06:41:11 PM
Ha, you were one up on the "experts" LOL.  ;)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on June 08, 2009, 11:53:43 PM
A "Bing" search puts us at #2 ! !

               ;D            ;)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on June 10, 2009, 08:01:16 AM
Has the list been updated on Page 1 of this thread ? ?
I'm installing WinPatrol tonite and someone warned it has an addon as well...
I'll post it later.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on June 10, 2009, 09:08:33 AM
That would be shocking and disappointing. Bill has been very outspoken (http://billpstudios.blogspot.com/2008/01/would-you-like-toolbar-with-your.html) about turning down Ask.coms money. I'm sure it's a rumor.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on June 10, 2009, 12:25:34 PM
The list is always updated whenever anyone posts some new issue.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on June 11, 2009, 11:23:52 AM
GOM Player latest version - Ask Toolbar
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on June 11, 2009, 06:52:32 PM
Updated...
Thanks :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on July 10, 2009, 03:29:24 PM
IsoBuster - Ask.com Toolbar

http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=19031&st=0&#entry97327
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on July 10, 2009, 03:31:05 PM
OMG, IsoBuster too?
Going to update. Thanks :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on July 10, 2009, 03:34:12 PM
The people at Ask.com must have money to burn. No recession for them...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on July 10, 2009, 03:39:23 PM
Pretty soon, it's gonna be hard to find clean program to install ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 09:01:51 AM
I just downloaded a Giveaway for the Day program, SysResources Manager, and it contained rogue AdwarePro.......I also gave them a blast regarding their supposed adware/spyware free download policy.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on July 20, 2009, 04:55:45 PM
Quote
it contained rogue AdwarePro
Before I add it to the list, how did you find out?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 05:23:19 PM
I downloaded the program and it set off my antivirus, so I ran a scan and removed it.

I could probably trigger it again if you need more info....I also noticed it dropped a CWS packet as well.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on July 20, 2009, 05:32:27 PM
Can you upload the installer and post the link to it back here? http://www.filedropper.com/
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 05:47:44 PM
Hope this is the one...

<img src=http://www.filedropper.com/download_button.png width=127 height=145 border=0/> (http://www.filedropper.com/sysresourcesmanager103)
<div style=font-size:9px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;width:127px;font-color:#44a854;> <a href=http://www.filedropper.com > FileDropper Free File Hosting[/url]</div>


or this one


http://www.filedropper.com/sysresourcesmanager103
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on July 20, 2009, 05:58:12 PM
Installed clean on my computer.

Nothing showing here either. http://camas.comodo.com/cgi-bin/submit?file=a81d3085bf800784509d981bdedb7038d148dd9e945f5681a90be045816d4f5a
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 06:01:00 PM
Gee , how did I know that was gonna happen.....I'm going to try trigger it, see if it's my antispyware .
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 06:17:35 PM
Well, it triggered the antispyware again......It's scanning now and when I get the info I'll upload screenshots as before......I'm pretty certain that there's something in that file because when I had to reboot this morning after the scan it took a long time to shut down and reboot.........
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on July 20, 2009, 06:28:16 PM
VirusTotal clean too: http://www.virustotal.com/analisis/a348a9e8d88af636e1c4e62d004f42191d08b196a27cfbb5b7cd9498b9d118ef-1248109803
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on July 20, 2009, 06:30:03 PM
I even unzipped it, scanned with Avast, and MBAM - nothing.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 06:47:07 PM
OK...I'm not freakin nuts.....yet.

Here's my antispyware alerts....

edited
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on July 20, 2009, 06:54:27 PM
Well there's your problem. http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/stopzilla.com
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 07:03:09 PM
Well , that really surprises me evil, .......they've been great to me since day 1 and the support is excellent....usually within minutes ... Guess you never know........
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on July 20, 2009, 07:05:39 PM
WOT doesn't lie.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 07:08:50 PM
And neither do I.........usually........most of the time......... ;)

Sorry to bother you guys....
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on July 20, 2009, 07:15:44 PM
They even have it as a Top Threat. http://www.stopzilla.com/research/home.do

8 - SysGuard
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 20, 2009, 07:33:27 PM
Can you tell me why the website gets a green rating with WOT?...Thats the iS3 website.........makers of Stopzilla.....why are they rated green?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on July 20, 2009, 07:45:46 PM
Well, it triggered the antispyware again......It's scanning now and when I get the info I'll upload screenshots as before......I'm pretty certain that there's something in that file because when I had to reboot this morning after the scan it took a long time to shut down and reboot.........

