Google data in registry after install avast 5?

Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security
1

Hello, after installing avast 5(selected without install Google Chrome), i found there are some registry keys:


>reg query HKLM\Software\Google /s

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\No Chrome Offer Until
    ALWIL Software    REG_DWORD    0x132b6cf

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Update

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Update\Clients

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Update\Clients\{8A69D345-D564-463c-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}
  1. What is the usage of these key?
  2. Is it safe to remove HKLM\Software\Google?
  3. Is there avast5 installation package without Google Chrome in it?
2

Hi wai,

Welcome to the avast forum,

It’s look like normal folder from google, which stated that you are using google chrome solutions at your system.

If possible to know better, you may post hijackthis log in here.

Cheers,

3

Hi, actually i didn’t choose to install Chrome when installing avast5. And these keys are added after i updated my avast 4.8 to version 5, for both my desktop and netbook. Both PCs haven’t ever used Google-related products…

4

The first reg entry I would suggest is in relation to your saying no to Chrome on the install, so that you don’t get offered it again.

The others I have no idea why they are there, I have them too, but I don’t use any google products/clients. However, I have customised my google search settings. I also tried google Chrome a couple of times previously, but uninstalled it.

I also have HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\NavClient which is effectively empty (name=Default, Type=REG_SZ Data=(value not set).

5

if there is build or parameter to get rid of Google stuff, it will be the best solution? :-\

6
  1. the meaning of the keys is as DavidR suggested.
  2. no, there’s no installation of avast 5 without the Google Chrome installer.

Thanks
Vlk

7

where is the chrome installer?? i did not even see it during install? i even selected custom? so does that mean avast installs chrome??? not cool imo even though i use chrome mainly i hate when software does that now on the free version i could understand it but nto at all on the paid. or am i totally wrong… i did not see anything to do with chrome during install though??

8

No, no… you didn’t install chrome.

What Vlk is trying to say: there is no Avast Installer without the Google Installer Option. If you don’t select Chrome, it will not be installed.
As to the registry keys, David R. said it all. They do no harm.

9

Hi zfactor :slight_smile:

This is what Vlk told someone the other day…

The Chrome offer is not made in all cases. E.g. when the offer has already been made previously, or the OS doesn't meet the Chrome requirements, or incompatible language settings etc.
From Here : http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=55097.0

I was asked by Avast 5… " Do you want Google Chrome? "
Basically!
You just have to put a dot in one of those Radio Button things.
Yes I Want Google Chrome O
OR…
No I Don’t Want Google Chrome O

Hally

10

Also, Google Chrome is not offered to the user of the paid versions of avast. Just the free AV.

11

The very first time I upgraded from 4.8 to 5.0.377 I chose not to install Google Chrome but when the install was done I discovered Google Desktop and Google Updater Service had been enabled in services. I uninstalled and reinstalled and it’s never done it since; was probably just a glitch in the install, but if you don’t want those services running it might not hurt to check and make sure they’re disabled.

12

norel,
you’re right. Precaution is always good, and even the devs of Alwil may be victims of human error.
8)

13

Well, I’m a bit reluctant to believe that this was actually related to avast. I mean, the avast installer doesn’t contain any Google Desktop bits in it… and I really doubt the Chrome installer would be somehow pulling these from the Internet. Google Updater, maybe (that’s a component present in pretty much all Google software products) but the Desktop? Hardly.

Plus, if you choose NO to the Chrome offer, no Google code is executed at all.

Vlk

14

I can confirm what Vlk said as there are no google services (Google Desktop and Google Updater Service) listed in my services, much less enabled.

I choose No to the google chrome question during the installation.

15

:o

I might uninstall my paid pro version soon. Whats next? Spyware?

16

What’s your problem with the paid version in detail?

17

Dunno about details. When we are talking AV bundled with Google stuff that is.

18

That’s what I thought. ::slight_smile:

There’s nothing bundled with google stuff here. Read the posts before typing.

Just to clear that: when installing the free version, you are asked if you wish to install google chrome. You select “no”, that’s it. The other side of the deal is: avast is contained in the google pack. What’s wrong with that?

In the paid versions: nothing. No question, no chrome, no google.

19

All I know is before that first install no Google services but afterwards Google services. I know it was off before because that’s something I monitor closely. I don’t explain them I just report. Like I said, probably a glitch seeing as how in that early release all kinds of weird stuff was going on.

20

I upgraded from Avast 4.8.1368 to v 5.0.377. During the install, one had the choice of clicking on either of 2 choices: install google Chrome or not install google Chrome. I chose no, and there is no Google products on my computer nor has there been. The Avast install respects the user’s choice. The Google Desktop was never part of the offer.