Avast WEBforum
Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: BlitzenZeus on February 25, 2012, 05:25:11 AM
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http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26929481-Avast-7-installs-Chrome
Three people including myself had the final screen where you're supposed to be able to opt-out of chrome not even stay up long enough to uncheck them, the window just went away by itself, and installed chrome without our permission.
Never given a chance to opt out, and as a matter of fact your abused your position of already having administrator access to install 3rd party software. Next time don't even offer chrome, or make it opt-in only if you want your users to trust you. I realize this is likely a bug, on top of this the profiles of those who already had chrome installed had their profiles damaged from the reinstall of Chrome.
I don't need all the replies out there saying it didn't happen to their system, or they didn't see the chrome option on their installs. It happened to multiple people, and now it's time to make sure it won't happen again.
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Well for most it would seem this did not happen, also simply uninstalling Google Chrome is not that hard, though you are right it should be opt-in not opt-out.
Also
See thing following page and read the instructions
http://www.avast.com/uninstall-utility
Then
Avast! Free Antivirus 7.0.1407
http://www.filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/
Ensure your using the custom install option when installing Avast Products.
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I agree it should be opt in only but you do get the choice to opt out, iv installed the new version 7 on 9 different systems now and i was shown the google option each time so maybe you just rushed through the process and didn't notice ???
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Oh here we go again. No I didn't just rush through it, and I provided a damn link for a reason. I never got a chance to click anything. I never clicked my mouse.
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Yeah some users never get the option, which leads to a glitch where the "Complete your upgrade" pop up returns after every restart.
I never got it and I never had Google Chrome installed on my computer, so it seems it's only an issue for some people, but thankfully editing an .ini file gets rid of the problem with the pop up.
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This problem has just occurred to me. What really bothers me is that I already had chrome installed on my computer along with custom scripts and programs all tied into it. Why another program would every change an existing program is beyond me. I pay very close attention to the installation process of everything I install nowadays. I did not have the chance to opt out, but even if I didn't opt out it should have never installed over my original program. I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with AVAST. This should have never happened..
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Oh here we go again. No I didn't just rush through it, and I provided a damn link for a reason. I never got a chance to click anything. I never clicked my mouse.
If it was installed without your knowledge then there is a problem i agree but avast will have to check into that if there not already so for the time being just uninstall chrome and your good to go.
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Yet another person who fails to read before replying.
The reinstall alters the current users profile, resetting it to default, your extensions are gone. I swear I could have the cure for cancer linked, but people wouldn't read it.
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Bltizen, the skepticism comes for a reason. You would not believe the number of people who have been wrong about this in the past, both here and elsewhere, when they missed a simple checkbox, and they swear up-and-down that they are right, but then they use the same method again and realize they missed it.
That said, there are plenty of people who have reported this. It is almost certainly a bug. Even if it was a forced bundle install, it would at least check to see if Chrome was installed first, rather than installing Chrome over the top of an existing install.
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Not true, many chrome installs are in the user account only. While it will be hard to improbable to detect, the fact is that the new installer doesn't check for the existence of current profile, and Avast should have found this out in testing before releasing this installer so the issue was reported back to Google. If you reinstall Firefox it doesn't wipe out the current profile, it will only create a new profile when none exist. Again something both Avast, and Google should have found in testing before releasing this installer.
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Fine, you are clearly correct, this is clearly a conspiracy :P
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http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=93980.0
is the same or similar problem. I don't mind Avast bundling Chrome, I just don't want to pay the consequences of a bungled Chrome install especially for existing Chrome profiles/installations. The official chrome installation file from google defaults into the user directory.
Why is Avast using a custom version of chrome that installs into program files directory? Just use official Chrome installer that everybody else uses, and that will solve the problems. Even if Avast installs Chrome again, as long as the new install and the old install are in the same directory, nothing changes...no profile reset, no conflicting processes.
The best thing would be for Avast to properly detect Chrome existing installs like past version have, but for ever reason, Avast 7 didn't such as in my personal case. The second best thing would be to use a official Chrome installer to avoid bonking existing Chrome installs that Chrome users actually have.
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I don't think it matters if Chrome installed by itself or if I missed the box to untick. If the latter it means that it wasn't prominent enough and I never thought to look. I look carefully at first install of a program as you expect rubbish to be added in but I wouldn't have thought it would reappear with this upgrade.
I've uninstalled it now but on my nice clean windows 7 install it's no doubt left crap behind that I really wanted to avoid. Not impressed.
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I upgraded to version 7 and in two cases I was able to cancel the Chrome installation. But I think the more appropriate action is to offer the install and the user check the options and not the opposite. We see this behavior in a lot of installers, but the fail here is the time for that choice. Never the installer must go ahead without the agreement of the user.
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>:( I am angry: I really like Avast- but I'm very close to uninstalling it. Why? because when I updated to the latest version a few minutes ago it it arbitrarily and without my permission/knowledge/consent installed Chrome on my computer. I am a very experienced computer user, going back to the first Commodore 64, a founding member of an IBMUG in the 1970's and am not prone to ignoring check boxes, etc. But there was no check box for me to opt out of the Chrome installation. I DO NOT WANT CHROME ON MY COMPUTERS, not on any of the eight I am presently using. I tried Chrome before, did not like it and uninstalled it- BUT IT DOES NOT CLEANLY UNINSTALL! it leaves junk behind.
Please, p l e a s e , PLEASE somebody get the Avast management to unlink the Chrome installer from the Avast update program. I am angry. I am annoyed. I am irritated. I am ready to dump Avast. I will wait a few days before trying to update Avast on my other computers. Hopefully, someone at Avast will correct this- but if it happens again, I'm gone.