I installed SysResource manager yesterday, No problems.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on July 21, 2009, 09:53:55 AM
http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/is3.com
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Karnac on July 21, 2009, 12:21:59 PM
http://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/is3.com

Thanks evil.......
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: ThomasTheXPUser on August 01, 2009, 10:39:04 AM
I posted one at CalendarofUpdates, didnt know you had the hall of shame here. OpenCandy is really bad. And Adaware  comes w/ google chrome
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 01, 2009, 10:45:29 AM
I posted one at CalendarofUpdates, didnt know you had the hall of shame here. OpenCandy is really bad. And Adaware  comes w/ google chrome

What do you mean? This adware is installed along with Google Chrome?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: camerongray on August 01, 2009, 11:46:53 AM
I hate installers that add other junk. I have installshield Premier 2009 on my PC and it has an option to install the Yahoo! toolbar with your program. It then says "You will earn money every time the toolbar is used." I don't use that option.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on August 01, 2009, 11:51:33 AM
I have installshield Premier 2009 on my PC and it has an option to install the Yahoo! toolbar with your program.

Where did you download InstallShield from?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: ThomasTheXPUser on August 02, 2009, 10:27:11 AM
Quote

What do you mean? This adware is installed along with Google Chrome?


thanks for replying. An antispyware program called Ad-Aware comes w/ chrome in the installer
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2009, 10:32:36 AM
Hmm...Not when I installed it....

Where did you get the installer? Do you happen to have the link?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on August 02, 2009, 10:40:18 AM
Oh Carbon, you have Chrome?
Good to know ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on August 02, 2009, 10:55:34 AM
I need new Golf Shoes.....


 ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on August 02, 2009, 10:59:32 AM
I'm just getting some transfers from Carbon's account ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on August 02, 2009, 10:01:45 PM
Out of my half dozen computers, only one computer (that no one uses) has chrome. LOL
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Aegis on August 02, 2009, 10:04:56 PM
What's the big deal with Chrome, anyway?  I mean, I know why Broni and Patio are happy about it, but the whole stampede...Google has a browser!  Oh, that's nice...   ::)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on August 02, 2009, 10:36:06 PM
Quote
only one computer
Just one is enough.... (http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs16/f/2007/218/6/7/_foolsmoney__by_CYCLER.gif)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Aegis on August 02, 2009, 10:41:23 PM
It's such a security risk, it doesn't even have to be connected to the Internet...   ::)    :P
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Quantos on August 07, 2009, 05:23:51 PM
What's the big deal with Chrome, anyway?  I mean, I know why Broni and Patio are happy about it, but the whole stampede...Google has a browser!  Oh, that's nice...   ::)

I would rather have Chrome than Crabs...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: camerongray on August 08, 2009, 02:25:10 PM
CPUZ is a great app but the installer tries to install the Ask.com toolbar.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on August 08, 2009, 04:30:57 PM
Can you provide a screenshot?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: BC_Programmer on August 08, 2009, 06:29:06 PM
Can you provide a screenshot?

I don't have a screenshot but I recently installed it as well  and it wanted to install the  Ask Toolbar.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on August 08, 2009, 07:27:51 PM
I'll add it.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Helpmeh on August 11, 2009, 08:18:07 PM
I tunes doesn't force you to have quicktime, I opted-OUT.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: BC_Programmer on August 11, 2009, 09:37:45 PM
I tunes doesn't force you to have quicktime, I opted-OUT.

what about safari? Or the updates?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on August 13, 2009, 09:22:58 PM
I tunes doesn't force you to have quicktime, I opted-OUT.

That's exactly how we judge what software gets listed here. You shouldn't have to opt out of additional "baggage"... ever!

