Avast reports freeware "AutorunCD-Assistant 1.16" as "adware"

[mrag]

This (older) software is available from Snapfiles and Softpedia among others where it is claimed to be free of any spyware, malware, AND/OR "adware" although when I scan the download, Avast reports it as ADWARE! I'm not sure if an "ad" here or there is a bother-someone offers a program for "free" they should be able to get something back for their efforts. I just don't know what "adware" means, can it be completely uninstalled? How can places like SnapFiles say the software they offer is adware free and then this message pops up. I wrote to both Snapfiles and the developer but have not heard anything back. I did a Google search, but did not find any posted complaints. How should one handle this type thing?

link to software download page
http://www.snapfiles.com/publishers/vasilis-stamatopoulos/index.html

[DavidR]

You could also check the offending/suspect file at: VirusTotal - Multi engine on-line virus scanner and report the findings here. You can't do this with the file securely in the chest, you need to extract it to a temporary (not original) location first, see below.

Create a folder called Suspect in the C:\ drive, e.g. C:\Suspect. Now exclude that folder in the Standard Shield, Customize, Advanced, Add, type (or copy and paste) C:\Suspect\* That will stop the standard shield scanning any file you put in that folder. You should now be able to export any file in the chest to this folder and upload it to VirusTotal without avast alerting.

If it is indeed a false positive, see http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=34950.msg293451#msg293451, how to report it to avast! and what to do to exclude them until the problem is corrected.

[Tarq57]

I believe the detection by Avast is likely to be a generic one, and reasonable given that some malware applications change the autorun settings on the host computer. The little I've read about this one indicates it is probably legitimate software and thus this detection probably falls into the category of a FP, though quite a legitimate detection for the reason given.

[Lisandro]

I just don't know what "adware" means

http://webopedia.internet.com/TERM/A/adware.html
http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid183_gci521293,00.html
Or Google...

[mrag]

Thank you all for the information-very interesting. "Virus Total" (great resource) reported four (4) instances (out of 36 checks) where AutorunCD-Assistant was "adware-gen." Webopedia gave the following in distinguishing between spyware from adware: "When you stop running the software, the ads should disappear." I guess "should" is the key word in that sentence. AutorunCD is used to create a self starting cd-so Grand Mom only need insert a cd and a html based photo album (or other type program) will automatically start to play.

This AutorunCd program has been around a few years and is offered for download by some reputable sites. While those sites specifically state "no adware" I can only imagine if there were 'serious' problems/complaints, it would have come up before now. At this point, I'm inclined to agree with Tarq57. (Of course, I also thought Bush was a good choice in 2000!) Thanks everyone.

[DavidR]

Well GData uses avast as one of its two engines, one of the other detections is suspicious (heuristic) and in common with generic detections are more prone to false positive.

Submit the sample for analysis as in the how to report link in my first reply.

[bob3160]

mrg,

(Of course, I also thought Bush was a good choice in 2000!)

Following this to it's conclusion,  4 years from now, your remark will most likely be:

"I thought Obama was a good choice in 2008" 

(Slightly Off-Topic)