Avast installed with Ccleaner, but can't find out where it came from.

system · 2017-11-12T16:28:40.000Z

Hello,
I noticed today I had an icon on my desktop for Avast. Confused I retraced my steps and noticed Ccleaner was installed last. I realized the installer I had also had Avast as an option which I must of missed first time round.

The thing is I have no idea where this installer came from, I’ve tried all the download links on google first page and none of them have this same installer. It’s really confusing. The normal installer is ccsetup536.exe and is the same linked from piriform and all the other download links on first page. The one I used is cc_setup536.exe and has this avast installer attached.

I’ve tried to find out where it was downloaded but I have no web history. I’ve run virus scans and nothing is flagging.

I’m very sure I downloaded directly from piriform and I can’t understand why the file is so impossible to find now.

I’ve uploaded a copy of the file here: https://ufile.io/8fcpo

Can you please check the file and let me know of any threat and also where it came from, it has the Piriform digital signature, confusing.

Pondus · 2017-11-12T17:01:21.000Z

Avast welcomes Piriform, creator of CCleaner, to its team.
https://blog.avast.com/welcome-piriform-to-avast

when you installed CCleaner, did you just click next, next, next …
or was there a option to install avast that you needed to uncheck?

It has not had this before but maybe somthing has changed?

bob3160 · 2017-11-12T17:06:15.000Z

Since Piriform is now part of the Avast family, I’ve submitted your
question directly to Piriform on another channel. Hopefully they’ll answer directly in this thread.
If not, I’ll pass along any information they may relay.

Alikhan · 2017-11-12T17:11:08.000Z

During CCleaner installation, there’s an option to install Avast which if I remember correctly is opt-out by default. You must have clicked next and not unchecked it.

system · 2017-11-12T17:12:31.000Z

Pondus post:2:

Avast welcomes Piriform, creator of CCleaner, to its team.
https://blog.avast.com/welcome-piriform-to-avast

when you installed CCleaner, did you just click next, next, next …
or was there a option to install avast that you needed to uncheck?

It has not had this before but maybe somthing has changed?

Actually it was late and I was unfocused. I did actually perform a custom install to make sure I missed any nasties, however this version of the installer had avast attached to the bottom of the main GUI.

My post isn’t as to how the installer attached avast, I appreciate that I agreed to install it by missing the check box.

This post is to find out where the installer came from, and if the installer and/or the avast alongside it have in any way compromised my system.

The installer seems “legit” but the odd file name and the fact I can’t find it anywhere else online is concerning.

Interestingly the digital certificate of the installer I have is newer than the file downloadable right now at piriform.

system · 2017-11-12T17:13:35.000Z

Alikhan post:4:

During CCleaner installation, there’s an option to install Avast which if I remember correctly is opt-out by default. You must have clicked next and not unchecked it.

Please read my post, I can’t find any installer with the Avast option anywhere online right now. However I have a different named installer that I am sure I got from piriform that does attach avast.

Pondus · 2017-11-12T17:14:25.000Z

Alikhan post:4:

During CCleaner installation, there’s an option to install Avast which if I remember correctly is opt-out by default. You must have clicked next and not unchecked it.

Fantastic … so next CCleaner is going to be full pop up ads also >:(

system · 2017-11-12T17:15:39.000Z

Pondus post:7:

Alikhan post:4:

During CCleaner installation, there’s an option to install Avast which if I remember correctly is opt-out by default. You must have clicked next and not unchecked it.

Fantastic … so next CCleaner is going to be full pop ups ads also >:(

This is incorrect information in my research. The normal installer via piriform, filehippo and all the crappy download sites does not have an option to install avast.

For some reason the copy I have (which I’m sure I did get from piriform about 14 hours ago) does have avast attached. I can’t find the same installer now though.

Pondus · 2017-11-12T17:17:36.000Z

For some reason the copy I have (which I'm sure I did get from piriform about 14 hours ago) does have avast attached. I can't find the same installer now though.

Maybe they are testing it out on some installers ?

system · 2017-11-12T17:19:06.000Z

Pondus post:9:

For some reason the copy I have (which I'm sure I did get from piriform about 14 hours ago) does have avast attached. I can't find the same installer now though.
Maybe they are testing it out on some installers ?

Maybe, but strange that I randomly get this “New installer” but it’s impossible now to find the same installer.

My bigger concern is if I have some dodgy installer that’s compromised my system. Hoping someone could check out the file I uploaded.

Alikhan · 2017-11-12T17:20:23.000Z

I believe there is certain criteria for the Avast offer to show like if there is no AV currently installed on the system/paid AV expired etc.

bob3160 · 2017-11-12T17:26:00.000Z

Instead of guessing, have a little patience and wait for a reply
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=210776.msg1430575#msg1430575

Pondus · 2017-11-12T17:28:40.000Z

My bigger concern is if I have some dodgy installer that's compromised my system. Hoping someone could check out the file I uploaded.

You can always upload and check suspicious file(s) here www.virustotal.com If scanned before (see scan time date) you can rescan by clicking the blue button at top right

system · 2017-11-12T17:35:29.000Z

Alikhan post:11:

I believe there is certain criteria for the Avast offer to show like if there is no AV currently installed on the system/paid AV expired etc.

Certainly possible, but doesn’t explain the different installers.

The one on piriform as of 5mins ago: ccsetup536.exe (10,183 KB)
The one I have (which I think I got from piriform yesterday): cc_setup536 (10,546 KB)

bob3160 · 2017-11-13T12:12:59.000Z

Jext post:14:

Alikhan post:11:

I believe there is certain criteria for the Avast offer to show like if there is no AV currently installed on the system/paid AV expired etc.

Certainly possible, but doesn’t explain the different installers.

The one on piriform as of 5mins ago: ccsetup536.exe (10,183 KB)
The one I have (which I think I got from piriform yesterday): cc_setup536 (10,546 KB)

You can check the validity of your download at: https://forum.piriform.com/topic/49067-ccleaner-v536/?do=findComment&comment=287835
I’ve already addressed your concerns that this doesn’t shoe your question about a cc_setup536 file nor the install of Avast.
Once I know, you’ll know.

bob3160 · 2017-11-13T14:32:39.000Z

bob3160 post:15:

Jext post:14:

Alikhan post:11:

I believe there is certain criteria for the Avast offer to show like if there is no AV currently installed on the system/paid AV expired etc.

Certainly possible, but doesn’t explain the different installers.

The one on piriform as of 5mins ago: ccsetup536.exe (10,183 KB)
The one I have (which I think I got from piriform yesterday): cc_setup536 (10,546 KB)

You can check the validity of your download at: https://forum.piriform.com/topic/49067-ccleaner-v536/?do=findComment&comment=287835
I’ve already addressed your concerns that this doesn’t shoe your question about a cc_setup536 file nor the install of Avast.
Once I know, you’ll know.

The comment comes from the Desktop Project Manager of Ccleaner:
“The user has been included in a test group where Avast Antivirus is offered during the installation. If they wish to verify the installer hash for authenticity they should refer to this list: https://forum.piriform.com/topic/49067-ccleaner-v536/?do=findComment&comment=287835”

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