MyPhoneExplorer and it's 3 malware applications

[modiX]

Firstly, I do speak German, but I want to use this english forum, so everybody can read.

When I installed your MyPhoneExplorer PC software my Anti-Virus warned me on about 4 files and so far I could find 3 programs that installs with your MyPhoneExplorer in background: Wajam, Wallpaper Changer (by Digital Distribution) and Weather Application (by Weather Forecast). Adware or maleware to earn some more money???

How dump is this? I would agree to pay for this program and you, dear Mr. Wechselberger, decided to put it for free and betray your clients with hidden software that will nest into your clients PCs? I donated 20€ some days ago, and now PalPay refuses to charge my money back. (The first PC I installed your program had no anti virus, but I already found this shitty Wajam on that PC, too.)

I'm really disappointed. A so neat and great program, and no clean installer, pfffff. -.-


Mr. Wechselberger, charge my money back that has come with the ref. ID PAYPAL *FJWECHSELB!

[Koelner]

Da du ja darauf hinweist, dass du auch deutsch sprichst, antworte ich einfach mal so. Nicht weil ich nicht will, dass jemand meine Antwort liest, sondern weil es einfacher ist.

Wer den MPE herunterlädt und installiert wird bei der Installation gefragt welche Programmteile er installieren möchte. Diese Adware ist enthalten um den MPE kostenlos zu halten. Das ist kein Hexenwerk und einfach zu verstehen. Dazu muss man aber halt sein Hirn einschalten und nicht einfach nur blind in jedem Fenster, welches sich auf dem Bildschirm öffnet, auf OK klicken, was du, deiner Beschreibung nach, mindestens auf zwei Rechnern getan hast.

Gerechtfertigte Kritik ist das eine aber haltlose Anschuldigungen sind etwas anderes. Das Forum ist voll mit Beiträgen, die die Entscheidung, Adware im Installer zuzulassen, thematisieren. Vielleicht wäre es eine gute Idee so etwas zu lesen bevor man sich wild geifernd auf eine kostenlose Software stürzt, die so ihresgleichen sucht.

[Shohreh]

When I installed your MyPhoneExplorer PC software my Anti-Virus warned me on about 4 files and so far I could find 3 programs that installs with your MyPhoneExplorer in background: Wajam, Wallpaper Changer (by Digital Distribution) and Weather Application (by Weather Forecast). Adware or maleware to earn some more money?

I'm also disappointed that the application tries to install at least two adwares, although it's not mentioned in the application's presentation:



Since MPE is free, I see no problem with trying to make money, but I think FJ Software should…

• Make it explicit in the Download page, so users know that adware will try to install itself in their computer (and we know that some of them are a big PITA to remove, even with computer skills)
• If the installer wants to install adware, remove the "Donate" button from PayPal

Cheers,

[okh]

Since MPE is free, I see no problem with trying to make money, but I think FJ Software should…

• Make it explicit in the Download page, so users know that adware will try to install itself in their computer (and we know that some of them are a big PITA to remove, even with computer skills)
• If the installer wants to install adware, remove the "Donate" button from PayPal

I would second that. I accept freeware installers with adware as long as I can opt out (or remove easily). But I am curious, I just upgraded to 1.8.6, and I
1) did not notice any other extras in the installer (are they hidden?),
2) have not found or noticed any malware so far (but did not look very closely).
What should I be looking for? Will Windows Defender find the malware described in this thread? Any other experiences or removal instructions would be welcome in case there is some nonsense running that I do not know about.

ok

PS - I used the installer linked on fjsoft.at - that is via fosshub.com - maybe different hosts provide different installers? If so, any information about which to avoid would be useful.

[fdo]

When I installed your MyPhoneExplorer PC software my Anti-Virus warned me on about 4 files and so far I could find 3 programs that installs with your MyPhoneExplorer in background: Wajam, Wallpaper Changer (by Digital Distribution) and Weather Application (by Weather Forecast) ...I'm really disappointed. A so neat and great program, and no clean installer

The Ecco Edition of MyPhoneExplorer added the synchronization of the famous information manager EccoPro to all other MPE options and is available at http://eccopro.com/myphoneexplorer/. This version of MPE is designed and tested to be “Malware, Bloatware and Adware Free”.

[triley7]

Confirmed Adware - This software is awesome & I was definitely about to donate but not anymore due to McAfee detections upon updating to version 1.8.6 (see https://www.filesanywhere.com/fs/v.aspx ... 606db8a6af for a screenshot of McAfee Adware detections). Developer - can you please fix remove?

[vix]

I have trying the software for a couple of days (also reported an issue with Textinput). Since it was giving it a try I prefered the portable installation. I don't have a third party antivirus software but did not notice anything, but these posting are very troublesome from my standpoint.

I was certainly about to donate as well, but will postpone it until the clarification of the issue since software stated as freeware must not contain any adware, malware, spyware etc. Otherwise it should be labeled as adware and expicitly state this, and it is up to the user to decide what to do.

