Spyware, viruses, & security forum: File w/ possible threat up for download on cnet

Windows Defender "isn't working" for you but that "possible threat" you encountered is just the installer. Most of us who do not want the optional apps and utilities it tries to get you to install simply make use of the Direct Download link.

If you go back to that link you provided you will find the Direct Download link immediately below the green rectangular Download Now button that also says CNET installer enabled followed by an information icon (and if you move your mouse cursor over that you get a pop-up message box that tells you what it is).

identified the installer as a POTENTIALLY UNSAFE PROGRAM (PUP) but what happens is that the program looks for SIGNATURES in the files or for certain characteristic actions the file is performing then renders its decision. If you know it is the installer you allow it to run and if you are unsure you allow it to be quarantined.

The CNET installer offers up additional applications and utilities you may want ti install that are not part of the download and if you do it begins downloading them - this keys the malware detector to pop up a message.

In this case it is NOT malware although many are uncomfortable or unhappy with the installer for other reasons and thus we just make use of the direct link which just gets us what we want.