Microsoft update blunders going out of control

[groze]

But for whatever reason, when I updated on the XP computer the Flash update decided to instal McAffee without my consent alongside it.

The Flash Player Standalone/Distributed installers don't have any of the Opt-in/Opt-out junk.
Adobe Flash runtimes / Adobe Flash Player Distribution

I've never had any McAfee or other addons installed using these to update Flash Player.
imho they are much simpler and easier to use - no checkboxes to uncheck.

That strange DavidE, I had it both way with the standalone flash and shockwave installer. You still had to uncheck boxes. However, It has been awhile since I downloaded a standalone installer.

 

[DavidE]

That's strange.
You peaked my curiosity so I just re-installed (updated) FP ActiveX and here are the screen prints of what I see.





Do you see something else using these installers ?
I do click "Never check for updates..." before clicking DONE in screen print 2.

 

[groze]

DavidE, This not meant to be rude, but it might come across that way, it is the way I write. I said I seen it both ways with & without. I think Adobe use to included the Ask toolbar a long time ago, wheter it was installed with web based or using the standalone. I can remember a time Adobe/ Macromedia had a slim version and a full version. The slim version contained no extras. The full version did whether it was a standalone or web install.

 

[DavidE]

No, that's not rude and don't worry about offending me ...
If I'm wrong, I prefer to know it so I don't post and spread wrong info.

I can't comment on "I think Adobe use to included the Ask toolbar a long time ago, wheter it was installed with web based or using the standalone."

I've been using these installers for "about six months" now, and they work for me.
I don't know how they worked or what they did "a long time ago" ...

 

[ThrashZone]

I installed flash for Firefox last night and Mcafee security scanner was offered
I might add Firefox does have an unusual install I did do the Manual of course
Commonly with Internet explorer it usually only offers Google Chrome and or Google toolbar but I have seen Mcafee/ ask in the past but not in a while,
Cheers.

 

[DavidE]

Did you use the Standalone installer ?

 

[DavidE]

If anyone sees something different than what I posted in post #62 using a FP Standalone installer, please post your screen prints.
I'd like to know, as I recommend these installers to friends and family i help, and use them myself.

 

[FerchogtX]

That's strange.
You peaked my curiosity so I just re-installed (updated) FP ActiveX and here are the screen prints of what I see.

View attachment 343817

View attachment 343818

Do you see something else using these installers ?
I do click "Never check for updates..." before clicking DONE in screen print 2.

I think he means the software offered when you are about to download the installer, FP installers never offer software inside them, the download page does

 

[DavidE]

Do you see any other software offered when you download from Adobe Flash runtimes / Adobe Flash Player Distribution ?

I don't.

 

[ThrashZone]

I don't believe it matters David most people simply don't look that hard for those download options,
Adobe has been offering crapware for a very long time with flashplayer/ reader/...

 

[Anak]

Do you see any other software offered when you download from Adobe Flash runtimes / Adobe Flash Player Distribution ?

I don't.

The only time I see something from the link you provide is if I click on the D/L adobe flash player rectangle in the upper right pane, it sends me to the page where I have to un-check the added install of mcafee security scan plus.

If I click on any of the other links on that page you provided, it opens an Open With/Save File dialog box.
I would normally save the file, scan for malware then open it which I did, I saw this:

I clicked on the "I have read" box and the install button highlighted itself, at that point I cancelled out because I'm already up-to-date.


I would have to agree with FerchogtX:

I think he means the software offered when you are about to download the installer, FP installers never offer software inside them, the download page does

If you're fresh out of the box and you need AFP you'll get the optional macafee offer but if you're updating you don't.


I have experienced both question/affirmation pop-ups (as shown in post #62) from AFP before when I updated AFP on XP, but with 7 I've been using secunia and then Heimdal and the updating process with both of them is silent.

Bottom Line?
If you're helping someone that needs AFP, warn them about the optional offer. If their just updating you won't need to, and if it ever changes, I'll be the first to warn you!

 

[lehnerus2000]

I use the standalone installers, as I also need to update multiple VMs.

You can get them (easily) from places like Filepuma.
Free Software Downloads and Reviews - Filepuma.com

 

[b89]

This is the reason I choose to manually update a week from the update release date.

Very good idea. The only exception IMHO is 0-days, especially for IE (even though I avoid using it, it still can affect Office using OLE, etc).