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Win32/InstallCore.D + Win32/OpenCandy

Nov 8, 2011 7:01PM PST

I'm a very happy, fully satisfied and LONG-time ESET Nod32 anti-virus user.


That said, I just tried several times to download, install and try out
the free Tech Tracker software I've been seeing so much font about and
see for myself how it compares to AVG's Linkscanner, Mcafee and WOT.
When the download was was nearly done up came an alert and quarantine
from my Nod32 as a "potentially unwanted application". Thank heaven for
Nod32!!! Same hidden stuff - the Win32/OpenCandy adware- in CNET's installer going back to Feb. They're STILL adding (covertly I might add) stuff to their downloads here.

Matter of fact, you CNET
have had the monopoly for all Internet downloads. Shocked Lucky you.
Personally, when I am at a site and am buying something or downloading
something from them and I hit the DOWNLOAD button I am now being
redirected to your download site which is infested and contaminated with
all kinds of goodies in your installers unbeknownst to 90% of your
basic "casual home user" and kids. How very thoughtful of you. NOT.


For a long time downloads from here and several other of the older
established download sites were heralded all over the Internet as "SAFE"
and we all bought it back in the day. We paid for it too as the
average home user knew nothing about such sneaky and stealthy
practices. We got hijacked, spied on, tracked, viruses, trojans,
toolbars we did not ask for, info. stolen, addy books stolen, spammed to
death, you name it. All sorts of nasty surprises and we were
clueless. Naive as a newborn.


Well, guess what? Supposedly CNET made efforts (after the fact) to
"clear up" this whole OpenCandy issue. Newsflash CNET: It isn't
cleared up. PLUS, we have a new ongoing problem. A mighty big one at
the called: Win32/InstallCore.D.


Ever since CNET redid this site, no matter what I download from here
Nod32 quarantines it because of this new crud you're stuffing into your
installer. Now, I happen to be lucky because of my Top-Of-The-Line
anti-virus but what about the poor people out there unknowingly receiving these
dangerous Potentially Unwanted Applications? Confused Not very nice CNET nor
fair. Your Sneaky Stealthy Stuff STINKS. Please stop it. Not nice at all.
And I'm pretty angry Angry about this. I've got 30 of your cruddy
contaminated download quarantined and I'll be more than delighted to
post them in Facebook, here and wherever else you like for maximum
exposure and for you to "explain it away" and "clear it all up" just like the
OpenCandy nightmare.

At this point, I cannot download anything because no matter where I am I unwillingly
get redirected to you and KNOW that the download is not going to come
out clean. I think we all have a right to demand an apology, your
promise to stop this wanton reckless wicked practice AND a full, I
repeat, full explanation.

Is there any place at all on the Internet where one can get a totally clean download? Me thinks not. Sad

Discussion is locked

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re: Win32/InstallCore.D + Win32/OpenCandy
Nov 10, 2011 5:58AM PST

Hello bailey2000,

Thank you for your feedback.

When you initiate the download,you will encounter a single offer for additional 3rd-party software, which is clearly disclosed and provides the option to accept or decline the offer before proceeding with the download. We only show offers for software that is approved for
listing on CNET Download.com. If you do not wish to use the CNET Installer, we provide a link to the direct HTTP download URL below the main "Download Now" button on the products "detail page" on Download.com. You can access this page by clicking on the product name on your "My Software" page. You will need to be logged in as a CNET member to use this link.

Regards,
Gregg
CNET Technical Support

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What most people are saying is...
Nov 28, 2011 1:13AM PST

The problem is said to be that "Win32/InstallCore.D" installs along with the CNET Downloader application. Are you saying that this is OK because you also have a non-infected method of providing downloads?

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Down
Nov 30, 2011 5:56AM PST

The CNET reply is preposterous on par with the practice it is explaining. Already your mindset is corrupted to the point that it is beyond repair probably.
You are arguing, that although you are adding crap to the downloads, (mine had a disclaimer guarantied virus free) but if the customer is careful and suspecting enough there is a non-disclosed way to circumnavigate your crap, so it is OK for you to bundle such.
You are infected with the Corporate virus. Shame on you.

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I agree with Bailey2000
Dec 23, 2011 1:32PM PST

I made the mistake of using smart downloader and have just finished a full day scraping the rubbish out. New toolbars compliments of Spigot mainly. I'm still trying to find out if I can delete ICReinstall safely from my Temp folder. I have 2 PC'd and have removed all reference to CNet from them until it's download process is cleaned up.
Thanks in a large way are due to Revo uninstaller and Malwarebytes with help from Spigot themselves.

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I have to say I agree.
Dec 1, 2011 11:12PM PST

I agree with bailey2000. I work on computers and recommended (yes, past tense) CNET to all kinds of people for their downloads. I am done with that. The new web site is a pain, the popups around the bottom drive me nuts, the CNET downloader is despicable, and I have to be logged in to get the clean download version? Shame on you CNET. You have really stooped to the depths of the lowlife.