RegClean Pro not wanted on Download

[DGFerris]

Hi all. I want to download Avast! Free (highly recommended by ComputerActive magazine), but without downloading RegClean Pro as well; I already have a similar program installed. There doesn't seem to be a choice in the Download page. Thanks for help!     

[Pondus]

where do you download avast from?

direct liks in first post here   http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=147778.0

[propheticus]

Regclean Pro is a piece of crap, pardon my French. It's fluffware that does more harm than good (almost all reg cleaning is useless and in the worst case even harmful). So you're absolutely right in not wanting any of it. Be careful with the 'similar' app you've got though.
I'm curious where this app is bundled with Avast, as I find it highly unlikely they would do this themselves...

[Eddy]

If you want to download avast and it comes with any other software, the location where you are trying to get it from is not trustworthy.
avast doesn't come with crap.

[DGFerris]

Hi all, thanks for replying.  Pondus, the Avast! download was redirected to a site called 'Download.cnet.com'. Avast's page was greyed out, with RegClear Pro in front.

I agree, Eddy, that Avast wouldn't knowingly bundle what ComputerActive magazine calls a PUP with their download. Seems PUPs attach their 'crap' program to normal good ones in order to do their work.   I became alarmed when every time I clicked on 'Decline' it just moved me forward to the Install button! Even at that point there was no way to get out of the process except by shutting down via Task Manager.

The question now is: Where can I get a clean download? Are there other sites that do the job?

Thanks again for your help.

[Para-Noid]

I use either filehippo.com or softpedia.com for most of my downloads.
If you use download.com (cnet.com) use a lot of caution before clicking.
They, cnet.com, are well known to bundle their own software with a download.
Of course the best bet is always the vendors website. 

[ram1220]

 Cnet used to be a good site to download files from years ago. But over the past few years they have started to bundle junk with whatever download someone wants. I would just avoid Cnet in the future.

[iroc9555]

The question now is: Where can I get a clean download? Are there other sites that do the job

The link that Pondus gave you is from the main avast! topic where you can find the direct avast! server links. If you want it easier, this is the link: http://files.avast.com/iavs9x/avast_free_antivirus_setup.exe

[polonus]

Be cautious with download links. Tried to download a tool from a developer site and avast! saved my day by blocking a hidden install of Bing_Real_Bar_195.exe crapware or worm. More and more almost all developers try to bundle bloatware and crapware either openly or hidden to earn some pennies whenever they can, it is a present day common annoyance,

polonus

[Paul_D]

I agree, Eddy, that Avast wouldn't knowingly bundle what ComputerActive magazine calls a PUP with their download. Seems PUPs attach their 'crap' program to normal good ones in order to do their work.   I became alarmed when every time I clicked on 'Decline' it just moved me forward to the Install button! Even at that point there was no way to get out of the process except by shutting down via Task Manager.

If Avast allow CNet to be used as a download site, they ARE knowingly allowing other software to be bundled with it, because that's what CNet does, and a substantial proportion of the computer community are aware of that.

Re PUPs in general. The keyword there is the first "P", which stands for "Potentially". Many PUPs are not inherently bad, it's the underhanded delivery methods that are. I have several PUPs specifically excluded from reporting in MalwareBytes because they are programs I wanted and installed deliberately myself.

When I look for a program or update my preferences are:-

1. The author's site, if it offers direct download.

2. MajorGeeks.

3. FileHippo.

Some sites that definitely bundle:- CNET., Download.com, Softonic, Soft32, Tucows, SourceForge, Softomate, Brothersoft, Filewon.com. That is NOT an exhaustive list.

[DGFerris]

Hi all.   THANKS FELLAS!   Your help is exactly what I needed.

[Eddy]

You're welcome.