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Resolved Question

Do I pay attention to microsoft message?

Jan 23, 2013 12:29AM PST

I downloaded FreeFileSync from CNET with some trepidation because several reviewers indicated that there was a virus "trojan.maljava!gen24" in the program. Before installing this program, I ran malwarebytes, avast and avg on the downloaded file. None of these three found anything suspicious so I began the installation and part way through this message popped up "Software Installation. The software you are installing has not passed Windows logo testing to verify its compatibility with Windows XP
Continuing your installation of this software may impair or destabilize the correct operation of your system either immediately or in the future. Microsoft strongly recommends that you stop this installation now and contact the software vendor for software that has passed Windows logo testing." I am not sure how to contact the vendor about this issue and is it as important an issue as Microsoft indicates? It would seem to me that if over 36000 downloads have been made of this program at CNET if it were creating problems for Window XP users there would have been much feedback to CNET. I always try to set a restore point before installing any software.

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The ancient one has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Have you heard of "false positives"?
Jan 23, 2013 12:38AM PST

It happens a lot and given the thousand viruses a day (it's more than that) that must be added to the system it's going to reach a point that all apps will likely trip some antivirus trigger.

Microsoft and others want to move from an open ecosystem to a walled garden which is your choice.

Back to Eden?
Bob

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PS. Sync titles I use.
Jan 23, 2013 12:43AM PST

SyncBack
GoodSync

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RE: sync titles
Jan 23, 2013 2:02AM PST

I will look into these. Prior to a restoration of my hard drive, I was using MS SyncToy which was easy to work with but when I saw how FreeFileSync allowed for comparisons of changes etc. I thought I would give it a try. But I will check out the ones that you mentioned.

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RE: False positives
Jan 23, 2013 1:58AM PST

I am not so much concerned at this point about the virus as I am to Microsoft's message about destabilizing my OS if I install a program that has not passed Windows logo testing to verify compatibility with Windows XP.

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That's your choice.
Jan 23, 2013 2:00AM PST

Microsoft is trying to scare folk into moving to a walled garden. In the case of Windows 8 RT, they went draconian and you have no choice.

Windows Logo testing incurs a lot of fees so if you are going to accept more payments to MSFT along with an erosion of the open market then you make your choice here.

In other words, I vote for an open market.
Bob

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Thanks, Bob
Jan 23, 2013 4:15AM PST

I am for an open market.

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Sorry I forgot to add this. DRIVER SIGNING.
Jan 23, 2013 4:22AM PST

If you research driver signing, that's an area that I have to again dis MSFT. I know folk hate it when drivers don't show up for devices but here's the rundown.

Some old device needs a driver but that old device is not selling today so it's a tough sell to your management already. Add more bucks to get it signed and your management will likely not fund the driver project.

In the past we saw many driver install instructions to tell you to install anyway. But in the case of Windows 8 there is more pressure and saber rattling going on. I'm reading Canon opted out of writing drivers for some products so this isn't the first time we've seen this happen but my point of all this is simple.

Increasing the cost of apps and drivers to have them signed will shrink the market as well as cause drivers development to stall.
Bob