Download.com site feedback forum: ADWARE (PUP.CNET) From DOWNLOAD.com

I have forwarded your complaint to the CNET Download Team to look into.

It likely a false positive, but I want to be sure. Once I hear something I will report back.

We apologize for the inconvenience, hopefully we'll get to the bottom of this.

Thanks for your patience.

-Lee
CNET Community

Hi, It seems that cnet is now not in control of their downloads or allowing third party browser hijackers in their interactive downloads. Once in a program download, i have chosen customised settings, and when i started downloading, the third party program has already been ticked and i removed the ticks, and still that program got installed and i had much trouble in clearing the program and then the registry entries. I request the cnet to do something to prove that it is a secured downloadable program site

even if you decline the extra toolbars and stuff during download, it still installs the fake virus detector - which is extremely deceptive.

I'm shocked, and I will never use any cnet property again.
<div> one of the remarks above

The cnet is indirectly installing third party nasty softwares, which will not only spoils your browser, but also dent in to registry values, which is very difficult to get rid of. Some moderator would say that they will in future avoid those third parties. But, it was in this site, i downloaded software along with babylon, funmoods and claro , a new browser, registry and whatnot hijack, be it adware or not.Now i am really thinking in terms of not downloading anything from this wonderful site, once upon a time.

Hi, I will never download from this site, once a good secured site. The moderator will take long time even to acknowledge the thread and take their own time to refer to the board. By the time the board decide, all the genuine old users will get their system full with unwanted adware and trojans and browser hijacks.It is not with heavy heart, i stopped downloading from this site.Since, it is not a virus, no antivirus program would find it. Hope atleast they take real action to stop third party installations.

MalwareBytes, which is heavily favored by CNET and Download.com, has now said the download installer is safe. The sad thing about that statement is that other, more reputable antivirus software, is still flagging it as malware. I just tried mine and it pop right up and said you should not use this program. HMMMMMM Who should we believe. I think it is up to each user to make that decision. I know I will NEVER use it.

Just happened to run across this thread.
If it's still pertinent, I'm currently running an antivirus program, http://www.superantispyware.com/ and it did successfully detect PUP.CNETInstaller.

Please read http://forums.cnet.com/7726-12543_102-5269632.html?tag=posts;msg5269632

With that out of the way you may want to read more and consider using the Direct Download links if you feel you need to avoid the CNET downloader.
Bob

What a pity doubt has been cast on the integrity of CNET and download.com. They used to always be my first choice for software downloads and reviews, now I'm going to err on the side of caution and never visit the site again...

Tut tut

I downloaded Super Anti Spyware from CNET the other day, and I've just run a full scan. It has flagged up that PUP.CNETinstaller is a threat on my system and should be removed!

So the act of downloading a programme to help protect my system from malware may have put my system at risk! Ironic or what?

I ran MalwareBytes last night and it is up to date. I came up clean.
Just finished running Super Anti Spyware and usually it will find a few adware trackings but this is the second time it found PUP.Cnet Installer.

I didn't read through all the post but am I reading this correctly?


The PUP.CNET.Adware definition should have been removed within the past month or so. (that was posted in March)

If it was removed why is it still showing up. I found it strange that MB didn't pick it up but SAS did. You would think both program would.

Do I take it that CNET...a company that was once symptomatic with safety and quality, is now prepared to allow any harmful organisation be linked to the products you supply? I downloaded a product from you and I received an intrusive item called PUP ADWARE which effectively blocked my facebook and Twitter access telling me I had not got the relevant certificate. What right does your organisation have to include potentailly damaging additives like that which not only illegally restrict a person's access to sites but will in time, if unlocated, restrict their access to their own computer. I shall never use your site again and rest assured I shall write as many blogs and to as many websites as possible warning them of your inconsiderate negligence. You should be sued never mind justifying your Company's decision to include such things as PUP adware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!