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I think there's a timeout on the opt-out check box for Chrome. When I booted my computer this morning it displayed the 'Finalize Upgrade' screen and clearly showed the option to opt-out of the Chrome install.
However, I had already stood up from my desk and was walking out of the room, so figured I'd untick the boxes when I returned. Imagine how irritating it was to come back into the room JUST in time to see the window automatically close and begin to install Chrome! I must have left it for about 60 - 120 seconds before this happened.
I agree with what the OP said: Abusing the fact that your application already has system admin privileges in order to install 3rd party software does not foster a trusting relationship. I understand that this is partly how you fund your free edition of the software, but in truth it's done you no favours. I was honestly about to purchase the Pro version of Avast this morning, but after this I've decided to give NOD32 v5 a trial. I would rather give my money to an organisation without ulterior motives.
(I know this sounds like an overreaction, and in some ways it probably is.....but in my experience, this sort of thing is a slippery slope and can get worse very quickly.)
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@GringoFrenzy,
I'm not excusing avast, and is not my intention to open some useless discussion. You indeed have / had a problem, a PITA. But a bug (or bugs) in the installer / updater for this new release is not an indication of what avast policy was and is about bundling software, advertisements and things of that sort.
I completely understand the frustration with these problems and the time invested to solve them, but a bug is not a policy, nor a full impression of the usual normal quality of avast. It is a bug (or bugs), and not a minor one IMHO, but not more than that.
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One more dissatisfied user here! Avast notified me that it wanted to install Version 7. NOTHING ABOUT CHROME!! Then after it installed 7 a screen pops up asking if I wanted to install Chrome. I responded NO and the then the 7 installation wanted me to click "Finish." When the screen cleared there was a Chrome icon on the desktop. Ran Revo Uninstaller and after it removed the Chrome files the computer locked up and had to be rebooted. This is just bull puckey!! :-*
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Sure it's annoying if installer mocks up a bit but how hard can it be to remove Chrome anytime later? It's just an app like any other. It's not some spyware or something. You just go to Porgrams and Features and remove it there.
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http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Chrome/thread?tid=5e5f55ea444f329d&hl=en
The situation will only get worse, as more people start getting the update notifications, there are many times more Chrome users than Avast, which a substantial percentage with Avast installs; lot of those people do not have the technical skills of the general poster in this forum. Its a trickling now, but it has the potential to be must worse.
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There is definitely some issue with the opt-out screen (beside the fact that it really should be opt-in if you want users to trust you).
I did my Avast update this morning and got the Chrome opt-out screen. Spent a few seconds looking at it and figuring out what it was asking me. Then, as soon as a clicked the check box next to "Install Chrome" (Don't know the exact working). The dialog disappeared. I didn't get time to see what the second check box was for, and I didn't select the "finish" button. A message box came up that said something to the effect "this may take a while."
I opened the task manager and sure enough there was a process named, as I recall, chrome_avt running under the system account. I couldn't kill it. I ended up power cycling my computer to stop it.
I used to recommend Avast. I won't be doing that anymore. I just don't trust it after this happened and I see all the issues others had.
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There is definitely some issue with the opt-out screen (beside the fact that it really should be opt-in if you want users to trust you).
I did my Avast update this morning and got the Chrome opt-out screen. Spent a few seconds looking at it and figuring out what it was asking me. Then, as soon as a clicked the check box next to "Install Chrome" (Don't know the exact working). The dialog disappeared. I didn't get time to see what the second check box was for, and I didn't select the "finish" button. A message box came up that said something to the effect "this may take a while."
I opened the task manager and sure enough there was a process named, as I recall, chrome_avt running under the system account. I couldn't kill it. I ended up power cycling my computer to stop it.
I used to recommend Avast. I won't be doing that anymore. I just don't trust it after this happened and I see all the issues others had.
Yep, they've turned into a crapware company now, no turning back. Pissing off chrome users by damaging their profiles, and now known for installing 3rd party software without permission. Great job Avast, really, it takes quite a lack of forethought to screw up this much at once.
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I didn’t see any check box it installed google chrome but not only that it set for default browser so no updates from Microsoft if this happens until you set internet explorer back to default.
If you try to get the updates from Microsoft using chrome it tells you to install IE8 this you already have lmfao so for newbies this would be confusing.
I’m off to uninstall chrome.
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The install welcome screen launched and before I had time to read the screen the install started never a chance to opt-out or configure the install. Must be a bug with the automatic program update feature. But I did not manually download the file and install. Maybe its not quite ready to be a finely release yet. Program does seem to be running correctly after manually re-configuration all settings.
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Although I feel for those having issues with the "Chrome" thing. And I agree it should be an "opt-in" and not an "opt-out".
It is known throughout the web that some companies do "pay per opt-in" agreements. On the other hand how difficult can it be to
uninstall any software. avast also adds an "option" via the GUI. GUI>Settings>Troubleshooting>untick the Chrome option.
And Control Panel>Program and Features/Uninstall>double click "avast">scroll to change>re-boot.
One question...does Chrome really take up much HDD space? Not really. I use Chrome to confirm or not confirm an issue another
user has with Chrome. In reality Chrome causes no harm just setting there on yours or my machine. :)
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One question...does Chrome really take up much HDD space? Not really. I use Chrome to confirm or not confirm an issue another
user has with Chrome. In reality Chrome causes no harm just setting there on yours or my machine. :)
I don't think its the chrome as much as the just going ahead and installing it. I had chrome installed and it was re-installed. All personal setting reverted. I go to google for chrome. I go to avast for viruses protection. If you look at this way, why is avast adding a larger download. If its a matter of avast!free advertising supported by google.
