Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: Wildman on February 06, 2014, 08:31:13 PM
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>:( Stop installing Google Chrome without my knowledge or permission! I do not want that browser on my machine!
Always,
Wildman
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You should have seen at least one maybe two "opt-out" screens.
If not, it isn't that difficult to uninstall Chrome.
I do feel it should be "opt-in" and not "opt-out".
Since MicroSoft now owns Skype they have an "opt-out" to make msn(dot)com your homepage.
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avast is giving the option to install Chrome or not.
If it gets installed, you as user have chosen to do so.
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You should have seen one of two screens (or even both) did you not see either of these ?
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>:( Let me add to this. I uninstalled Google Chrome Used Revo uninstaller to do so and used the strongest option. The next day after Avast said it had been updated Google Chrome was back. Now this is totally unacceptable and I want it stopped. There was no warning nor opt in/out indicated. I am trying to be nice hear as over all I like Avast, but this situation has me quiet angry.
Always,
Wildman
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With all due respect this was happening before.
Even though I use Chrome I can understand your feelings.
I thought it was fixed.
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Also, Chrome is not "so easy" to uninstall "cleanly".....it leaves a lot of remnants. :'(
One well known issue with Outlook you have to go do a manual registry edit.....only way to clean up.
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Just curious are you using pro or free? The software updater might be interfering if you are using pro. IF you are using free, I would only install the shields, all the tools are in free version are of questionable utility or you have to pay to use.
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I am using the FREE version. CCleaner indicates no left overs in the registry for Google Chrome after I uninstalled in with Revo. We shall see if it gets placed back on my machine. If so I may see if there is an agency that I can file a formal complaint with. Yes this is how angry I am about this.
Always,
Wildman
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I am using the FREE version. CCleaner indicates no left overs in the registry for Google Chrome after I uninstalled in with Revo. We shall see if it gets placed back on my machine. If so I may see if there is an agency that I can file a formal complaint with. Yes this is how angry I am about this.
Always,
Wildman
I use CCLeaner and not that simple.....especially if you use Outlook. :(
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_programs/cant-open-hyperlinks-after-uninstalling-google/e6d33ac6-6b4b-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5
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Just curious are you using pro or free? The software updater might be interfering if you are using pro. IF you are using free, I would only install the shields, all the tools are in free version are of questionable utility or you have to pay to use.
The software updater should not interfere with anything.
None of the tools in the free version should cause any issues at all.
The only thing that might cause problems is the Grime Fighter which is a paid product.
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Just curious are you using pro or free? The software updater might be interfering if you are using pro. IF you are using free, I would only install the shields, all the tools are in free version are of questionable utility or you have to pay to use.
The software updater should not interfere with anything.
None of the tools in the free version should cause any issues at all.
The only thing that might cause problems is the Grime Fighter which is a paid product.
Then why do I get Chrome installed right after the virus definitions have been down loaded? I don't want to be rude but I don't think you know what you are talking about. I would like to see someone from Avast answer this situation but don't hold my breath that it will happen.
Always,
Wildman
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I have seen Chrome installed without warning - IT DOES HAPPEN if it didn't 'I' and no doubt many others wouldn't be saying so, same with Jumpshot Grime that Avast purchased.
There's one or two folks here that inflame situations by saying it doesn't and high time these 'fanboys' call them what you will, got of their Trojan Horse and comprehend what is being said.
It's high time there was some explanation about the VPN/advert pop-ups call it what you will and these unwanted installs from Avast themselves.... it looks like there's not only Avast ruling the roost but Jumpshot and Google!
Who is in control and what they hell are they up to, Avast never used to be like this bugs, warts and all?
Davy
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This is a new one for me...vps update "and" a Chrome install? ???
This is very, very odd. ???
Use this and make the proper choice https://support.avast.com/Tickets/Submit
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None of the tools in the free version should cause any issues at all.
The only thing that might cause problems is the Grime Fighter which is a paid product.
I would add that "Browser Protection"....AKA AOS is problematic and should not be part of install.
IHMO...again, just my opinion.....I'd only install the shields until the "Tools" prove themselves.