If it's not pre-checked we don't list it.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Kip on August 16, 2009, 03:43:12 PM
"Java Runtime Environment 6 Update 16" is now clean (no extra installers).
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on August 16, 2009, 04:32:57 PM
Must be thanks to us ;D

If next update stays the same way, I'll remove it from the list.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on August 16, 2009, 04:38:51 PM
Huh...they got my e-mail...with a link to this page of course...

               :D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on August 16, 2009, 04:41:21 PM
OK, OK, you deserve a bonus from our Chrome account. It'll be taken from the very next victim ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on August 16, 2009, 04:44:16 PM
Thanx !
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on August 16, 2009, 05:36:25 PM
"Java Runtime Environment 6 Update 16" is now clean (no extra installers).

* Buzzkill!

Not true. It wanted to install Bing/MSN two days ago when I was updating my aunts computer.

The option to install the add ons won't show up every time.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on August 16, 2009, 05:59:21 PM
Here ya go. Sometimes you have to try a few different installers to get it. This is from the Sun Java Online Installer.

(http://imagecows.net/out.php/i11510_java.JPG)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on August 16, 2009, 06:02:03 PM
Sneaky, huh? ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on August 16, 2009, 06:05:37 PM
Yea, I was surprised to see the Yahoo Toolbar. Usually it's MSN.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Kip on August 16, 2009, 07:45:05 PM
I should have mentioned, I used the offline installer from java.sun.com (http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp).

In the offline installer of Java RE 6 Update 15, the Yahoo! Toolbar offered and checked be default.  It seems strange that they would remove it from the offline installer but not the online installer.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on August 16, 2009, 08:02:20 PM
It used to be the Google Toolbar and now it's either MSN/Bing, Yahoo and (I think) Open Office. See here (http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2008/03/sun-java-se-update-5-and-another.html) for another screenshot of mine and scroll down to my comment. It was just happening with the www.java.com installer but now it will happen with all of the installers but not all of the time.

It's also strange that Sun and Microsoft would partner up since Open Office is a threat to the entire line Microsoft Office software.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: smeezekitty on September 01, 2009, 04:12:14 PM
i dont want chrome
infact i dont want nuttin from google except a search
and look even non free downloads (http://www.brothersoft.com/burn-baby-burn-73075.html)
still install crap toolbars
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on September 01, 2009, 05:07:12 PM
I'm going to start removing your posts that don't make sense.

Drop the l33t sp33k, it's annoying. This isn't Yahoo Messenger. Your making us all look bad.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Aegis on September 01, 2009, 05:08:26 PM
Quote
infact i dont want nuttin from google except a search

Try Wolfram Alpha.  You need all the help you can get.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: smeezekitty on September 01, 2009, 05:14:11 PM
i am not trying to speak leet
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on September 01, 2009, 05:15:42 PM
Back on topic please.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on October 14, 2009, 06:05:39 PM
ClamWin - Ask.com (source (http://www.clamwin.com/content/view/214/1/))
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 14, 2009, 08:43:28 PM
Added. Thanks :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on October 23, 2009, 06:24:35 PM
xp-AntiSpy - eBay shortcuts/toolbar

Miro 2.5 - Ask toolbar
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 23, 2009, 10:29:27 PM
Edited. Thank you :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on October 26, 2009, 05:57:37 PM
AnVir Task Manager - Dehalio toolbar

http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/index.php?s=2fecd80a264897fc0e3e474ca2b356c5&showtopic=16109&st=150&#entry92480
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 26, 2009, 08:04:52 PM
Updated.
Thank you :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on October 28, 2009, 02:34:40 PM
Hi there,

my first contribution (YAY...ok, party's over).

I upgraded Google Earth and it installed Google chrome.  Going into advanced download, and found nothing about it, neither in the Terms and conditions. (ie. no opt in or opt out)
Reviewed the list and found that it has google toolbar prechecked.  I didn't have an Wizard installer, just online.