If I could get avast!free real time malware protection and nothing more I may be inclined to pay a yearly subscription. I have a firewall I have chrome. I don't need cloud streaming it kills my ISP allowed monthly bandwidth. But I can shut them off and get the great avast protection. Well as long as the opt out is there. It would be nice if it was there before the larger download. I mean not bounded with chrome. I just got done downloading the latest version of chrome. why again??
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I just updated Avast on a win7x64 system. After the initial download/reboot, there was a window while the update continued (Comodo showed that there was a download in progress). A second window appeared touting the new features, which I started to read, but it disappeared before I had time to more than start it. When it was done, Chrome had been installed on my system.
I find this to be totally unprofessional and unacceptable. It is bad enough when a company includes a third party install with opt-in preselected. But to proceed with the installation without a 'next' or 'ok' by the user is over the line.
I no longer trust Avast. Which is too bad, as I have used it for a number of years and, as a computer professional, have happily recommended it to others and installed it on client machines. No longer. As I never run an install or update without first cloning my machine, I do have the option of restoring my pre-update system. The restore is running as I write this note. When it is finished, I shall start researching a replacement program. Good thing there was a PCMag review of free av programs in the past week. Once I have selected a new AV, Avast will be off both my desktop and my laptop.
Good going, Avast.
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On the other hand how difficult can it be to uninstall any software.
It can be quite a challenge to nearly impossible in some cases. Did you ever try uninstall an early version (3 or 4) of IE? But really this is missing the point entirely. If you want to pretend to be in the security game, you have to be trust worthy. What if they had installed some spyware or a keyboard logger or a root kit? Would we be saying "well just uninstall it afterwards? No. And quite frankly I don't see the difference any software installed without my permission breached my trust.
And of course windows software almost never uninstalls every trace cleanly. If you don't want it is better to not have installed it in the first place.
One question...does Chrome really take up much HDD space?
Again with missing the point. Who should be making the final decision of what gets installed in the limited space on my HDD? Me. Not Avast. How much space do I want Chrome taking up on my HDD? 0 bytes.
Who should be in control of what downloads are taking up my limited bandwidth? Me. Not Avast.
Anyway, I am done with it. I voted with my dollars. A competitors product has been purchased, and I spent my day freeing all of my computers of the Avast malware.
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It is not merely that Chrome is installed without permission, as aggravating as that is (and IT IS). Some senior people on this page have said, "After all, how hard is it to simply uninstall it if you don't want it?" Well, I had previously installed Chrome on one of my eight computers, tried it and decided I didn't want it. Uninstalled it, only to find that after it was uninstallled, it left bits and pieces all over my machine. It did nt do a "clean" uninstall, which is why I did not want it to install this time. VERY UNHAPPY.
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I am immensely annoyed. I already had chrome installed, so no issue with that (although I do not remember seeing an opt in screen...no matter).
The thing is that this has removed all of my extensions, and extensions saved settings.
This is really really bad - specifically, I had a tab manager installed with about 10 different saved sessions, each with in the region of 20 tabs. Now that this has been removed, I have no way of recovering those 200 different tabs, all vital to me in one way or another.
I can deal with stealthy installs (as it appears to be a bug that I did not see the opt out screen...I definitely didn't see it). What I cannot deal with is avast installs being untested enough to remove my data. I anticipate spending the rest of the day in a data recovery program and once I finished I think I'm going to have to both look elsewhere for my AV and stop recommending avast.
To avast: I doubt you want your program removing user data. Perhaps you might want to look into that before other users get as angry as I am.
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Although I feel for those having issues with the "Chrome" thing. And I agree it should be an "opt-in" and not an "opt-out".
It is known throughout the web that some companies do "pay per opt-in" agreements. On the other hand how difficult can it be to
uninstall any software. avast also adds an "option" via the GUI. GUI>Settings>Troubleshooting>untick the Chrome option.
And Control Panel>Program and Features/Uninstall>double click "avast">scroll to change>re-boot.
One question...does Chrome really take up much HDD space? Not really. I use Chrome to confirm or not confirm an issue another
user has with Chrome. In reality Chrome causes no harm just setting there on yours or my machine. :)
what a stunning reply. bundling software like this makes your own product viral and removes trust in it. i have 31 days to go till renewal and i will not be renewing.
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I am immensely annoyed. I already had chrome installed, so no issue with that (although I do not remember seeing an opt in screen...no matter).
The thing is that this has removed all of my extensions, and extensions saved settings.
This is really really bad - specifically, I had a tab manager installed with about 10 different saved sessions, each with in the region of 20 tabs. Now that this has been removed, I have no way of recovering those 200 different tabs, all vital to me in one way or another.
I can deal with stealthy installs (as it appears to be a bug that I did not see the opt out screen...I definitely didn't see it). What I cannot deal with is avast installs being untested enough to remove my data. I anticipate spending the rest of the day in a data recovery program and once I finished I think I'm going to have to both look elsewhere for my AV and stop recommending avast.
To avast: I doubt you want your program removing user data. Perhaps you might want to look into that before other users get as angry as I am.
It seems my previous message (quoted) was incorrect - the data still seems to be there, once I reinstalled my extensions.
So actually all the installation of avast does is throw a installation of chrome into program files (nonstandard...) without asking (a bug?) or checking that chrome is already installed. By doing this it removes all extensions and adds avast's.
I will still be removing avast, but will remain neutral to others using it.
Of course, I still have to deal with this mess of a chrome double installation...