[Koelner]

Well it always comes down to this, you have to read carefully and then click the right buttons.

No, there is no maleware in the MPE.
Yes, there is adware in the installer.
And yes, the adware can be opted out during installation.

The MPE is a free software. That means you can use all it´s functions and you´re not required to pay any money for that.
But who do you think, will pay for the servers the MPE is located for download? In the past it was enough to put a paypal button in it to cover the costs. But with the implementation of Android into the MPE the number of users has skyrocketed. To keep the MPE free of charge and avoid several juridical problems the adware was implemented into the installer. But never the users were unable to opt out that adware. So if someone is to blame, it´s the users that simply click on every upcoming button without reading it´s meaning.

I´ve read the terms and conditions is the most spread lie on the internet. Face it!

[fjsuser14]

There are good software programs out there which are VERY clear and TRANSPARENT about additional programs that the user has the choice to install.

Unfortunately MPE doesn't seem to be one of them. Moreover, the programs that are installed are very clearly categorized as rogue spyware programs.

Discovered two programs -
RegClean Pro, and
Advanced System Protector

Both by the same dodgy Indian company - http://www.systweak.com/About-Company/AboutUs/

[stevea]

I have used and gladly PAID a donation because I thought that the software was excellent. However I am now bitterly disappointed that this current version has installed malware into my system. I did not see the relevant opt-out buttons during the installation process (and I usually take care to look for such as this). Perhaps, the opt-out was hidden so that it got by unnoticed. I have no problem at all with the authors generating more income and if the donations do not cover this, then installing additional applications is fine provided that it is CLEARLY spelled out during the installation process with the default settings to OFF, so that the user, if they think the applications are OK, can then chose to opt-in.

[Sorterudolf]

When I read all these scary observations and experiences, am I really glad that I did not get downloaded and installed this program. I am grateful to you all for your input and contributions and a big hug to my 'download virus shield'.

[Koelner]

When I read all these scary observations and experiences...

Maybe you should read EVERYTHING to this topic and not only gossip from some people who obviously are unable to cope with the use of a smartphone and this software.

[Marco64]

I just created an account to second what many already expressed. I am also disappointed that a developer of a great piece of software feels the need to push malware (i can't call this adware) on its users. What also surprises me is the irritated tone of the replies of Koelner on this thread. If leading anti-virus software gets triggered upon downloading this software, it realy is a problem for the author of the software. Maybe he should be more picky on what bloatware he wants to be bundled with. And what also is incorrect imho, is that he is still using a donate-button when pushing unwanted software. He needs to decide to use one or the other. He will not get any donation from me until the bloatware is gone.

[fjsuser14]

And clearly its malware, as I uninstalled both pieces of software using their own uninstall mechanism, but still discovered traces of them on my system via the "Malwarebytes Anti-malware" software.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 27-Aug-14
Scan Time: 3:31:13 PM
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.00.2.1012
Malware Database: v2014.08.27.06
Rootkit Database: v2014.08.21.01

...

Folders: 7
...
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\2.1.1000.13665, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\Users\sb\AppData\Roaming\systweak\Advanced-System-Protector, , [3d55dcef5e1d2e08c8c836a991713bc5],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\Users\sb\AppData\Roaming\systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\2.1.1000.13665, , [3d55dcef5e1d2e08c8c836a991713bc5],

Files: 31
...
PUP.Optional.RegCleanPro, C:\Windows\System32\roboot64.exe, , [b0e24784f58679bd2f86684140c159a7],
PUP.Optional.RegCleanerPro, C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\ASP, , [c0d2aa21c2b949ed39914d9f41c1ba46],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\completedatabase.db, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\Cookies.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\DigSign.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\FilePathFIX.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\FilePaths.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\FileSignature.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\Folders.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\Md5.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\Registry.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\SetupSign.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\signatures\StrSetupSign.bin, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\100oupdate.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\1835completedatabase.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\1919mupdate.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\1920update.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\1921update.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\1922update.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\1923update.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\1924update.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\ProgramData\Systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\updates\1925update.zip, , [93ff0dbe4833989eb4dc439c14ee32ce],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\Users\sb\AppData\Roaming\systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\QDetail.db, , [3d55dcef5e1d2e08c8c836a991713bc5],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\Users\sb\AppData\Roaming\systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\Settings.db, , [3d55dcef5e1d2e08c8c836a991713bc5],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\Users\sb\AppData\Roaming\systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\Update.ini, , [3d55dcef5e1d2e08c8c836a991713bc5],
PUP.Optional.AdvancedSystemProtector.A, C:\Users\sb\AppData\Roaming\systweak\Advanced-System-Protector\2.1.1000.13665\ASPLog.txt, , [3d55dcef5e1d2e08c8c836a991713bc5],

[jmrk3sun]

I am curious why FJ has not responded to all these posts about unwanted software installation?

