Windows 7: Chrome MysterySpyware ?

Out of boredom, I downloaded the latest Google Chromium 18.0.1010.1. from filehippo. The installation placed a normal Chrome shortcut on my desktop which I deleted.

After browsing about 15 minutes, I noticed another shortcut for Chrome with a horsehead atchd to the Chrome logo A click on the shortcut stated Google Chrome Saratoga. Unable to find any info about Saratoga and Chrome I deleted it.

Within 5 minutes, another shortcut appeared on my desktop Google Chrome Buttondown with a persons silhouette. I deleted the shortcut and Google Chrome.

Please note that I did not create shortcuts for Chrome, they just appeared. I have downloaded Chrome and Chromium previously without this occurring.

Anyone have this happen before or know what this is ? Don't laugh guys, I am not making this up !

Well... it is a beta version, so bugs sometimes happen. Report it to the Chrome development team... after all, that's what betas are for! And then run the usual malwarebytes/superantispyware scans for peace of mind.

I recommend trying these snap shots:

Index of /f/chromium/snapshots/Win_Webkit_Latest

I've been using them for quite awhile now. I download the win32 zip. Back up my data and exe folders before unzipping. If I get a buggy one I just put the one I was using back. They are very stable.

I'm running 18.0.998.0 now. The only thing that's a pain is you can't tell the version or build number until you run the program(unless there's some code I don't know about in one of the files.)

Make sure to back up your settings/data folder because if you run a new version it might not like the old version after that due to some settings change. Just copy the Chromium folder back and it will work again.