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About a month ago, I was always using the SafeZone to FB and then it started acting funny. I trust Chrome about as much as ANY other browser that has criminal elemant looking at ALL of its code.
I wish Avast would let me use my browser of choice in their 'safe desktop'; but its apparaent they have become a bit biased to Chrome and its supposed safety.
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Bltizen, the skepticism comes for a reason. You would not believe the number of people who have been wrong about this in the past, both here and elsewhere, when they missed a simple checkbox, and they swear up-and-down that they are right, but then they use the same method again and realize they missed it.
That said, there are plenty of people who have reported this. It is almost certainly a bug. Even if it was a forced bundle install, it would at least check to see if Chrome was installed first, rather than installing Chrome over the top of an existing install.
Gargamel360,
It is precisely for this reason that for some time now, I never, ever go to the Avast download collaboration with CNET. I go to FileHippo instead and download from there. Occasionally they are a day late with the latest and greatest version, but that aside, they are much better IMO.
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Hi
That's give me (i'am not alone!) a very bad feeling.
Yes to that : it should be an "opt-in" and not an "opt-out".
I had previously installed Chrome on two of the five computers (family) and clear it. Uninstall plus files left and regitry entries.
I dont need google bar, google map, google chrome, or any other crap.
I need only an reliable antivirus
Hey Avast! ... give us a very "total cleaner" (chrome uninstaller).
3 morning each Finish installation (1 time each per morning) x 5
Same of having a virus on the machines.
not good to start the day
Bye
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I am a big fan of Avast! but today it shocked me by brute installing Chrome on my computer. I had upgraded to version 7 a few days ago and unchecked all the install Chrome boxes. I have been running the new version for a few days and at about 2 A.M. today, it told me that it had updated the antivirus definition files AND installed the "recomended" Chrome browser without even asking me. I had tried Chrome before, didn´t like it and still don´t.
Very disappointed Avast!, I don´t mind the publicity for your own products when the AV updates and to uncheck a couple of boxes when installing for the first time, but brute forcing Chrome into my computer is something I consider a big step towards getting me to leave Avast! completely.
Yes, I am an experienced user and have been using computers since the Commodore days and also work Tech Support, I can work my way through reading things, so this is not a "you forgot to uncheck things there" situation.
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I've been a user of avast for many years. Reading this discussion thread has been very disturbing to me. I will not be upgarding to ver. 7... ever.
I'll stay with ver. 6 until they no longer support it and then move on. Very disappointed. :-[
Sent from iPad
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It should be an "opt-in" and not an "opt-out".
I don't think it's much a trouble to be opt-out. Indeed, the agreement will ask it to be out-out.
But I think the option must be shown to all users all the time, upgrade or installation from scratch.
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Sure it's annoying if installer mocks up a bit but how hard can it be to remove Chrome anytime later? It's just an app like any other. It's not some spyware or something. You just go to Porgrams and Features and remove it there.
1. The point isn't "how hard can it be to remove Chrome anytime later". And it would seem that someone with over 6,000 posts should be more than capable of understanding the point being discussed, instead of trying to misdirect/redirect it with some lame straw man argument.
2. If you'd read the other posts before posting your response, you'd have seen that apparently, at least for some people, Chrome IS more problematic when it comes to uninstalling it than other programs. But AGAIN...that is NOT the point of this thread -- it's simply a lame attempt -- and fail -- at misdirection.
3. NO ONE said Chrome was sypware. Yet ANOTHER straw man argument/misdirection attempt.
4. Straw man arguments, and blatant misdirection, are typical of disinformation tactics. (If you're unfamiliar with disinformation tactics, which I highly doubt, since you've packed 3 of them into a 4 sentence post, Google it.)
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Although I feel for those having issues with the "Chrome" thing. And I agree it should be an "opt-in" and not an "opt-out".
It is known throughout the web that some companies do "pay per opt-in" agreements. On the other hand how difficult can it be to
uninstall any software. avast also adds an "option" via the GUI. GUI>Settings>Troubleshooting>untick the Chrome option.
And Control Panel>Program and Features/Uninstall>double click "avast">scroll to change>re-boot.
One question...does Chrome really take up much HDD space? Not really. I use Chrome to confirm or not confirm an issue another
user has with Chrome. In reality Chrome causes no harm just setting there on yours or my machine. :)
This is truly a masterpiece of disinformation. Each and every one of your "arguments" is nothing but total BS. If you are in any way representative of this company, their credibility just went into the toilet.
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If you are in any way representative of this company, their credibility just went into the toilet.
Nobody here "represents" the company. Para-noid is an user like most of us.
Why do you think he is misinformed in his opinion?
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If you are in any way representative of this company, their credibility just went into the toilet.
Nobody here "represents" the company. Para-noid is an user like most of us.
Why do you think he is misinformed in his opinion?
Are you serious? Google "disinformation". Anyone who posts nothing but straw man arguments and misdirection has an agenda.
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I think straw man has seriously been over used in these recent post's, i suspect someone has spent to much time in the fields alone with scarecrows - time to milk the cows ;D
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Anyone who posts nothing but straw man arguments and misdirection has an agenda.
No. He has (could have) an agenda.
Not the avast! company as he/she does not represent the company.
Here is an open forum where you could post your (respectfully) opinions.
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I think straw man has seriously been over used in these recent post's, i suspect someone has spent to much time in the fields alone with scarecrows - time to milk the cows ;D
Classic. ::)
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Anyone who posts nothing but straw man arguments and misdirection has an agenda.
No. He has (could have) an agenda.
Not the avast! company as he/she does not represent the company.
Here is an open forum where you could post your (respectfully) opinions.