Sad that google went to that level :(

Thanks
Two-Eyes
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 28, 2009, 02:37:53 PM
Are you saying, that Google Earth installed both, Google Chrome AND Google toolbar?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on October 28, 2009, 02:54:48 PM
woops, wasn't clear about that.  Erm, unfortunately i'm not on the same PC, so I can't tell.  But i only know that it installed chrome.  (I think toolbar was already installed on that PC, so it wouldnt have been installed again).  Sorry for the lack of info :(
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on October 28, 2009, 02:56:17 PM
Include Google Chrome, a new web browser for Windows.

This is pre-checked on the download page. http://earth.google.com/intl/en/download-earth.html
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on October 28, 2009, 03:02:44 PM
ohhh, silly me.  I re-checked the website from chrome itself (i rather fancy it).  So of coarse it wasn't there.   :-[I didn't really look at the page when i downloaded it  :-[.  So my bad  :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 28, 2009, 03:08:13 PM
Yes, I just tried.
During installation, it tries to set Google Updater as a startup and it tries to set Google Updater into Task Scheduler.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 28, 2009, 03:10:13 PM
Updated.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on October 29, 2009, 04:17:29 PM
# FormatFactory 2.10 (and higher) - Ebay shortcuts
# FormatFactory 2.15 (and higher) - Ask toolbar
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 29, 2009, 05:08:31 PM
Updated. Thank you :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on October 30, 2009, 09:01:49 AM
IOBit Security 360 - IObit/Conduit toolbar

VSO Image Resizer - Ask Toolbar

PrimoPdf - Paltalk
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 30, 2009, 07:12:29 PM
The issue is getting into epidemic stage :(
Updated.
Thank you :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on October 31, 2009, 09:33:30 AM
We are now 2nd on google page ranks for this Topic...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on October 31, 2009, 10:48:23 AM
:)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 06, 2009, 06:50:11 PM
Thoosje Sidebar - Amazon or eBay Toolbar

IOBit Smart Defrag - Yahoo Toolbar/Search Settings
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 06, 2009, 07:19:42 PM
Thank you :)
Updated.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on November 07, 2009, 07:41:07 AM
IOBit..... ;D    ;D     ;D

Perhaps that was a MBAM prank !
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 11, 2009, 03:02:03 PM
Nero 9 Lite Free - Ask Toolbar

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Dubious-Tactics-Packaged-into-Free-Nero-9-Lite-126360.shtml
http://www.nero.com/eng/downloads-nero9-free.php
http://hosts-file.net/misc/imgNero_com_installer.gif
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 11, 2009, 07:21:36 PM
Updated. Thanks :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on November 12, 2009, 10:38:46 AM
Does this count?

Downloaded the latest version of Windows Live Messenger (not sure of the version).  It had prechecked:
-mail
-photo gallery
-toolbar
-writer
-Silverlight
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: BC_Programmer on November 12, 2009, 10:45:17 AM
you cannot download windows live messenger by itself- you have to now download "Windows Live Essentials" which contains all of those.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 12, 2009, 10:55:22 AM
That's the Windows Live Essentials installer, not Windows Live Messenger.

Quote from: BC_Programmer
you cannot download windows live messenger by itself- you have to now download "Windows Live Essentials" which contains all of those.

It can be done. The Windows Live Messenger download is actually not easy to find through search engines because they have replaced it with the Windows Live Essentials installer.

Un-bundled installer:
http://majorgeeks.com/Windows_Live_Messenger_d4451.html
http://www.filehippo.com/download_msn_messenger/

Essentials is supposed to install all of that and none are pre-checked which disqualifies it from the list.

Quote
Programs you can download include:

    * Messenger
    * Mail
    * Writer
    * Photo Gallery
    * Movie Maker
    * Family Safety
    * Toolbar
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on November 12, 2009, 11:34:34 AM
UPDATE:
I got the Windows Live Essentials installers.  That's why all the stuff was pre-check (it's the whole point).  Sorry for the misunderstanding.

For messenger only:
http://download.live.com/ (http://download.live.com/)
and find messenger link.  (it's verrrrry small ;D).
So I guess you can get it alone.