Perhaps one PC also install Rescue disk to be able to generate it when needed.
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I did find an option that says to not make Chrome my default browser. I have now checked that option and we will see what the results of doing so are.
I hope the powers to be at Avast are getting the picture that a whole bunch of their users do not like the situation of this Google Chrome showing up without a clear choice for an opt out or better still not pushing a browser in the first place.
Always,
Wildman
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@ thekochs It is very wise to always choose the custom install if offered.
That said not everyone has issues with the AOS. For those for
whom it functions properly, good. For the others it's a simple task
to disable the AOS in their browsers. :)
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@ thekochs It is very wise to always choose the custom install if offered.
That said not everyone has issues with the AOS. For those for
whom it functions properly, good. For the others it's a simple task
to disable the AOS in their browsers. :)
Good point on AOS......
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When I updated the program just now it said I needed to restart my computer. So I did. Then it came up and said, "Installing Update." There was nothing else on that window, no "check here if you want...", nothing. It just installed Chrome without as much as a "By Your Leave." So don't be saying that you always have the choice because you Don't!
I like Avast. I find it appalling that they would link themselves to Google which spreads your info all over the net. Google is practically a virus itself, and it's Certainly adware.
So, if Avast can't stop putting that crap on my machine I Will find something else, as much as I hate to.
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Thank you all who have told it like it is. So far so good after checking the option to not make Chrome my default browser. Hell I don't even want any part of it on my machine. I do not like any situation where I can not pick to install or not install the software and try and avoid companies who do not grasp that.
Always,
Wildman
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Wildman after uninstalling Chrome you'll have to do a manual search through your program files, program data files and user files to remove remnants of Google Chrome, google leaves quite a few leftovers including the Google Update process which will be the likely cause of it being re-installed, I've seen this happen with Google Earth as well.
Google are the ones who don't want you to remove their products and it is not an avast conspiracy pushing the reinstall.
A manual registry search will reveal many more google remnants but if you are unsure in the registry best not venture there.
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Check your system scheduler for Google Updater too.
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Just happened to me as well after years of using Avast. This seems to be a long term problem I had somehow avoided until now.
I am sorry but I will not abide any software that installs unauthorized programs on it's own.
Sadly Avast and I are parting ways after many many years.
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It is totally unacceptable to bundle Google updater with an AV program. Google updater should trigger the highest alert in any AV. And why don't it? Money ::)
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I personally hate Google Chrome (yet my kids have ChromeBooks from school.....go figure).
While there is no "conspiracy" you can see Avast 2014 user account has Google Drive....so there is a link clearly....but I'd expect that...after all Avast defaults to a "opt in" during install. With that said you should see an opt out option during the Avast 2014 install but regardless if Chrome gets on your PC then it is not a simple program to just "un-install" as CraigB states. Chrome installer is very invasive and IMHO right up there with A/V software and also iTunes.
So, you need to do your diligence in cleaning after a uninstall of Chrome.
The Chrome remnants DO cause issues with other programs still on your PC that you may use....one great example is MS Outlook.
Here is Microsoft KB link on that very issue: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310049
Here is Google Forum link on that very issue: https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/chrome/z2u-Ef_Xrss
.....but the point/discussion (topic) is how to remove Chrome completely
.....here is good link: http://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/show/432-clean-up-google-chrome-remnants-after-an-uninstall
Here is also a link on Google Updater un-installation: https://support.google.com/installer/answer/98805?hl=en
To fully uninstall Google Update, uninstall any Google applications you currently have installed. Approximately an hour after uninstalling your other Google programs, Google Update should be uninstalled automatically.
You can believe them but also look in your Windows Scheduler and MSConfig for Google Updater after uninstallation/cleaning and delete/disable. Good thorough write-up is here: http://antivirus.about.com/od/windowsbasics/ht/googleupdate.htm
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Yes, Google software is made almost impossible to get rid of, it reinstalls itself, it screws up other software on the pc and it collects information. All the typical characteristics of malware. And this is bundled with Avast ::)
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Well, that's it for me and Avast. Second time this program has installed Google Chrome with no option to opt out. Installing another program without giving the user choice is the action of malware, not an antivirus program.
