Avast is ruining CCleaner -- malware, bundled software, popup ads... what's next?

20MB for disk cleaner??? I must search for repacked CCleaner of 11MB. Wise disk cleaner and bleachbit are under 5MB and cleanup tons of junk.

 

Malware everywhere (brothers but with different mothers)

Windows 10 V1809: Update KB4469342 blocks old CCleaner Borncity.com | Dec 9th
Published on 9 December 2018 by Günter Born

Users who are using an older version of the CCleaner tool may receive a warning on Windows 10 October 2018 Update (V1809) that the tool no longer works. This may be the case especially after installing the update KB4469342.

 

Did anyone notice CCleaner 5.50 peeking into User/Your _user_name folder w/o a user knowing? WD flagged it when I turned ON Ransomware protection.

 

@Ultra Male where are you? Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast "Malware" have released CCleaner Portable v5.51.6939 (13 Dec 2018).

Subscriptions
- Added ‘Subscription Management’ button
- Minor usability improvements to the 'License Information' panel

General
- Updated a website link to use HTTPS
- Added new translations for software update notifications

With more frequent updates there is a bigger chance you will get a Mickey mouse running in the background from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig. Thanks

 

I'm skipping CCleaner updates. v5.50 shows Free for Home Use in title bar and taskbar just like Beta testing Avast AV I was beta testing 5-7 years ago. I think CCleaner 5.50.x is a test version and not for general public release.

 

And the saga continue... Disgusting!

CCleaner may be installing Avast anti-virus without your permission
www.techspot.comBy David Matthews, Today Dec 20, 2018 6:22 PM

Avast is acting more like the malware it's supposed to defend against


Facepalm: Many users of popular system cleaning app, CCleaner, have complained that installing the software also installs the Avast anti-virus program without their permission. We have confirmed those claims.

Ever since Avast acquired Piriform, the maker of CCleaner, there has been a steady stream of disappointment from a user base that once totaled around 130 million people. Reports have been coming in that CCleaner will install the Avast anti-virus software without permission. This is troubling indeed.


https://support.piriform.com/hc/en-...1-Why-has-Avast-been-installed-to-my-machine-

Why has Avast been installed to my machine?
December 13, 2018 20:37

Avast is not offered during every CCleaner install . For example, if you have declined the option to install Avast recently, the offer won't be displayed again for a time. Nor will the install option be displayed if Avast is already installed. Therefore, if Avast is installed on your machine, it could be from a previous CCleaner install, where you would have been asked if you wanted to install Avast and were given the option to opt out.

We recommend you use antivirus software as it helps protect your PC, but if you feel it’s not for you, CCleaner can uninstall it (go to: Tools > Uninstall). If you are still having trouble please follow these instructions.

--------------------------------------------

To all those whining/complaining about in-software ads/popups/silent updates...




No in HELL I will pay to avoid their Malware.

 

@Ultra Male where are you? Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner v5.51.52.6967 (17 Jan, 2019)

General
- Minor bug fixes
- Localization improvements to several pages including License Information
- Code refactoring for improved stability
- Updated copyright across the application to 2019

Please report if you can see something nasty running in the background from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig. Thanks

 

I'm skipping it for now... but I've updated to latest Windows update released on 15th jan for v1803.

 

@Ultra Male where are you? Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner Portable v5.53.7034 (02/19/2019)

Cleaning Rules
- New cleaning rules for Amazon Music and Amazon Kindle

General
- Increased the default Smart Cleaning notification threshold
- Fixed a crash when running CCleaner alongside Norton AV products
- Fix a crash in the Professional Trial

Please report if you can see something nasty running in the background from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig. Thanks

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner Portable 5.54.7088 (04 Mar 2019)

Feature Preview
- Some users of CCleaner Professional (and its trial) will find an early version of a new feature in the Tools menu. We will fully roll out this feature to CCleaner Professional in the coming weeks

General
- Fixed an issue that, in isolated cases, could cause some notifications to be shown too often

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner Portable 5.55.7108 (12 Mar 2019)

Software Updater (CCleaner Professional edition)
- Added new Software Updater feature to the ‘Tools’ menu
- Scans your PC and shows any available updates
- Select which apps you want to update and queue them up
- More improvements coming soon!

Browser Plugins
- Fixed Opera plugins not displaying correctly

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background pushed from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

Just when j00 thought it can't get worse... now you get a popup to upgrade the moment you select the TOOLS menu from the left pane:

CCleaner Free update introduces Tools menu Popup annoyance

 

“Piriform decided to bind a popup notification to the Software Updater tools menu. The popup is displayed if Software Updater is selected. Problem is, the company decided to make Software Updater the default tool in the Tools category“”

Piriform is Dead!! It’s Avast Malware Group now. You support them bruh... With money

 

I only have the Avast Pro Antivirus and have not the need for the other editions which are full of bloat

 

I'm using ccleaner 5.50 on 19H1.
Ultra Male don't install 19H1 Beta/RP version for now, even on alpha/beta builds there are some issues and they haven't fixed them.

