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    Lenovo Software Update Stealthily Installs Adware

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by srunni, Jun 25, 2009.

  1. srunni

    srunni Notebook Deity

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    Anybody here run into this issue? Is it as bad as they say?
     
    srunni, Jun 25, 2009
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I did notice in System Toolbox there's now adds for upgrades, very annoying.
     
    ZaZ, Jun 25, 2009
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  3. wilse

    wilse Notebook Evangelist

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    i don't get it? why advertise thinkpads to someone who already owns a thinkpad?

    its like those stupid anti-piracy ads they put at the start of retail dvd movies nowadays. they say "don't be a pirate!" to the people that bought the dvd - the people that aren't pirates.
     
    wilse, Jun 25, 2009
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  4. pipspeak

    pipspeak Notebook Deity

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    Uh oh. This is bad. A consumer laptop I can sort of understand (tho any ads are annoying). T-series are business-class machines and you really don't want to mess with business customers. What is Lenovo thinking?
     
    pipspeak, Jun 25, 2009
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  5. BinkNR

    BinkNR Knock off all that evil

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    Wow. Yet another reason for me not to install Lenovo’s software. If they don’t pull this and pull it VERY quickly, this might be the last Lenovo I buy. I also expect/require an immediate apology from someone high up (Mark Hopkins doesn’t count).

    What will they think of next? Replacing their solid keyboard with a flimsy one? Oh wait, they’ve done this already.

    Idiots.
     
    BinkNR, Jun 25, 2009
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  6. manekineko

    manekineko Notebook Geek

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    I'm thinking about buying a Thinkpad soon, though this is a major turnoff. Are there any Lenovo pieces of software that are important aside from drivers, such that I would lose functionality if I wipe the system as soon as I get it?
     
    manekineko, Jun 25, 2009
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  7. eney

    eney Notebook Consultant

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    manekineko
    I have a clean system, with no software from lenovo, and everything functions as it should.

    btw. shame on lenovo. it's stupidity
     
    eney, Jun 25, 2009
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  8. pipspeak

    pipspeak Notebook Deity

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    I always uninstall nearly all Thinkpad software. Some it useful but most is bloatware IMO that often conflicts with Windows. Most importantly I get rid of their software updater PoS, which causes more problems than it's worth.
     
    pipspeak, Jun 25, 2009
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  9. Thinkpad.Forever

    Thinkpad.Forever Notebook Geek

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    Business class would include the entire ThinkPad line (R, T, X, X tablet and W series) - SL doesn't quite make the cut as far as build quality and design are concerned.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=389329
     
    Thinkpad.Forever, Jun 25, 2009
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  10. nashpec

    nashpec Notebook Geek

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    That sucks, another reason not to install their suckware.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 7, 2015
    nashpec, Jun 26, 2009
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  11. snk

    snk Notebook Guru

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    are there any screen-shot?
     
    snk, Jun 28, 2009
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  12. joey-t

    joey-t Notebook Consultant

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    I have removed all the Thinkvantage stuff except for 2 programs, System Update and Active Protection.
    The System Update displays adds for batteries and stuff while you are downloading and installing the updates.

    Microsoft is placing a Windows Anytime Upgrade icon ad link in the Control Panel and a Genuine Software upgrade ad link in the System window.

    Edit - see next post for answer to pop ads
     
    joey-t, Jun 28, 2009
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  13. joey-t

    joey-t Notebook Consultant

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    Pop-up ads/messages are coming from the Lenovo's Message Center Plus.

    Go to Control Panel > Programs & Features and uninstall the program.
     
    joey-t, Jun 28, 2009
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  14. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I've install all of Lenovo's software after a clean install and I've been experiencing no such issues. :confused:
     
    usapatriot, Jun 28, 2009
    #14