Google Chrome Cleanup. Now powered by ESET

ESET provides Google with technology to protect Chrome users against unwanted software.

 

Also mentioned here:
Chrome Being Slow? Here's 6 Ways to Speed It Up

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tips/web-browsers/chrome-being-slow-heres-6-ways-to-speed-it-up/

 

I never could get into Chrome and heaven knows I have tried. There's just something about it ... and I can't even put my finger on it. I always go home to Firefox. Been using it since it was called Phoenix back in the day (at least I think that's what it was called back then). My last go-around with Chrome ended when it became slow as molasses and wouldn't often respond well to anything. Then a couple of updates didn't seen to go well. And that was the last round. I'm sure I'll try again one of these days.

 

That article mentions the standalone Chrome Cleanup Tool. The new Chrome Cleanup from ESET, is integrated into Chrome.

 

I am writing this on a weak kneed Chromebook and never have any problems browser wise which is a chrome derivative. For regular use, I now mostly use Cliqz a derivative of FF. Much faster and more efficient, so I seldom use FF. On that box I have Chrome and IE - neither of which I use.

 

Someone who is on the same exact page.

I have tried over and over and over again with Chrome. I do like it, it's not so bad and after all this is coming from a diehard Opera proponent from way back. I never found a browser as snappy as Opera for my end of things period. Actually still haven't, but web popularity in general grew at such a rapid pace in short order that every conceivable and their relations found ways to dump a wagon load of more and more ads, bugs, spiders, crawlers, you name it.

I know extensions/addons have also greatly improved and this user as others really appreciate that, but for the life of me Chrome and my systems still haven't blended to that idea combo, yet.

Not giving up, just sticking with the one(s) that have proven their metal enough to rely on as a routine. Chrome is not one of them unfortunately.

As a side note, is any browser developer produced a product where most blockers/security etc. are built-in without overly taxing it's performance?

Guess if they did it would still get picked apart with a fine tooth comb like any other freeware.

Just saying.

 

Yes, you're right. In Chrome it's described as Software Reporter Tool.

 

Where do I find this Software Reporter Tool? I'm using Chrome Version 65.0.3325.162 and I can't find it anywhere.

 

C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\SwReporter\VERSION\software_reporter_tool.exe

 

Thanks, but when I double click on it to run it nothing happens.

 

I think that it is run automatically. You can go to chrome://components and try to update it. After update it usually runs in background.

 

When does it automatically run? Is there a way of checking to see if it did run?

 

Here's how to disable it if you don't want it:

https://www.ghacks.net/2018/01/20/h...are-reporter-tool-software_reporter_tool-exe/

 

IDK. I know that after component update it usually runs it's executable, eating up CPU for a minute or two and then closes. Maybe you get a message if it finds anything but otherwise there is no notification that it performed a scan.

 

I use similar approach but there seem to be a flaw in that advice. SRT can be updated if you set ACL the way they did. New version is always installed in new subfolder so those ACL settings won't prevent updates. I also don't know if you can do anything with the file after you remove all rights. I prefer just to set deny execute for user and be done with it.

 

After emptying and removing of write rights of the directory:
C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\SwReporter\
... i couldn't see a single execution of software_reporter_tool.exe since months.

(Chrome is dropping the file to a temporary directory [after each launch of Chrome] but because it can't copy the file to the "SwReporter"-directory, it isn't executed)

 

Yes, you're right mood. It's a folder and not executable that has permissions changed. Removing write rights is IMO more sensible than removing all rights.

 

Is this what you were looking for in Chrome?
If so, click on FIND to run it from inside Chrome.

Click on the Help icon for additional info.

 

Hi @waking
How do you get to this settings, or where can it be found?

 

try Settings > enter 'clean' in Search >

 

Thnx bjm_. I had to update browser to latest version to get this option.

 

my bad, for assuming version
Chrome is not my daily rider.

 

No problem. Thnx for you help

 

IT SHOULD!

Spoiler

j/k

 

I'm using Chrome Version 65.0.3325.181 and did a clean search and it found nothing.