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner Portable v5.56.7144 (9 April 2019)

Software Updater
- Moved the Software Updater to the second slot in the ‘Tools’ menu
- Stability improvements
- Improved software identification
- Added new supported software

Browser Cleaning
- Improved IE & Edge cleaning

Bug Fixes
- Fixed an issue where the 'Cookies to Keep' list was not saving correctly

Localisation
- Added Malay language

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background pushed from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

Downloaded this version for 19h1 compatibility.

 

Ive got most versions back to v50 on a flash drive. If anyone is interested in an old version let me know. I think I use v51? I like the ability to tweak start-up tasks easier than w/ task Scheduler, "include" in order to clean temp and garbage folders -but thats about all CCleaner is good for anymore. *PS -Remember to disable any newer versions 8 min post boot call to Avast in Task Scheduler immediately on install (gotta turn that off asap or you'll have AVAST's latest version upon next boot)... and of course disable live monitoring, update checks, et. I install it while disconnected from online just to be safe. Oh, and Piriform programs like Defraggler will also update CCleaner for you, lol (in case you still use defraggler on an old HDD -heads up).

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner Portable v5.57.7182 (14 May 2019)

Change log:

Easy Clean
- NEW! Simplified cleaning flow: ‘Easy Clean’
- Original ‘Cleaner’ renamed to ‘Custom Clean’

Software Updater
- Software Updater now confirms when there are no pending updates

Startup Management
- Added a new tab in ‘Startup’ to manage Windows Services

Settings & Preferences
- Added ‘preferred home screen’ setting (inherits preference from ‘cleaning results’ setting)

Installation
- Have made steps to address the ‘Error opening file for writing’ bug by improving termination of existing CCleaner processes prior to install

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background pushed from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

I'm deprecating CCleaner in favor of Wise and BB products. GoodBye Avast CC.

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner Portable v5.58.7209 (Jun 6, 2019)

Change log:

Easy Clean
- Fixed a bug that was causing Easy Clean to disappear from the navigation menu

Browser Cleaning
- Fixed an issue that prevented the cleaning of Chrome's Download History

Installer
- Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer is no longer offered in CCleaner

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background pushed from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

I wasn't aware that Avast bought out CCleaner and Malware? Really Avast what's the point of introducing Malware into your program?

For those that want a version of CCleaner prior to the monitoring and popup ads here's version 4.17 which goes back to 2015 http://filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/58488/

Edit: Version CCleaner 4.17 doesn't even install on Build 1903. I just uninstalled CCleaner from my PC.

 

Thanks OP, never realized how bad CCleaner turned into. I also had NO idea they were purchased by Avast. That said, i'm glad I read about this because I uninstalled CCleaner for good. Now i'm using Wise DIsk CLeaner which just cleans out the junk files, NO Registry and it found more stuff than CCLeaner.

It also looks to be a free even though they sell a yearly subscription . I checked my free version and it didn't say anything about time trial.

 

Have been sticking to an older version 5.51.6936, does everything I need, & the calling home is blocked in firewall. All well, no reason (yet) to ditch this (for me) good tool (in w8.1), using it daily.

 

Same here. I only remove startup apps using CCleaner and occasional cleanups. Full time cleaning duty is distributed to Bleachbit, Wise disk cleaner, system Ninja and cleanmgr+.

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner Portable v5.59.7230 (25 Jun 2019)

Change Log:

Easy Clean
- Fixed a bug that prevented Easy Clean from being shown correctly to a small percentage of users

Software Updater
- Fixed a DPI display bug in the upgrade window

Localization
- Inserted additional translations into the installer

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background pushed from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

I'm still using CCleaner 5.53 Slim version w/o issues and its on Life support because I've replaced CCleaner with Wise Cleaner, Cleanmgr+, Bleachbit and System Ninja.

 

Using VirusTotal I ran CCinstall.exe versions from v5.29 to 5.5+/-, taking notes as to community feedback. For whatever that's worth, v5.39 was leader at -1 and +137.
On relatively newer CC versions don't forget to goto Task Sched. & disable Avast's phone home (Avast likes a check-in, approx. 8 mins post boot -even if users disabled monitoring/updatecheck in CC's Options menu).

 

Haha.... I am using older version and switched to BB,WDC etc.. for thorough cleanup.

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner v5.60.7307 (July 16, 2019)

Browser Cleaning
- Improved the Flash cleaning rules in Chrome, Opera & CCleaner Browser

CCleaner Browser
- Added Smart Cleaning & Easy Clean support

Software Updater
- Fixed a disappearing text bug
- Fixed a navigational bug

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background pushed from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

Two words start with the letter F and end with the letter H, Flash and Filth. On all of my browsers I have Flash disabled. I have a hatred for that Malware.

 

@Papusan @Rodster @Vasudev

Another reason to avoid CCleaner like the plague...

