DANGER of DOWNLOADING ADOBE READER from WRONG SITE

[Rick24]

I recently clicked on a link somewhere to download Adobe Reader, so that I could open PDF files. Immediately most of my shortcut icons turned into Adobe icons and I couldn't open many of my files .

More importantly I couldn't use Google OR LOG INTO MY BANK ACCOUNT! - SCARY!

Luckily I have an excellent expert, Jason Dagless, who, using Team Viewer, spent about an hour re-setting everything - don't ask me what he did; there is no way I could have done it! - and now everything is back to normal .

Jason said: 'DO NOT DOWNLOAD FROM ANYWHERE EXCEPT FROM 'Adobe.com'

Has anyone else had this experience?
Would anyone recommend a better programme than Adobe?
Is there any other way I can open my PDF files?

Thanks.

 

[Berton]

Not with Adobe but have seen it happen with other programs on client's machines.

 

[Layback Bear]

It has been known for a couple of years or longer that one doesn't download Adobe from any place except Adobe.

Because you have the use of a expert I recommend asking if the expert has also done some security scans to make sure the false download of Adobe didn't leave some little evil buddies behind.
Sometimes they can leave evil things behind that don't look like Adobe and therefore are missed by just removing the false Adobe.

 

[Rick24]

Adobe Dangers

Thanks - yes, I think he has done security scans but has more to do, he says.
Yes, why don't Microsoft etc give one a page of Do's and Don'ts when you buy the machine. Non techie types like me need them - or we learn the hard way! I certainly won't repeat the mistake.

Rick24

 

[Layback Bear]

If Microsoft made such a list it would be like reading War and Peace and have to be updated hourly.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
This isn't isolated to reader and also applies to All third party apps,
Java/ flash player....... just because a webpage prompts you to download something does not mean you should,
Websites become corrupt at one point or another many website owners do not actively maintain there sites for content they either provide or sell/ rent space to other third party venders,

The best practice is to report any such popups to the site,
Verify via the developers site of the third party app if you have a current version installed all of them have verification tools,
Use the Do I have Java link,
http://www.java.com/en/
Verify flash is installed,
http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player.html?promoid=ISMRY
Reader also has one

 

[Jacee]

The best advice I can tell all of you, is to NOT download anything a website tells you that you need!


In order to keep your installed programs 'up-to-date' download Free Computer Security - Personal Software Inspector (PSI) - Secunia


Be sure to uncheck any added 'bundle-ware' that might be pre-checked!!!

 

[Rick24]

Thanks!

 

[Golden]

Is there any other way I can open my PDF files?
Thanks.

Several free viewers are available, the most common being:

Free PDF Reader | PDF Viewer Download | Foxit Reader
The Only Free PDF Reader and Creator | Nitro PDF Reader