When I booted up my computer this morning I was SHOCKED to see that Google Chrome was installed on my computer WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. It also made itself my default browser…again WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. Through an internet search, I found that Avast is the culprit. I’ve used Avast (free version) for over 4 years and it automatically updates itself. At no time would I EVER have agreed to have Chrome installed with the option ticked to install Chrome. I am very particular about what I put on my computer and am extremely upset that Avast would do such a thing. It’s especially distressing since I’ve depended on Avast to protect me from unwanted computer invasions, and here it has installed a HUGE program on my computer without ANY AUTHORIZATION from me, and adding to the offense, removed MY CHOICE of Firefox as my default browser (which I’ve since remedied). I had recommended Avast to many people who have thanked me because they were so pleased with its performance. Some were so pleased they went on to purchase the enhanced, paid version. I will now be notifying these people about what Avast has done to my computer and let them decide for themselves whether they want to relinquish control of their computer to Avast. I DO NOT. I am heartsick over what I consider a betrayal of my trust.
this is a bug which occurs on some systems.
to help identify the problem, please provide ur system specs and whatever Avast developers request.
If I remember correctly, the last time I updated the program I was asked whether or not I wanted to install Chrome and make it my default browser. I had to check or uncheck a box or two. I didn’t want Chrome as I am happy with Firefox. I get updates automatically but I have to do program updates manually–not sure why but it’s not a problem for me.
yupps, its correct that google chrome is opt out thing in the installer. but it is clearly displayed in the installer. if it is nowhere to be found, it is a bug.
I agree with all bumper7 said about how good Avast is, and I too have been recommending it to everyone. But installing Chrome without specific permission is iniquitous, especially as uninstalling Chrome caused me problems with links not working in Outlook emails and Word documents - apparently that’s common, and Microsoft now have a fix for it.
- +1
- It was a bug in the first version 7 and has been fixed meanwhile.
I am having this problem too, using avast free currently. If I select “CUSTOM” install and untick what I don’t want, it still installs Chrome. There is no option to even select regarding whether chrome is installed or not, it just does it anyway. Sadly however on the pc i’m working on, it fails to install it, and thus the av program does not work. Not an ideal situation by any stretch of the imagination.
If anyone can point me in the direction of an older version of avast free without this chrome issue it would be much appreciated.
I’ve given up on Avast 7, as it kept blocking my Hotmail emails from coming in to Outlook. I’ve uninstalled it and reinstalled version 6 - no further problems. Version 6 is available at http://www.oldapps.com/avast_antivirus.php?old_avast=6918. You still have to uncheck a box that says you want Chrome.
I just updated the program, it asked that I reboot so it could complete installation which I did, then it showed a message asking me if I wanted to install google chrome with a checkbox. Before I could decide one way or the other the popup closed and complete installation and installed Google Chrome. There is no explicit acceptance of installing Google Chrome, this is clearly unacceptable guys. Very unlike Avast too, have been very happy with the product up until now.
please report ur system specs (eg windows 7 sp1 32bit)
provide a screenshot of the installer not working as intended if possible too.
this is because the ‘forced install of google chrome bug’ should have been solved with the latest installer.
Okay, this topic has been on my mind a fair bit in the past few days and this new thread gives me a chance to ask a question.
The “bug” that I have read a few times about was “definitely” fixed? Or “maybe” fixed? Has to be one or the other, right?
Next question is whether Avast will place any empty Google files onto a computer?
I ask that last question because last night I found a Google file on my computer and I cannot understand how it got there. This is the Epson which I upgraded a few days ago, not the Dell I have been working with to fix and have been discussing in another troubleshooting thread. The Epson upgraded just fine, but I most definitely unchecked the box for Google Chrome. But I still found a Google folder with lots of sub-folders and the “empty” install folder has a very recent date. Almost about when the upgrade was done, but I need to find a log that indicates exactly what time I did the upgrade.
So the question again is whether any Google files get put on the computer by Avast, empty or not, even when one unchecks (opts out) the Google Chrome during upgrade? Or new install?
Thank you.
- Yes.
- No.
I know it’s complicated but seems the pathway is described here:
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=81104.msg775764#msg775764
in response to AntiVirusASeT:
"please report ur system specs (eg windows 7 sp1 32bit)
provide a screenshot of the installer not working as intended if possible too.
this is because the ‘forced install of google chrome bug’ should have been solved with the latest installer."
Windows Vista home basic sp2 32 bit
Sorry no screenshot, but upgraded to Avast 7 yesterday.
Avast, be off with you, and take your pushy sneaky Chrome backdoor insertion with you. Shame.
Hide your email unless you want a lot of spam. Changing your screen name might help also. 
First time I’ve posted on a message board but im so incensed by this borderline illegal level of either incompetence or corporate slyness I felt I had to! This isn’t a “bug” so all you hardened AVAST supporters can save your breath. At no time was I able to opt out of the Chrome install! (on several different installs) If this had been IE slipped streamed there would have been a global meltdown! Small apps like CCleaner, Defraggler etc give you a clear warning and option to opt out! How hard can this be! I’ve recommended AVAST to many home users and my company has installed corporate editions across the UK. Many of them are due for renewal, it won’t be AVAST! Ill be recommending AVG free for home users and ESET for business. Anti Virus software is designed to avoid this kind of behaviour not perpetuate it! How dare you install and application on a machine without the users permission! I hope the rewards you recoup from Chrome outway the damage you have done to your reputation!
Signed
Ex AVAST user
Off you go then,bye .
All I can say is I have installed avast!7 on too many machines to count and I have no problem seeing the install options.
Same here.