Thanks and sorry again for the misunderstanding

Two-Eyes %
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 13, 2009, 09:52:03 AM
WeatherBug - Ask Toolbar
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 13, 2009, 05:41:52 PM
Done. Thank you :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 18, 2009, 12:09:23 PM
Hotspot Shield - Hotspot Shield Community Toolbar from Conduit
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 18, 2009, 07:31:26 PM
Thanks. Updated :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 18, 2009, 08:30:59 PM
Found Hotspot Shield today when looking for some new security stuff for my laptop. Besides the toolbar it's an interesting tool. They also have a version for the iPhone.

Ensure you are private, secure, and anonymous online!

    * Hide your IP while you're online.
    * Access all content without censorship; bypass firewalls.
    * Protect yourself from snoopers at Wi-Fi hotspots, hotels, airports, corporate offices and ISP hubs.
    * Works on wireless and wired connections alike.
 
http://hotspotshield.com/
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on November 22, 2009, 06:18:04 PM
Threatfire 4.7.0.9 - Google Toolbar

Image/Link (http://www.calendarofupdates.com/updates/index.php?showtopic=16109&view=findpost&p=94841)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 22, 2009, 06:20:57 PM
Done. Thanks :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: JJ 3000 on December 05, 2009, 03:30:11 AM
I just did a clean install on one of my computers. I downloaded Avast and during setup I was prompted to install Google Chrome.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on December 05, 2009, 11:29:13 AM
Confirmed: http://blog.avast.com/2009/12/03/avast-and-google-chrome/, but was it pre-checked?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on December 05, 2009, 01:09:14 PM
Update the list to state that AVG 9 too tries to install those toolbars.
Thanks Broni
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on December 05, 2009, 01:10:26 PM
Which toolbars?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on December 05, 2009, 01:18:27 PM
You guys need to provide specific details. Better even, take screenshots.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Quantos on December 05, 2009, 03:56:23 PM
Yes, without citation isn't it rather questionable?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on December 06, 2009, 07:17:29 AM
http://en.onsoftware.com/avg-9-not-such-a-nice-antivirus-anymore/ (http://en.onsoftware.com/avg-9-not-such-a-nice-antivirus-anymore/)
Not by me, but it's the same thing
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on December 06, 2009, 08:23:42 AM
Thanks Two-Eyes.

But if you will notice AVG has been on the list with those options since v8.0.

Quote
AVG 8 - AVG Security Toolbar (Yahoo Search bar)

Also as far as Avast is concerned, from what I've seen to date, the Google options are not pre-checked.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on December 06, 2009, 01:00:14 PM
what I meant to say is edit that entry to include 9.0.  That's why I said "too".  Maybe it was the order of the words that didn't make it clear :L.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on December 07, 2009, 11:07:50 AM
hi.

does this count?: I was installing the latest update for window live messenger, and at the end there was this screen.

It had the first two pre-checked, but I unchecked them before I remembered about this list. (as you can see the continue button is clicked.  Since I have a supercomputer [-.-] it took a while to process the click command so i snagged this shot).

They arn't toolbars or extra installs, just setting up the search provider and homepage.  So maybe it doesn't count, but i still put it here.  Thanks.
(http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2155/prechecked.png)

Two-Eyes %
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Kurtiskain on January 10, 2010, 04:29:34 AM
I was sad to see the latest Avast! bundled with Google Chrome :(
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 10, 2010, 09:56:34 AM
Pre-checked?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Kurtiskain on January 10, 2010, 11:21:40 PM
Pre-checked?

I believe it was...let me uninstall/reinstall heheh...

EDIT:

Niether yes or no is checked, meaning the user has to be not so vigilant, and choose one before being allowed to continue.

(http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/bto/20091204/avast_chrome.png)

So guess it doesn't really belong on the list, it still caught me by surprise though.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Two-eyes on January 13, 2010, 02:12:18 PM
When I tried to install Adobe Reader 9.3, I had Google Toolbar pre-checked, but no eBay Desktop.
http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/ (http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on January 15, 2010, 04:51:34 PM
AnVir Task Manager needs updated.