Yeah, okay. (I'm sure that someone who posts over 6,000 times about a product has no interest whatsoever other than the goodness of their heart.
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Yeah, okay. (I'm sure that someone who posts over 6,000 times about a product has no interest whatsoever other than the goodness of their heart.
For sure. We are tons of people here (with tons of posts in the last 10 years) doing it for goodwill, without financial return.
We achieved that. We're proud of our Community.
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Yeah, okay. (I'm sure that someone who posts over 6,000 times about a product has no interest whatsoever other than the goodness of their heart.
For sure. We are tons of people here (with tons of posts in the last 10 years) doing it for goodwill, without financial return.
We achieved that. We're proud of our Community.
Maybe one day, then, those who are in that group will learn to answer questions that are actually asked, instead of trotting out useless, misdirecting apologist crap.
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Maybe one day, then, those who are in that group will learn to answer questions that are actually asked, instead of trotting out useless, misdirecting apologist crap.
Well, we're not perfect - avast! team or users, as both made the Community - for sure. We have our bad times from time to time.
Generally, we speak freely in forums and can achieve a very high level of comprehension and friendship, knowledge and helpfulness.
Sorry if some of us, sometimes, fail this high ideal.
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Maybe one day, then, those who are in that group will learn to answer questions that are actually asked, instead of trotting out useless, misdirecting apologist crap.
Well, we're not perfect - avast! team or users, as both made the Community - for sure. We have our bad times from time to time.
Generally, we speak freely in forums and can achieve a very high level of comprehension and friendship, knowledge and helpfulness.
Sorry if some of us, sometimes, fail this high ideal.
It's not a "high ideal" at all to answer a simple question that's asked, rather than project a formulated misdirection response. In fact, most 5 year old children can do it on a regular basis.
We're done. No need to continue your charade any longer.
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In fact most 5 year old children probably wouldn't get so worked up over your claim of this formulated misdirection which i for one believe is a load of tripe response if i ever heard one and to drag it out for this long over a simple comment you disliked is childish in itself, as tech explained all the user's here offer there help simply because they wish to ( no benifit ) and sometime's the comments are not what you want to hear, if you didn't aggree with what one person said then fair enough, say your piece and leave it at that and no need for further carry on ::)
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I'd like to see someone from avast address the question...
"Why is avast installing 'not-asked-for' Chrome in ver 7?". As noted on the previous page, this is the reason I won't be installing ver. 7. For four pages of this thread, no one from avast has cared to contribute. Hmm?
Note: It says I'm an 'avast! Evangelist'... which suggests that I might proudly support the product. Not exactly true, just a label based on the number of posts I've made in the past 5 years.
// edit //
I see someone change me from 'avast Evangelist' to 'Sr. Member'. Thank you, more appropriate I think.
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In fact most 5 year old children probably wouldn't get so worked up over your claim of this formulated misdirection which i for one believe is a load of tripe response if i ever heard one and to drag it out for this long over a simple comment you disliked is childish in itself, as tech explained all the user's here offer there help simply because they wish to ( no benifit ) and sometime's the comments are not what you want to hear, if you didn't aggree with what one person said then fair enough, say your piece and leave it at that and no need for further carry on ::)
LOL. Yet another voice -- that has NOTHING to do with the OP's original, and legitimate point -- pops off. You must be so proud of yourself. (And I always find it amusing that the people who are posting the misdirection (i.e. anything and everything that has nothing to do with an OP's point, but, rather, has everything to do with either defending a product, whatever that may be, or attacking a poster who's posting something uncomplimentary about said product) are always the ones to derail otherwise legitimate threads. This thread is the perfect case in point.
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Still going on about people trying to misdirect ::) the chrome issue has been discussed and we all aggree there is some bug in the auto update somewhere but an install over the top and clean installs do not have this problem, no one is trying to derail this thread as there is nothing more that can be said untill avast themselves reply with an answer, as to users posting anything uncomplimentary about avast in the forum well that just comes down to how they post there complaint - using some tact for a start which you yourself clearly dont have would help as no matter which forum you go to if you show up there being abusive and a smart arse your only going to get peoples backs up so use some tact or you may find yourself being attacked.
As for people that just turn up here to jump into threads and start arguing points and there not even trying to offer help or have a problem as they just came here to bitch and complain! well theres a name for those people too "trolls" ;)
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When i updated avast!, I already had Google Chrome on my PC. So this bug doesn't affect me. :P ;D
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It didn't affect the Vista machine here which has never had any version of Chrome installed. And still doesn't. The other 2 machines did have Chrome installed but the existing installations were not affected in any way.
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Oh...and apparently when you tell the truth to these corporate shills on this forum you get a warning about being rude. What a surprise.
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You have displayed a rude attitude and it doesn't take any kind of a "shill" to see that.
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IMO Chrome should not even be part of the installer. People who want it already have it. As far as uninstalling it is easy, well people please check windows task scheduler. I found several Google Chrome schedules still scheduled even though I uninstalled Chrome and rebooted before looking. Easily fixed but how many other things are not removed during the uninstall of Chrome. Since I always make an image of my boot drive before major software changes I just imaged back problem solved.
Bill
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IMO Chrome should not even be part of the installer. People who want it already have it. As far as uninstalling it is easy, well people please check windows task scheduler. I found several Google Chrome schedules still scheduled even though I uninstalled Chrome and rebooted before looking. Easily fixed but how many other things are not removed during the uninstall of Chrome. Since I always make an image of my boot drive before major software changes I just imaged back problem solved.
Bill
The updater staying behind is a well known thing with anything from Google. Even just their toolbar leaves that behind when uninstalled.