Deplorable.
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Zazazu,
let me guess... You haven't disabled "use Chrome as default browser".
That means you did have chosen to install Chrome yourself.
- disabled "use Chrome as default browser".
- remove Chrome completely.
- reboot.
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You haven't disabled "use Chrome as default browser".
Zazazu, just in case you want to know where to set IE as default browser
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/make-ie-default-browser#ie=ie-11-win-7
Also, "Avast" is not re-installing Chrome....."Chrome" is since it was loaded/installed once.
As many of the posts above show you need to "remove" thoroughly (which means more than just uninstall) and also as Eddy stated make sure you set another browser as default.
No argument from me on how much a PITA this is for missing a "opt in" default but just trying to help at this point.
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Zazazu,
let me guess... You haven't disabled "use Chrome as default browser".
That means you did have chosen to install Chrome yourself.
That means I would have had to go into the program, before having Chrome on my machine, magically knowing that an option had been added, and disabled it so that it wouldn't install Chrome. Which I did not have before and had no option, in two cases, to opt out of. How does that make logical sense? I did see the option after the second update that put Chrome on my machine, but by that time it had already installed Chrome.
Zazazu, just in case you want to know where to set IE as default browser
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/make-ie-default-browser#ie=ie-11-win-7
Also, "Avast" is not re-installing Chrome....."Chrome" is since it was loaded/installed once.
As many of the posts above show you need to "remove" thoroughly (which means more than just uninstall) and also as Eddy stated make sure you set another browser as default.
I have Firefox as my default browser. Or at least I did, until Avast downloaded Chrome without my permission and reset it as default. I had to uninstall Chrome and reset my default browser.
I'm not a computer novice. Nor am I an expert, of course, but I do understand a good deal about settings, coding, and how installation programs work. Previous to this latest attempt at giving me Chrome, I did not have Chrome on my system. The only Google item I had was the standard cookie. Now that I've uninstalled (yes, thoroughly), I've returned to that state. I never installed or loaded Chrome. I do not want Chrome. I have never wanted Chrome. The only instances where Chrome has been added to my system were due to Avast and I have fully uninstalled Chrome twice now due to their ignoring basic protocols regarding third-party program installation.
No argument from me on how much a PITA this is for missing a "opt in" default but just trying to help at this point.
I don't count this as an opt-in default. For it to be an opt-anything there needs to be an option to opt-out. There was no option given before download/install. Twice. This happened in July 2012 and people threw a fit. Apparently they decided to try again. That's why I'm done with Avast! after several years of use. This was the third strike with me.
I've already uninstalled and have gotten a new antivirus program. I filled out the survey on uninstall to let the mucky-mucks (if they even read those surveys) know why I'm done. Will probably not post again, not to flounce, but because I no longer have any interest in the program.
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This is ridiculous. I paid for antivirus & get adware when updating...that stupid google option should be removed. It's like I'm updating a freeware app & you have to be careful not to install the other crap along with it. Don't think I will be extending my subscription to avast in the future with them adding bloatware to paid subscriptions. >:(
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Just found this topic after updating my Avast as prompted.
Never had a problem before, but registered just to express my distaste and now distrust of Avast (I will be seeking new virus protection tomorrow) for autoinstalling a Google product on my heretofore Google-free gaming device. I have been very careful to not log in to my gmail, and not use any Google product on this machine.
And now, not only does Avast do it for me (seemingly without asking), they also reassignmed my default browser from Firefox to Chrome. Unfortunately, I am likely not as savvy as some of you above, and am not sure about how to/whether I am safely able to remove all of what Mountain View has now left on this machine. I'm sure I'll find out soon via cross marketing on my phone.
This is appalingly unacceptable from a company alleging to protect us from prying eyes and making a big deal about reading their privacy policy.
The irony is truly laughable. I am amazed at this level of ineptitude and lack of respect.
Just wanted to add my piece before I leave Avast permanently and share openly with my friends that they should stay far away from a wolf in sheep's clothing.