AnVir Task Manager - Registry Cleaner Pro
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Helpmeh on January 15, 2010, 05:00:55 PM
Two-eyes, it should count because it will prevent you from changing the search without going through some stupid process, etc.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 15, 2010, 05:33:03 PM
Quote
AnVir Task Manager - Registry Cleaner Pro
Done :)
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on January 16, 2010, 01:10:56 PM
GameVance - Ask Toolbar/The Weather Channel Desktop
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on January 16, 2010, 05:39:43 PM
Done...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: jaydeee on February 03, 2010, 04:45:50 AM
pirate bay tool bar LOL!
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on February 18, 2010, 04:42:55 PM
PDF X-Change PDF Viewer - Tracker/ASK Toolbar
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on February 18, 2010, 06:36:56 PM
Thanks, however "Edit" function has been taken away, so I won't be able to update my list anymore :(
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on February 18, 2010, 06:38:48 PM
I keep a mirror here: http://www.smartestcomputing.us.com/index.php?showtopic=37674, which is kept up to date.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Eric1611 on March 13, 2010, 01:07:31 PM
YES !!!
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on March 13, 2010, 06:15:54 PM
Yes...what ? ?
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on March 13, 2010, 09:09:56 PM
Yes sir  ;D
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Quantos on March 18, 2010, 04:55:35 AM
At ease men. 
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: majormarine on November 03, 2010, 03:03:10 PM
Need to drive by shoot drive by installers. Eventually you will knock enough off that they will quit.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Helpmeh on November 04, 2010, 07:51:18 PM
Has safari been added to iTunes? My mom has gotten Safari at least 3 times (after uninstalling of course), because of iTunes demanding she updates its software.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: BC_Programmer on November 04, 2010, 08:23:29 PM
Has safari been added to iTunes? My mom has gotten Safari at least 3 times (after uninstalling of course), because of iTunes demanding she updates its software.

No, it hasn't. the apple updater tries to install it anyway though. (I think if you have safari and not itunes it will do the opposite).

Actually, I recall a blog post about this, but damned if I remember who wrote it...

it might have been this one (http://john.jubjubs.net/2008/03/21/apple-software-update/) although the font is more awful then I remember. Same idea in the text, though.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on November 05, 2010, 05:36:34 AM
In the latest FireFox update there is also an Adobe Flash update installer....if the instructions from Mozilla are followed your Flash is indeed updated....and lo and behold MacAffee is installed...

I saw no opt out option.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 05, 2010, 09:34:16 AM
It pissed me off too...
Download the Latest Adobe Flash for Firefox and IE Without Any Extras: http://www.404techsupport.com/2010/04/27/download-the-latest-adobe-flash-for-firefox-and-ie-without-any-extras/
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on November 05, 2010, 09:38:13 AM
I've made my displeasure known over at Mozilla....them of all people.     >:(
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Broni on November 05, 2010, 10:20:06 AM
I don't think, it's actually Mozilla fault.
When you go to Adobe Flash page and try to upgrade Flash from there, it'll force you to do the download through their download manager (no option to go around) and then, when you start installing Flash, there is pre-checked option to install McAfee Security Scan.
Morons!!
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: patio on November 05, 2010, 10:25:23 AM
The step by step guide for the Flash updates are Mozilla webpages...
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: BC_Programmer on November 05, 2010, 04:07:10 PM
The step by step guide for the Flash updates are Mozilla webpages...

The Mcaffee Opt-Out page is not. That is on Adobe.


there's also this (http://blog.mozilla.com/webdev/2010/06/25/flash-updates-in-firefox/)...

Quote
   4. Follow the on-screen prompts until you reach our goal: a browser running an up-to-date version of Flash

Adobe and Mozilla both need to make this process easier for users. In summary, this is how it went:

    * Windows: 9 steps, 2 unnecessary software downloads from Adobe
    * Mac: 15 steps
    * Linux: 6 steps, high likelihood of failure or conflict with package manager

Safe to say that there are many ways we can improve this process:

    * Show specific warnings about which plugins are out of date
    * Don’t have an intermediate step on the plugin checker
    * Do not have the McAfee opt-out on the Flash download page
    * Do not force people to download the XPI (Firefox could use an external installer + hash check like it does with PFS)
    * Eliminate any steps you can — get it down to a one-click experience if possible

Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Kurtiskain on November 15, 2010, 01:29:01 PM
A while ago I posted saying Avast! anti-virus has bundled Google chrome, yet the check boxes were not pre-ticked, I am saddened to say that I have done some fresh installs on some new clients machines and now not only is the "Install Google Chrome" box ticked but also "Make Google Chrome my default browser" is also ticked.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: cintari on February 16, 2011, 11:11:40 AM
HP Advisor Dock - Changes your search engine to yahoo on startup.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: experimentaltech on February 17, 2011, 08:46:14 AM
The Internet Explorer 4 installer is the worst. It took over Windows 95 and NT4 systems and made them very slow by replacing stable system files with slower and unstable ones, even if you don't choose the enhanced desktop. I have a old 95 system (really old now, don't use it much) and it is really slow with IE4 junk.
(http://toastytech.com/evil/iedesktopsm.png)
Above: This is what happens to the desktop (not my screenshot). It becomes from a clean desktop (http://bit.ly/hjfFkL (http://bit.ly/hjfFkL)) to a very cluttered one invaded by Internet Explorer

I found one very interesting website at http://toastytech.com/evil/ieisevilstory.html (http://toastytech.com/evil/ieisevilstory.html) explaining more detail about this
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: BC_Programmer on February 17, 2011, 09:10:33 AM
^Nonsense.^

*that is only what you get if you check off EVERYTHING in the installer. Otherwise Active Desktop will not be enabled. In fact, come to think of it, I don't think I got any checkboxes at all the check off. the only result was that I had an IE icon on the desktop. The horror! That looks more like an OEM customized version of Windows 95 OSR2.

I have an "old" Windows 98 System and it didn't run slow with IE4 junk, it doesn't run slow with "IE5 junk" either. Well, not slower then I would expect, it being 133Mhz and all. It didn't run noticably faster without either, anyway.

One cure-all solution in the windows 95 case is to simply not install IE of you don't want such "annoyances" as the quick-launch bar, sane Explorer windows, or a desktop that let's you have a background that isn't simply centered or tiled but also allows for stretch. (I think it allows you to use JPG and GIF as wallpaper; by default you can only use BMP and RLE.)

The site you linked, I've seen it before. Some idiot trying to live in the past. You can tell because the page itself is designed using barebones HTML. Additionally he seems to enjoy weaving conspiracy theories:

Quote
Microsoft began bundling or requiring Internet Explorer as a non-optional component of their software products. They even "convinced" many other software vendors to bundle Internet Explorer as well.
It was "non-optional" because the rendering engine was starting to be used more prevalently. Also, many features (such as the Rebar control, ListView, and Treeview controls) used functionality from IE (well, actually, no... what they did was the Common controls were part of IE4 but they were not redistributable; so vendors who used the controls had to check to see if IE4 was installed. his implication that Microsoft strong-armed vendors into doing this is nonsense, since they could have simply written their own controls and not installed IE4, but apparently they found it easier to do it that way. Their choice- not Microsoft's.


Quote
And as if forcing IE on all Windows users wasn't bad enough, Microsoft forced Apple to bundle IE for Mac as their default browser instead of Netscape. If Apple refused, Microsoft would discontinue MS-Office for Mac.
That is simply dead-wrong. Microsoft didn't force apple to do squat. In fact, If Microsoft had offered that ultimatum, Apple would have gladly declined, since one of the competitors to Office for the Mac was Appleworks as well as a few other Apple supported applications. Office for the mac was hardly the only choice people had- in fact it was not even a very popular one at the time. The two companies entered into a partnership. What reasons would apple have to choose the lesser of the two browsers (netscape)? It had already suffered several years up through 1997.



Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: experimentaltech on February 17, 2011, 10:22:02 PM
Many pages on the site are lies from what I seen (he said MS will take over the world but nobody can), but I should have looked at different web pages also. He should invest in a mac computer if he hates IE so much.

Anyway, the IE4 installer is still invasive. On 98 it includes IE4 with sidebar and enhanced explorer.

