CCleaner and installing avast with out permission...

CraigB · 2018-06-25T10:42:07.000Z

Atreius post:123:

Hello,
thanks for your reply, but I regret to inform you there was no such option.

Not only that, but to be sure I didn’t overlook it, I actually went through the installers two more times just to be 100% sure.

I just downloaded a fresh copy from Piriform to test, the pic below is what I see as the first screen that opens after running the exe file, clearly displayed is a preticked Avast install option.

DavidR · 2018-06-25T18:26:08.000Z

CraigB post:124:

Atreius post:123:

Hello,
thanks for your reply, but I regret to inform you there was no such option.

Not only that, but to be sure I didn’t overlook it, I actually went through the installers two more times just to be 100% sure.

I just downloaded a fresh copy from Piriform to test, the pic below is what I see as the first screen that opens after running the exe file, clearly displayed is a preticked Avast install option.

Whilst it may well be there, there really is no way that option should be pre-checked by default, not for what is such a major program, not some little function. When you consider the size of CCleaner (approx 16MB), Vs avast at aprox 256MB for the off-line installation.

Now I know that they aren’t downloading the off-line installation file, but it is even worse when compared against the installed size of avast.

Even more, something as critical as an AV being installed, shouldn’t be an opt-in option. You are effectively installing Avast when there would be another AV present, even if this was windows defender.

CraigB · 2018-06-25T18:38:08.000Z

David, I completely agree (was just pointing out that the option is there) that Avast shouldn’t be prechecked or even included to be honest, same with the Chrome option that occasionally gets offered as well.

These included and prechecked programs are why I no longer recommened Avast or CCleaner for friends and family, there has just been too many instances of unwanted additions being installed via missed check boxes or deceptive advertising that I end up having to rectify.

DavidR · 2018-06-25T19:55:35.000Z

I know you were pointing that out, it is just infuriating that this practice is still going on, given that we had some input from an Avast team member previously about this very thing.

I got the impression that it may well be offered, but would have to be opt-in, given installing a security application is no light matter.

Pondus · 2018-06-26T15:23:59.000Z

After avast was registered on the stock exchange it is all about revenue and they now use evry legal trick in the book, annoying or not
They have the world’s largest user base but most of it is the free version so shareholders want a larger pice of the cake that the big ones have, Symantec / McAfee / Trend Micro … it is all about $ now

system · 2018-06-26T17:11:02.000Z

I only logged in today for the first time because of the shameful behaviour of CCleaner installer. I downloaded today the newest version of CCleaner because I had a very old one, and silently was installed Avast antivirus as well. I’m always careful installing free programs casue I know that frequently there is a bundle with other programs such as browsers or antivirus or other security programs and so on. But no window or checkbox appeared during installation warning me of the possibility to install Avast antivirus. My system is protected by another security solution and I don’t want a second antivirus program on my computer nor a sneaky one, moreover. I’m really pissed off and I will not recommend CCleaner or Avast to anyone.

CraigB · 2018-06-26T18:43:52.000Z

To add further insult the latest update 5.44.6575 version release will display popup ad’s just about every time you open the UI >:(

system · 2018-07-03T18:13:49.000Z

This just happened to me. It’s incredibly maddening, esp after the data breach a while back, WTF is going on at CCCleaner???

system · 2018-07-27T03:00:44.000Z

Feeling nostalgic - decided to install CCleaner. Extremely pissed off and disappointed at avast malware being bundled and silently installed. This is so shitty and insulting that I won’t buy your products again.

bob3160 · 2018-08-02T12:44:58.000Z

grumpycop post:132:

Feeling nostalgic - decided to install CCleaner. Extremely pissed off and disappointed at avast malware being bundled and silently installed. This is so shitty and insulting that I won’t buy your products again.

