CCleaner, clean or not ?

System: Windows XP Home Edition

I decided it was time for some 'cleaning', and downloaded the latest version of ccleaner.
From the website and filehippo I uploaded it to virustotal and jotti.

ClamAV flagged it as malware (trojan), the other scanners didn't find anything.

I tried several versions, each time ClamAV reported it as malware. An old version passed.

It's probably a false positive. But I want to be sure. Recently I've learned to check each file before executing it.

Anyone who uses KIS (2009/2010 ?) and has tried to run Webroot's Window Washer will know that 'cleaners' are not always 'clean'.

Ccleaner includes a Yahoo toolbar (stealth installation?). I suppose that could be sufficient reason to flag it.

Feel free to comment. Right now I don't want to run it.

Are there any good alternatives (free) ? Index.dat files are important.

 

Not a stealth installation, the default is to install it (bad) but it can be un-checked during the install.

 

Before installing, I scanned ccsetup.exe with avast!, Avira, MBAM and Prevx. If they don't have a problem with it, then I don't, and I personally wouldn't care too much what ClamAV says. - My 2 cents.

 

...can also dLo the Slim-version of CC and avoid the issue of toolbars, if you're not going to install the "extra".

 

Isn't the Yahoo toolbar optional though? I know the first time I installed Ccleaner I failed to untick the Yahoo toolbar installation box and then spent ages removing the bloody thing. Piriform do state that their product is spyware/adware free and I think it does a decent enough job.

 

CCleanerSlim doesn't have the toolbar included with the installer...

 

and yes it (toolbar) is optional.

 

This topic is moving so fast that by the time my post is displayed it makes me look like the village idiot. Oh well

 

Avira AntiVir flags Evidence Eliminator's installer as Trojan Zlob. I don't know if it is a false positive or not?

However, I use CCleaner on daily basis. What puzzles me about it is that there is always 5 MB in the Temporary Internet Files to clean, even right after cleaning and rebooting?

 

Have you tested/tried CCleaner v2.23.993 - Slim? The Slim build is compiled without the Toolbar.

You can download CCleaner v2.23.993 - Slim here:
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds

I have been using Webroot Window Washer from day one of its premiere, all builds are clean.....


HKEY1952

 

Yeah, I'm with HKEY, I can't imagine any problems with Webroot's Window Washer. As with anything, just make sure you're getting the real deal from the product website or one of the reputable download sites (download.com, Major Geeks, etc.).

 

Webroot's software needs to be handled with care.

A brief comment on Webroot's Window Washer:

When I was trialling KIS (2009 or 2010 ?) I ran the trial version of Window Washer. Short version: WW burrows deep into the system. It also has the ability to break through most firewalls. KIS actually showed me HOW, but I don't remember the details.

 

Someone must have reported this issue, both the slim build and the standard build are now clean according to all AVs.

 

WOW, I sure would like to read the long version of this security breach.....it might revolutionize Windows Built In Security and Fame KIS number one of all time.


HKEY1952

 

If I am in doubt whether a software may be malware or not I give the maker a call. Not an email but a plain, old-school, out-of-fashion, real life telephone call.

Try THAT with the makers of CCleaner!

Then start wondering...

 

CCleaner is freeware -- why should they bother taking your call in the first place.

 

There has been a posting in their forum asking them why they are anonymous. The poster rose this questions:

It is Freeware as in "no financial business model involved". Given that...

* Why do they register the domains with anonymizing registration services at extra cost?

* If searching the maker "Piriform Ltd." in the UK company register you will find a virtual office provider address as the "place of business" of the CCleaner company

The posting has been deleted quickly from their forum.

Makes me think, why the efforts? Why spending so much money on anonymity if all I do is giving away "freeware"?

P.S.: Here is my research for Piriform.

 

i use the portable version no problems
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds

clamAV portable tried it found false positives in progs and games i've been using for years avira personal is better and free

 

Now this is interesting... Who is Piriform? All I could find is this little bit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piriform_(company)

 

In this case who cares? So what they have chosen to remain private, whoever they are. They do have proven track record, especially with Ccleaner. That speaks for them.

What comes to malware detection in such well known software people should really think hard before screaming infected (imho).

False positives are a fact of life.

 

I for one reserve the right to care for whatever I think is appropriate. People - and organisations - who cloak their identities usually have something to hide.

 

Exit the stargate initial perception quickens my heart rate
This dark place planet Earth orbits one star
Come from afar far away state of mind
Open up your 3rd eye Black Helicopters in the sky

 

What do you mean with proven record. What is proven?

1. The only thing that is proven is, that they seem to try hard to stay anonymous.

2. The only thing that is proven is, that they give away their software for free.

3. The only thing that is proven is, that nobody seem to care why a company that gives away software for free invests a lot of money to stay anonymous.

These are the facts that just don't fit for me.

 

@ enrico, I see nothing suspicious in this at all. Like many companies they use serviced offices. If you're that concerned obtain their reports and accounts and you can see who the directors are. They provide freeware, so have a right of anonymity in my opinion. You have absolutely no facts, just pointless wild speculation.

 

Proven record as in they produce, and have produced for several years, solid software which works as described and they do not charge you for fixing errors or cleaning files.

Situation would be different should they pop up now offering software which only scans for free but charges for cleaning/fixing. Then I'd be suspicious.

Too much paranoia doesn't help. It just makes one's life miserable.