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...it is nothing short of epic seeing how many ppl fail/ignore the posts above them saying that the so called 'force' install is a bug and will be addressed
expecting Avast! to provide a complete uninstaller for a third party programme is unreasonable...go complain to google if u are so desperate.
be glad that they are not offering toolbars of any sort...
anyone who does not want to help Avast! in getting to the root of the problem should just get out of sight
anyone who wants their problems solved should be willing to provide info requested by Avast! developers
ranting like a spoilt child is not going to get u anywhere, in this forum or in the real world.
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"expecting Avast! to provide a complete uninstaller for a third party programme is unreasonable"
But if Avast! didn't install the third party programme in the first place none of these complaints would have been raised.
"anyone who does not want to help Avast! in getting to the root of the problem should just get out of sight"
"anyone who wants their problems solved should be willing to provide info requested by Avast! developers"
As noted by others, this thread doesn't appear to have received any visits from Avast! developers, so how do you expect that to work?
"ranting like a spoilt child is not going to get u anywhere, in this forum or in the real world. "
I am one of many previously loyal Avast! users who is VERY disappointed with this unwanted behaviour, having just installed the latest version on a friends PC today. I specifically chose the "Custom" options and looked carefully for any extras or toolbars. There was NO mention of Google Chrome, PERIOD!
I only saw it when the installation was being finalised, and there was no tick box to stop Chrome being installed. I subsequently used Revo Uninstaller to get rid of it - so far so good - but I'm now dreading the phone call tomorrow telling me it won't boot...
I note the suggestion that CNet may be responsible (that's where I got it from), but FileHippo claims the same file size, so that doesn't tally. And if CNet IS the culprit why haven't Avast! moved Heaven and Earth to sort this "bug" out? I note that Softpedia says:
"Users are advised to pay attention while installing this ad-supported application:
· Offers to download or install software or components (Google Toolbar) that the program does not require to fully function"
Like the other unhappy users, I wait to hear a response from someone actually in the organisation, otherwise Avast! will join the list of untrustworthy companies.
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FileHippo for unknown reasons has(d) a bad link. Their download icon said version 6, but when you clicked on it you got version 7. Not a good thing on their part. The lack of a default opt out on the install made many Chrome users unhappy as the install now gave them double the trouble and for the rest of us who failed to see that the checkmark had to be removed to stop a Chrome install, a real headache, in short, 3 different programs to remove all the dropping leftover by a bad install and in my case, I made the mistake of using System Explorer to stop the Chrome install halfway through: Stoopid as I then had to use System Restore to recover my computer and had to reinstall my firewall too... But that mistake is on me.
Avast, OTOH, is shooting themselves in the foot IMO with this collaboration with CNET and Google Chrome. Not only do the many posts here point to a systemic problem, product branding gets diluted and people stop thinking about Avast and start worrying about what other "stuff" they are going to get stuck with, like McAfee and Chrome and Google Toolbars and who knows what's next on the agenda?
Just my two cents worth.
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at shortwave: tech is on Avast! team for ur info
all i see here are angry people refusing to provide any details on their systems (whats ur system configuration?) to help Avast! developers correct the bug in the installer.
of cause an opt in would be better for google chrome but by default it is opt out. Avast! does not force google on u...it is a bug in the installer.
people keep blaming Avast! for forcing it on them but refuse to help them solve the problem! great...(tech is here but ur not giving him anything meaningful to start off with!)
sry but expecting the bug to disappear by itself is not being realistic.
talking about whether google chrome should be bundled is another thing which will spark many debates altogether. it can be ur suggestion to have it removed to Avast! the main thing here is the bug, do not mix ur opinions in this topic.
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After using Avast for several years I had to uninstall it last year for not playing nice with my Windows 7 64 bit. Was thinking about installing it on my new laptop until I read that Avast was installing Chrome, sometimes without permission due to a bug. Sadly, that means I won't be installing Avast. I am security savvy enough that I don't worry much about infections - haven't been infected in almost 2 decades of personal computing, but it was nice having that layered security.
Personally, I'd rather Avast ask for a small fee for usage than sink to installing 3rd party software. I've been disheartened to see security software companies stooping to such measures - sometimes without asking permission. At the very least it should be opt in, not opt out. I'm also saddened to see people being attacked for not wanting their security software installing 3rd party software.
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Personally, I'd rather Avast ask for a small fee for usage than sink to installing 3rd party software.
Not necessary. It was a problem (bug), not a way to get money of.
At the very least it should be opt in, not opt out.
Well, of course, for the company giving away software for free, opt in allows that common user join and help (support) the development of the free software.
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My apologies for missing "Tech" earlier in the thread. Can someone please confirm if one particular mirror host is responsible for this "bug" in the installer? I obviously had trouble with CNet, and FileHippo is mentioned above as providing the wrong link. Is Softpedia OK? And what is the exact size of the correct file?
Whilst I don't like bundled 3rd party software, this is acceptable so long as there is a clear opt in/out screen during the installation process.
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... CNet, and FileHippo is mentioned above as providing the wrong link. Is Softpedia OK? ...
The installer is the same regardless the download site.
Whilst I don't like bundled 3rd party software, this is acceptable so long as there is a clear opt in/out screen during the installation process.
I think the same for an opt out option :)
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I have never even seen the Chrome option and it hasn't installed it on the Vista machine nor messed with the existing installations on the other two.
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I have seen it several times when doing a clean install (see image) and when doing an update install it has never been installed.
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Hello,
this issue has just re-emerged on my girlfriend's computer. This is totally inacceptable.