Beware: CCleaner may install CCleaner Browser and remap file associations

Use this instead:

Wise Disk Cleaner Portable

 

Yes, already switched to wise products for faster cleanup and less bloat. On most of my clients I've switched to Wise while some are on older ccleaner.
Only thing I use on CCleaner is startup apps section. My muscle memory won't let me uninstall CCleaner because of that! Though I'm training my muscles to use System Ninja and others.

 

You don't need that, use Autoruns, it is the best startup apps/services/dll files program. It has a search filter also to make it easier to find stuff.

When downloading the ZIP, you only need to run Autoruns64.exe. I delete the 32-bit versions of it. No need for those

Be smart...be like Ultra Male...

 

You should uninstall Avast AV if you still use software from that Malware company. Then post why you wont support this tragic company anymore (in Avast own forum). NONE should support that type company. Period!

 

I'm using Norton Antivirus Basic now. 0 bloatware, just a powerful scanner. I have not the need to support a malware company anymore.

 

I will remember this comment But what with my other reply? < post why you wont support this tragic company anymore (in Avast own forum)> ? When you have done this... Post the link

And if you don't know... Avoid AVG as the Plague it is well. Avast spread its cancer everywhere https://blog.avast.com/avast-and-avg-become-one

Edit. When the cancer meets their own disgusting child... Avast blocks CCleaner

 

You see... Ghacks put in CCLEANER in the same article when they talked about Avast and what a trash it is... How to disable the email signature in Avast Free Antivirus

"Is this the price we pay for a free product? The pop-ups asking you to subscribe I can tolerate, slightly. The fact that this isn't an obvious place, to have the option for an email signature is what's questionable. It is not by any means a protection feature at all, so it shouldn't be hidden in this manner. I find this to be an unethical practice by Avast. Speaking of which, Martin has written a nice PSA about CCleaner's shady new settings."

Avast ye, scallywag!

You see? Avast is Pure Cancer as Company!

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner v5.61.7392 (Aug 20, 2019)

Windows Cleaning
- Added cleaning for Windows 10 clipboard history

General
- Improved translations for: Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Finnish, Hungarian, Korean, Norwegian, Slovak, Swedish and Turkish
- Stability improvements

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background pushed from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

Microsoft bans CCleaner from its support forums

 

I think Avast gave CCleaner a bad name and began cleaning up disk and reg files aggressively!
I will discontinue CCleaner this month. It seems "Old habits die hard" I have been using CCleaner since 2007.

 

It seems Micro$lope has a deal with Avast and went in bed with them. Afraid of being hit by monopoly accusation? Avast who is mainly security software and Microsoft has to go damn quiet in the doors due their Win Defender... But this means they just sell their soul to avoid court.

Microsoft Removes CCleaner Ban From Their Community Forums bleepingcomputers.com | Sept 27, 2019

Microsoft has decided to roll back their decision to add CCleaner to a blacklist that would prevent the software's official site, www.ccleaner.com, from be posted in the Microsoft Community Forums.

 

Need "seeker" aka guinea pig. Avast have released CCleaner v5.62.7538 (03 Oct 2019)

In this release, we have enhanced Microsoft Outlook cleaning and are testing some feature and installer improvements.

General
- Added cleaning for recent searches in Microsoft Outlook

Feature Preview
- Some users of CCleaner will be able to preview the next iteration of our Easy Clean feature. We will fully roll out this feature in the coming weeks

Installer
- We have listened to your feedback and are testing improvements to the presentation of product offers during installation

Please report if you see something nasty running in the background pushed from Avast Malware Group. Hence the need for guinea pig Thanks.

 

^^^ Tested portable, seems very clean, except for 3 net connections (see attach.).

Didn't manage to block it in firewall, because of being a portable? anyone has some tips? Thanks.

 

No problems blocking it here.

 

^^^ Thanks, no problem blocking the installed version, but the portable slips through even with everything set in fw.

 

I never install it, I didn't lose my mind yet. I only use the portable version and this method does work for blocking it.

Additionally, you can add it to your HOSTS file

Code:

0.0.0.0 license.piriform.com

 

Thanks for confirmation that the portable is very blockable, & was not implying you were not using it, just info that my (older) installed version was blocked with no fuzz, so the fw itself is working fine.

Now, on a hunch, moved the portable off desktop, reset path in existing fw entry, now blocking fine, go figure :O)

 

no offense bro but who the heck puts apps/files on his desktop?

Be organized, be like Ultra Male : All portable apps have an easy to access folder in the start menu, I place CCleaner, Defragment & Optimize Disks, Uninstall Tool in the Maintenance folder in the Start Menu for example.

 

:O) nothing installed\saved on desk, but sometimes used for shorttime testing of this and that, aka that cc portable, + the temp saving of files under work before they get moved to a 'real' location.

And to finish my ccleaner report, that 5.62.7538 version looks clean, fine and useable :O)