[cavveman]

Why not disable the networkcard/or removing the network cable during the installation. Works great for me.
I do this with all programs I install. If a certain program wants to download stuff I won't install it.

And I also have Malwarebytes and Avast installed, when you dont have internet the installer wont download those candywares/adwares. And neither gives a warning during the installation. Or when I use mpe.

[FJ]

I did not answer because i do answer all threads every 3-4 weeks. Its not possible for me to answer the threads daily, i have alot of other jobs related to MyPhoneExplorer. As the screenshot of Shohreh does show - the ad screens are clear and especially the opt-out possibility is (in opposite to other advertising screens of freeware) not hidden in any case. Just click on "Decline" - is it so hard ?

MyPhoneExplorer is ad-supported since beginning about 6 years ago. So its nothing new. I understand that there are maybe alot of users which would prefer to pay a normal license for the usage and i know that i would earn much more money by selling software licenses. But i have my reasons for this model and to say it clear - its my own decision.

@modiX: Contact me via email and tell me when and with which email you made the donation. I can refuse your donation, no problem at all.

@fjsuser14: If installed accidentially a ad-ware should be removable completly, I will contact Systweak to fix this issue.

[jgt1942]

Super disappointing that FJ has included malware in the installation. I did catch one of the apps but missed one. The options, if provided to not install the malware were not clear at all. VERY disappointing that it includes such. Based on this I will seek another solution for syncing my android to outlook.

[fdo]

Super disappointing that FJ has included malware in the installation. I did catch one of the apps but missed one. The options, if provided to not install the malware were not clear at all. VERY disappointing that it includes such. Based on this I will seek another solution for syncing my android to outlook.

Again, there is a malware free solution if you install the Ecco Edition of MyPhoneExplorer which also handles Outlook and all other options. Our world-wide EccoPro community of lawyers, architects, engineers, IT professionals, writers and many other entrepreneurs who use EccoPro to manage their daily information and time management needs requested MyPhoneExplorer to be "Malware Free". For more information about EccoPro and the malware free version of MyPhoneExplorer visit http://eccopro.com/about/

[mh9000]

English version below.

Einem geschenkten Gaul schaut man nicht ins Maul.

Aber hier liegt die Sache meiner Meinung nach schon ein wenig anders. Der Mensch ist ein Gewohnheitstier. Seit Jahren ist man es gewöhnt, dass Freeware eventuell unerwünschte Add-Ons enthalten kann. Alle mir bekannten Installer zeigen derartiges recht deutlich mit Optionsfeldern an.
Beim MPE-Installer dagegen wird der Anwender optisch im Stile eines typischen EULA-Screens dazu verleitet, die unerwünschten Komponenten versehentlich mit zu installieren - wer liest schon EULAs? Das ist dreiste Bauernfängerei, nichts anderes.

Darüber hinaus wird hier nicht eine "harmlose" Ask-Toolbar o.ä. installiert, sondern offensichtlich mehr oder weniger zufällig ausgewählte Malware. Malware deshalb, weil es diverse Virenscanner (F-Secure, Bitdefender etc.) als solche erkennen und weil saubere Deinstallationsroutinen fehlen. Allein die Tatsache, dass unterschiedliche Malware installiert wird (s. diverse Foreneinträge) macht deutlich, dass der Entwickler gar nicht beurteilen kann, welcher Mist letztendlich beim vielleicht etwas gutgläubigen Anwender landet.

Natürlich möchte der Entwickler einen Lohn für seine Arbeit haben, aber das rechtfertig keine solch halbseidenen Maßnahmen. Das Vertrauen ist schnell verspielt. Heute rechtfertigt er (abwählbare) Malware in der Desktop-Software, morgen ist es dann eine Komponente, die alle meine Kontaktdaten weiter gibt.

Möge jeder seine eigenen Schlüsse daraus ziehen.

---

Never look a gift horse in the mouth.

But in this case I think it´s different. Old habits die hard. For years you are used that freeware might include unwanted add-ons. All installers known to me show such with relatively clear option fields.
In contrast the MPE installer tries to tempt the user with an visually EULA-like screen to accidentally install unwanted components - who ever reads EULAs? This is a bold confidence trick, nothing else.

Furthermore no "harmless" Ask-toolbar or the like is installed, but obviously more or less ramdomly chosen malware. Malware because several AV software (F-Secure, Bitdefender etc.) recognize it as such and there are no clear uninstall routines. Simply the fact that various malware gets installed (see several panel entries) shows cleary, that the developer can´t know which crap ends up on the probably naive user´s computer.

Of course the developer wants to get something for his work, but this doesn´t justify such shady measures. Credit is lost all to easily. Today he justifies (selectable) malware in the Desktop software, tomorrow it might be a component that forwards all my contact data.

May everyone draw his own conclusions.