I did a program update from the user interface from Avast free version 6 to Avast 7 last week, today the popup came up and she tried to exit and the next thing she knew was that Avast installed Chrome on her computer. This issue is not resolved.
My foremost question right now: as I see it Chrome is not only installed but also turned into default browser.
How am I supposed to proceed to completely undo this process? How to do a complete and clean uninstalliation of Chrome (is there an uninstaller) and how to undo it as a default browser?
Please help, because it was Avast in the first place that caused this problem.
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I read through this thread and haven't fond the information I'm interested in...
Are there any known conditions that would allows us to reproduce and fix this bug?
1, update from what build -> latest v7 ?
2, OS?
The symptoms were described well, thank you. It's definitely a bug caused by the fact that the avast's "Finish Installation" dialog after reboot disappears without user interaction. And there is the opt-out chrome offer on this dialog...
thank you
Lukas.
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Avast Does install Google Chrome without asking.... but there *MAY* be a bug or maybe deliberate on Avast behalf!
Lets get one thing straight, there is no use doing a custom install OK, this is only for Avast modules - isn't that clear? There is no option to opt in or out in this window of Google Chrome in the custom box... am I right?
There is an option window that pops up prior to this custom box - but you only see it for a split second..... thus giving one no time to even select the box. It is this window were the option boxes are... or was, but the window comes and goes that fast.
Before anyone mentions-:
I had Avast crash doing a boot scan... I thought a clean install - big mistake as I ended up with Chrome. I uninstalled using Avast tool then cleaned ALL Alwil and Avast files.... and registry entries including Google Chrome opt/in out entry .... still got the same result, thanks I keep a cloned drive.
How come no one mentioned the flash screen that appears for only a brief second.... is this a bug or intentional?
Why isn't there a 'sticky' on this problem? Avast you are putting people off! Avast is about to be ditched if this isn't fixed!
Dave
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We are not aware of any "flash screen".
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Righto Igor, here we go-: To be clear we are talking a download from Avast and no other site.
The opt in/out Chrome is a screen by itself with a tiny box or two right down the bottom left hand corner... or it *had* used to be just before the custom install screen... I am seeing this screen for a brief second just prior to the Avast custom install screen...
you gotta agree, just gotta because there is NO Google opt in/out within the Avast custom install window where you select what modules you want to install.
The screen prior to this is only displayed very briefly, I've tried it on two computers for curiosity... OK, OK you tell us all where the option screen is then for Google... please do explain, lets put this to rest for the very last time so we can ALL carry on.
I can assure you there is a brief screen flash just before the Avast module select screen when doing a custom install... I'll ask again is this a bug or is this intentional?
Either this is sorted or Avast will come off , and pretty soon because I ain't hoping and praying forever - lets have it sorted and out the way.
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There was a bug which caused this screen to disappear but it was fixed long time ago and should be of no concern in Avast 8.
Edit: I just tried to install Avast 7 and update it to Avast 8 and everything seems to be fine.
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I suspected a bug.... sorry, it's still flashing giving one no chance, and many folks are not realizing where the option screen is.
Perhaps if you try doing a clean install, removing ALL Alwil files and Avast folders, getting rid of their entries in the registry along with Google Chrome opt in/out, you'll see what I mean.
On one trial I left them all alone and just used the removal tool and got the same result.
So when is this bug going to be fixed or is it being left to con people?
Had enough, Avast comes off NOW and just about to lose a customer, they ought to do better - don't pester me with offers, no more Avast - they KNOW what they ARE doing!
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Did the update today, let it run in the background whilst doing something else.
Rebooted, clicked to finish the process and had a message about being unable to install Chrome.
Had several boxes from Privatefirewall about Chrome so blocked them all.
Looked on C drive and found the folder, so looked at what was running: 2 processes and 2 services (the boot was slower than usual and less RAM left). Got rid of these and deleted the files and folder.
Searched in the Registry and deleted over a hundred items re. Google and GoogleUpdate.
Why was all of this dumped on my PC without my permission? Any dialogue asking me about Chrome should have stopped the process and waited until I answered - it didn't.
I've tried Chrome a couple of times and don't like it and don't want it, thank you.
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Yet Avast is doing nothing about it! Nothing in the sticky section either.... whats going on?
Dave
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Could you please provide more details and logs about the situation where avast installs Chrome without your permission? There is always opt out dialog which you have to confirm.
We don't want to install anything without your confirmation. If this really happens then I'd like to chase it to the root cause of this bug.
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Could you please provide more details and logs about the situation where avast installs Chrome without your permission? There is always opt out dialog which you have to confirm.
We don't want to install anything without your confirmation. If this really happens then I'd like to chase it to the root cause of this bug.
I don't have any log, or at least I don't know where it would be. The folder was C:\Program Files\Google.
There might have been some sort of notification, but if there was it wasn't there for long, didn't come to the front (I was using other things) and didn't halt the process until I was able to give an answer.
I've never had this before from an update; only from clean installations.
It's as annoying as Adobe wanting to install McAfee regardless of the fact that I already have an AV!
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lukas.hasik.
Where is the opt out box - I keep asking???
Just before the Customize Avast window where you can select Avast modules when doing a custom install, prior to this there is a brief screen flash.... only lasts about a second, the box should be at the bottom left of this screen, it happens so fast you just can't click it!
Again, *it had* use to be here, it's certainly not in customs install as some would have you believe! Please, take it from me there is NO other boxes and no other options, reading a couple of post back it was a bug that supposed to have been fixed.
