Download.com site feedback forum: CNET Installer Spyware

I couldn't agree more with you . I somehow installed that stupid Clarobar and it is a nightmare to get rid of. I disabled all the extensions and it somehow keeps resetting my homepage. So I'm running a Spybot Search and Destroy hoping it will remove the problem.

I had the same bad experience with a download/install this week. The crapware is difficult to remove and is related if not the same as "babylon". I finally managed to remove it (I think) by un-installing "browsermgr". This browser high jack will present you with one of those "prove you are not a computer by typing in this script" verifications. I tried 4 times before it finally looks like it uninstalled. I am not sure whether spybot will remove it, but I know it got past my mcafee scan and passed the microsoft security essentials scan.

I am very disappointed in CNET. I have trusted them for years, but never again. It is very sad. If you can't trust their download system, how can you trust any of it?

Ok, I downlaoded 2 photo editing software programs yesterday and found that C-NET installed(without my permission) a hidden program with each one. One was the coupon companion thing and the other one was something else but not the claro toolbar thing it was something different. I just went into my control panel and deleted them but was just wondering for the sake of my new computer if anyone knows if those programs have viruses, rootkits, or bots?

I have found the only way to get word out about CNet's Download services continuing to unload virus and other forms of malware on us users ... is to mention the fact in my reviews of the particular software involved (without sounding negative toward the software itself). However, I hope this forum is a better way to voice my concerns. Mind you, I fully appreciate the download service and the software I glean from it, but it is inexcusable to allow contaminated files to be downloaded. Fortunately my Symantec (Norton) safeguards have been catching such predator software. My fear is that it MAY NOT catch something in the future. I agree with the negative views of of the CNet Installer, but I also find malware in direct downloads. The latest via the CNet Installer was the PDF995 printer driver software, in which case Norton blocked both adware and a virus infected file. INEXCUSABLE.

The frequency with which these infections occur is alarming. So much so that I try all means known to find downloads from other sources than CNet. In the last 3 months alone, I have encountered six such attacks. In the past it seems it was a very rare occurrence from CNet.

Quite simply, I cannot understand how CNet could possibly continue, under these circumstances, to allow such infections. If the CNet Installer is victim of a large portion of these, it should be discontinued ... not to mention the general dissatisfaction with the push of unwanted software onto us users. It would be nice to hear from a CNet authority about all this.

Well posted!

Here is a copy of my posting on this section of the forum.

I have always used download.com as a safe place to go to download software, whether free, on trial, or for purchase.

The other day I downloaded CamStudio for my Asus X53E i5 laptop, running Windows 7.

Firstly, the software simply didn't install.

But, more importantly, it came with a toolbar and search engine attached [Mixi DJ Search].

Not only that, it surreptitiously installed a programme which protects Mixi DJ Search from efforts to change the search engine. It locks the laptop into using this software.

I have uninstalled the related software and followed instructions to remove Mixi DJ Search. But this search engine has bitten my laptop like a nasty dog and will not let go.

SHAME ON YOU, CBS.

For years I have trusted you.

But this is the second time I have been savaged by rogue software on your site [the first time being Babylon Dictionaries].

On the section of your website, you ask for the user to report any malware found on your site.

But you do not give any means of contacting you.

Shame on you for adopting the sharp practices that seem to be currently plaguing American commerce and business.

Should I be reporting this malware to the FBI?

Because they seem to be the only ones currently taking an interest in malpractice in the IT world!

Link to your onsite request to notify you of rogue software... with no means on contacting you: [https://cbsi.secure.force.com/CBSi/articles/FAQ/Virusesmalware-help?retURL=%2FCBSi%2Fapex%2Fknowledgehome%3Freferer%3Ddownload.cnet.com&popup=false&categories=CBS_Interactive%3ACNETDownload&template=template_cnetdownload&referer=download.cnet.com&data=&cfs=SFS_1]