PUP CNET Adware Bundle Uninstall Guide

PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle stands for potentially unwanted program, CNETs own installer that wraps a limited number of Windows software downloads in a CBS Interactive/CNET bundle which attempts to download and install sponsored software, mostly toolbars (at least its the Blekko toolbar at the moment). In other words, when you download a program from download.com you may get CNETs proprietary installer, not the the softwares installer. The downloaded file name begins with cnet_ or cnet2_, heres an example: cnet2_freeocr_exe.



If you install recommended toolbar or any other utility, 3rd party advertisers may track what you do on the internet to target you with products. Thats the main reason why CNETs installer is detected by some anti-virus products as adware, PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle and even a Trojan, although there are others. First of all, it can be a violation of a programs distribution terms. Secondly, users are likely to blame the software authors if something goes wrong with the sponsored software. But its clearly CNETs fault.

The actual installation is a 4 step process. The logical progression of CNETs wrapper software makes it very easy to accept sponsored software by default, especially for unwary users who dont take much notice of installer screens and tend to simply click Next, Next, Next. This is the third major problem with PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle - all the special offers and extras are enabled by default, what is known as an Opt Out system.



In our case, PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle wanted us to install Blekko toolbar and change our default search engine to blekko.com.

Detection:

• Adware.Downloader-207, ClamAV
• Adware.Downware.130, DrWeb
• Win32.Trojan, eSafe
• Win32/InstallCore.D, NOD32
• PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Some people say its a terrible idea while others are more tolerant of such practice. In terms of computer security, PUP.CNET.Adware.Bundle isnt a huge security threat. Although, CNET may attempt to install software detected as adware by some anti-virus products, its actually nothing more than PUP. Its not spyware. After all, you can simply uninstall both CNETs installer and sponsored software from your computer. Besides, its always a good idea to download software directly from the official website whenever possible. Or you can click the "Direct Download Link" instead of "Download Now" and you will get a pure installer, without extras.



By the way, what do you think about this new installer method? Good luck and be safe online!

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Scan your computer with recommended anti-malware and clean-up software:

Download recommended anti-malware and clean-up software and run a full system scan to make sure that your computer is not infected with malicious or potentially unwanted applications and that your files are not corrupted before proceeding with the uninstall process.

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