Also, the old 95 system I have would have been slow anyways, but IE4 makes it slower.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: immental1200 on June 07, 2011, 02:25:42 PM
^Nonsense.^

*that is only what you get if you check off EVERYTHING in the installer. Otherwise Active Desktop will not be enabled. In fact, come to think of it, I don't think I got any checkboxes at all the check off. the only result was that I had an IE icon on the desktop. The horror! That looks more like an OEM customized version of Windows 95 OSR2. quote]

That is an OEM customized version of Windows 95, but as he said - It isn't his computer. I have a 95 system, I tried ths out and the same thing occured, you DO get the active desktop enabled. It was a custom built 95 system and NOT a OEM install.

Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: BC_Programmer on June 07, 2011, 03:39:12 PM
you DO get the active desktop enabled. It was a custom built 95 system and NOT a OEM install.

Before IE4 install:

(http://bc-programming.com/images/beforeIE4.png)

After IE4:

(http://bc-programming.com/images/afterIE4.png)

OMG! it replaced the Internet Icon with a Internet Explorer ICON! IT'S SO INVASIVE! MICROSOFT IS EVIL! Now, to be absolutely fair, it did have that channel bar (which I don't remember it having last time, perhaps I merely misremembered). But it's not like pressing the X on that was difficult. "Do you want the channel bar to start up again on next boot" "No" problem solved.

Also, no Active Desktop; HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\ {AEB6717E-7E19-11d0-97EE-00C04FD91972}\InProcserver32  was still set to URL.DLL.

As for the IE4 installer being invasive: from that experience, where all it did was install IE4, I'm not seeing where that comes from. Clearly the installer I got doesn't include the Desktop Update; the ones that do, it's optional.

Which is still funny. People are constantly complaining, and were even then, that Microsoft is "forcing" people to upgrade their version of windows. And yet, then they release a desktop update for windows 95 to make it's shell more like windows 98 (translation: Not a P.O.S) and all people can do is complain and weave conspiracy theories. Did it take more resources? Of course it did; you were basically transmuting Windows 95 into Windows 98, just like the NT 3.51 Desktop update took more resources than using program manager. Windows XP Luna themes took more processing and graphics power than Windows 98 or 2000's, and Windows Vista and 7's Aero glass take even more. The only people that make a big deal out of this are chicken littles who insist the sky is falling because they can run the latest version of IE or Windows on their 486, or that installing the desktop update to a windows 95 computer makes it slower, as if that isn't to be expected for the features and abilities you get (like the aforementioned ability to actually use some sort of non-crap bitmap compression for your wallpapers). What makes it even better in this instance is all their "problems" could be averted by merely unchecking the box. Or not checking it to begin with (although presumably it defaults to checked). And, it can be uninstalled, so even if somebody claiming to be a careful PC user manages to install it by accident they could simply remove it.






Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Veltas on January 08, 2012, 07:33:01 AM
that channel bar

Ah, I remember that.  I didn't like it because it didn't really fit in with the rest of the interface so I removed it.  The closest thing MS has done since then was the Desktop Bar or whatever it was called that came with Vista.  I removed that too.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: Google on November 20, 2013, 07:45:58 AM
Is there any point in even updating this list? Lately I haven't seen a single installer without some kind of toolbar or extra software that they try trick you into installing.

It's ridiculous how crafty they are allowed to be. Recently I was installing something and I chose "Express Install" rather than custom because I was in a hurry - and the *censored* thing installed a toolbar into my browser. Apparently you have to choose "Custom" in order to deselect the stupid add-ons that come with the software.

I know way too many people who fall victim to these and have no clue how or why.
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: anthonyb5615 on January 10, 2014, 09:07:48 PM
Very nice, Broni :)

And a firm reminder to ALWAYS do a custom install, if possible. It is much better to 'not install' than to 'uninstall.'

I just leaned this after installing and uninstalling unnecessary crap over 10 times. Good Tip!!!
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: evilfantasy on January 10, 2014, 09:56:55 PM
>>> Unchecky helps you avoid installing adware (http://evilspages.blogspot.com/2014/01/unchecky-helps-you-avoid-installing.html) <<<
Title: Re: Installers Hall of Shame
Post by: simplyTechy100 on March 07, 2014, 11:18:58 PM
Pivot also gets you to install some stuff.