I'm my case I had a BSOD whilst doing a boot scan was the reason I wanted to re-install Avast. I have removed Avast from the main drive whilst trying another Anti Virus program, it is still on my back up drive drive which I will reinstall should this be fixed. If I get to like the new AV - bye, bye Avast! I did remove ALL Avast and Alwill files and removed the registry entries as well, along with the Google Chrome opt entry from a earlier installation of Avast.... meaning, I must have clicked the relevant box not to have Chrome installed in the first place.
The box is simply not displayed long enough to be clicked... where else is the option - sorry I can't not explain any simpler!!!!
Dave
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Apparently the unauthorized Google Chrome install is still a problem in version 8. Today I updated my Avast version from 8.0.1473(?) to 8.0.1489. After my computer restarted I come to find Google had not only installed itself, but made itself the default browser.
Opt-in/Opt-out, it doesn't matter. I pay for this product. Why am I having other programs pushed on me during the update process.
This a serious breach of trust.
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Would it be possible to get Support packege or at least setup.log to investigate what and why happened?
thank you
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I let Avast do a Program update and during this the Computer rebooted and Avast had been updated but I also found that Google Chrome and a Chrome Toolbar had been installed. I have since uninstalled these. If this installation is part of Avasts update, then I am extremely disappointed that Chrome was installed without my permission. No other programs were doing any updates at this time. This is not about which Browser is better. It is about something being installed on my Computer that I did not want. I will be seriously reconsidering using Avast when my Subscription expires.
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Got a notification yesterday that I had to update my Avast, so I clicked the Update button. There were no further items to set, no check boxes that needed to be checked or unchecked, just an "Update" button.
At the end, Avast reported that my computer had to be restated, which I dod not do yet, as I was going to switch it off anyway, an hour later.
This morning I switch it on again, Avast shows a large window that the update needs to be finished. I click the finish button (again, no other controls) and after a while it is ready, presenting me a big smiley.
When I closed the window and minimized my email client, I see that Google Chrome appears to be installed.
I DID NOT ASK FOR THAT, I WAS NOT ASKED FOR THAT, I DID NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR THAT.
Trust me, my face did / does not show a smiley.....
I'm seriously reconsidering whether I should renew my license when this one expires.
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Got a notification yesterday that I had to update my Avast, so I clicked the Update button. There were no further items to set, no check boxes that needed to be checked or unchecked, just an "Update" button.
At the end, Avast reported that my computer had to be restated, which I dod not do yet, as I was going to switch it off anyway, an hour later.
This morning I switch it on again, Avast shows a large window that the update needs to be finished. I click the finish button (again, no other controls) and after a while it is ready, presenting me a big smiley.
When I closed the window and minimized my email client, I see that Google Chrome appears to be installed.
I DID NOT ASK FOR THAT, I WAS NOT ASKED FOR THAT, I DID NOT GIVE PERMISSION FOR THAT.
Trust me, my face did / does not show a smiley.....
I'm seriously reconsidering whether I should renew my license when this one expires.
You must have missed it, the pic below shows avast 7 but is essentially the same process for avast 8
http://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB6#
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No one has responded to my Post from the 21st. But I will respond to Craigb's reply to Trantor_3. Whilst I cannot speak for Trantor_3 I can assure Craigb and anyone from Avast that I did NOT get any such screen as posted by Craigb. In absolutly no way did I miss such a screen. There was nothing during my Avast update to indicate that Chrome was going to be installed.
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No one has responded to my Post from the 21st. But I will respond to Craigb's reply to Trantor_3. Whilst I cannot speak for Trantor_3 I can assure Craigb and anyone from Avast that I did NOT get any such screen as posted by Craigb. In absolutly no way did I miss such a screen. There was nothing during my Avast update to indicate that Chrome was going to be installed.
These guys here do not comprehend what is being said.... even I've told them umpteen times and so has many others before, this just inflames the situation!
I've given up trying, my subscription expires in August thank God !
Dave
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No one has responded to my Post from the 21st. But I will respond to Craigb's reply to Trantor_3. Whilst I cannot speak for Trantor_3 I can assure Craigb and anyone from Avast that I did NOT get any such screen as posted by Craigb. In absolutly no way did I miss such a screen. There was nothing during my Avast update to indicate that Chrome was going to be installed.
These guys here do not comprehend what is being said.... even I've told them umpteen times and so has many others before, this just inflames the situation!
I've given up trying, my subscription expires in August thank God !
Dave
Yep, there are some that get the warning others that don't. That's why I've stayed on ver 6.xx of avast.
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Rick F, no matter how many people pop up and say.... one or two here will not understand no matter their technicality.
There's been that many confirmations they still don't get it and tell folks otherwise. Thanks for the confirmation all the same.
Whats the heck the matter with some folks on here I do not know, they will argue until the cows come home, then before long you get a herd of them piping the same hymn...... well, I ain't speaking for anyone else but I ain't no loony!
And NO I certainly don't want Chrome, I don't want to be offered it either - OK!
A security program that offers piggy back installs is a virus in itself, it's a carrier!
Dave
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To provide the requested set-up log.
1) Right click on the avast "desktop" icon.
2) Click on open file location.
3) Double click "set-up" (see first image)
4) Double click "set-up....text document) (see second image)
5) Click "file" on the notepad and save to a location you can find it.
6) Attach to next post. :)
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To provide the requested set-up log.
1) Right click on the avast "desktop" icon.
2) Click on open file location.
3) Double click "set-up" (see first image)
4) Double click "set-up....text document) (see second image)
5) Click "file" on the notepad and save to a location you can find it.
6) Attach to next post. :)
That log was posted, but in another thread.
If anyone wants to take a look at it, it is here:
Reply #12
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=111525.0