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Macrium etc Free Software--How to avoid CNET Virus/Adware/malware prog
Hi everyone!
I was advised earlier on this thread:: Need a new Backup & Storage program
....that Macrium (and AOMEI) are good to use to backup my Laptop HDD to an external drive.
Larger 2TB, external drive purchased, and is on its way...
Now I'd like to get the Free Backup program Macrium.
One problem still remains:
I've stopped using CNET Downloads since myself (and others as experienced in this Google search), have been seriously harmed by CNET downloads
There have been problems with reported with the CNET site since 2008, check Google page:
https://www.google.com/search?client...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
I got hit by their malware/adware/toolbars so I refuse to use them as you can't remove them!!!! (On XP computer so I won't bother asking you here about them).
This is for a Laptop running Windows 7 Professional, so I don't want anything to go wrong (not mine, its a relatives' computer).
This thread from another (not Windows Seven Forum) website : http://www.thewindowsclub.com/safe-s...download-sites
....mentioned that "all" sites have a "direct link" so you don't have to use CNET Downloads,
Well.. I've looked high and low and even clicked on the paid versions of Macrium.... all seem to FORCE you to use the CNET download (with their CNET "installer" of course you must agree to install in order to get their "free" download (sorry for using so many quote marks, I'm using these words sarcastically if no one has noticed yet)
I don't want to have to go to an unofficial, potentially virus-laden site to get this program that will be making important, valuable irreplaceable copies of the only Drive in the Laptop! So don't refer me to anywhere else but the "official Macrium" download site....
Question is now: How to get free (or paid) Macrium backup software without all the CNET malware/adware/toolbars who knows what else??? installed automatically??
I checked Windows Seven Forum first, found a few helpful items... but no answers for me.
Layback Bear did a good reply here: (copied in full as its buried deep inside a thread)
Britton30 also added
Layback Bear
Thank you DavidW7ncus. The article (website) in your post #41 was great.
It was very informative and I recommend all to read. Sites like Cnet state their downloads are virus and spyware free. It does not state that they are free of all unwanted little goodies what ever name they may be called by. Just because something is not considered a virus or spyware does not mean you want it included. The adding of a unwanted Tool Bar which is not considered a virus or spyware is still not a good thing. The Tool Bar itself is not spyware but it does open the back door for spyware.
Beware of the tricky wording some sites use.
Their is no such thing as a no-brainier when it comes to downloading anything. That is exactly what the download site wants people to think or better yet not to think. Just run with the download. After all they love us all and would never do anything to harm us. Bull Droppings.
Thanks again for reading a long initial question everyone!Thanks for the credit Jack. I will hazard a guess that c|net add all the crapware, it's all about money. I no longer believe them that "this download has been checked and is free of adware and spyware."
XP VM USER (sorry got stuck with name on my first visit here)