This has been reported to Avast via a lot of channels and the next version should address all of these concerns.
We’ll see once it’s released. (No date for that release has been given.)

system · 2018-08-21T05:50:29.000Z

Really wtf… Just created an account for this… I have also been scammed. I as many others here was careful and read the boxes… So either way it wasn’t there or was very well hidden… How the fuck is such a thing even legal…

How sad that such big companies who were respected in the past like avast and CCleaner fell so low…

PS. I’m trying to post this and I need to verificate but the fucking image is an unreadable mess… I keep refreshing but nothing better wtf…

Asyn · 2018-08-21T05:58:29.000Z

Nick281 post:134:

PS. I’m trying to post this and I need to verificate…

Captcha is only needed for your first 3 posts. (Spam protection)

system · 2018-08-21T13:42:11.000Z

Yeah I understand that and respect that but use a readable verification program… I had to refresh about 20 times to get something readable.

system · 2018-09-19T04:32:49.000Z

Posting here since this is the first relevant thread on google.

Just a heads up, avast is still being silently installed (no checkbox) with CCleaner. Pretty unethical practice from all parties here. Sad.

system · 2018-09-19T05:47:10.000Z

Jup although they keep claiming it isn’t true… That we just didn’t see it. I think the problem is the screen loads to slow so you press next without seeing the avast screen …

CCleaner and avast are both bullshit in my eyes now

system · 2018-09-20T13:45:31.000Z

I came here just to protest about Avast being installed surreptitiously with CCleaner which I’ve been using and updating for years. Quite surprised when Windows told me my antivirus was being interfered with.

So yeah, one year on and it’s still happening >:(

system · 2018-09-24T14:07:31.000Z

Just to add my penny worth. I have just removed ‘Avast free’ for the nth time and I had updated CCCleaner the day before. I have never before noticed any warning that Avast was bundled with the program. I will continue to use CCleaner but not update to the new versions. I have a notion that programs that need updating every few weeks are just seeking another opportunity to download yet another unwanted bundled program and collect the fee. I find it hard to believe that a simple cleaning program needs such frequent updating. I have a simple CD burning program that offers an update every few weeks - you would think it must be the most intensively developed software for this application in the history of the universe. Or perhaps it’s an opportunity to download another PUP.

I agree with an early comment that this is irresponsible because it compromises computer security - many AV programs interfere with each other. Both CCCleaner and Avast are to blame and should suffer the damage to their reputation they richly deserve.

mchain · 2018-09-24T21:00:10.000Z

Gavin Bullock post:140:

Just to add my penny worth. I have just removed ‘Avast free’ for the nth time and I had updated CCCleaner the day before. I have never before noticed any warning that Avast was bundled with the program. I will continue to use CCleaner but not update to the new versions. I have a notion that programs that need updating every few weeks are just seeking another opportunity to download yet another unwanted bundled program and collect the fee. I find it hard to believe that a simple cleaning program needs such frequent updating. I have a simple CD burning program that offers an update every few weeks - you would think it must be the most intensively developed software for this application in the history of the universe. Or perhaps it’s an opportunity to download another PUP.

I agree with an early comment that this is irresponsible because it compromises computer security - many AV programs interfere with each other. Both CCCleaner and Avast are to blame and should suffer the damage to their reputation they richly deserve.

Yep, true but it is possible to block auto-install. Problem really originates from default opt-out checkboxes. All such boxes should be opt-in only as you say.

You should try this application: https://unchecky.com/

I’ve not had issues like the ones you and others are describing since install.

Happychappy · 2018-09-24T23:25:33.000Z

Chrome was installed for me with no option to uncheck.

I also have unchecky running !

very sneaky tactics

DavidR · 2018-09-24T23:33:14.000Z

Happychappy post:142:

Chrome was installed for me with no option to uncheck.

I also have unchecky running !

very sneaky tactics

This topic is completely different there are however topics going back a very long time about people ending up with Chrome installer.

I have never had Chrome installed on this or any of my other systems.

Always do a Custom install and ensure you uncheck any options that you don’t need/want and always read what is on the various screens that are presented.

Just one point, are you talking about Google Chrome, rather than the Avast Secure Browser which is based on Chrome ?

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