skip to main content

Warning about Foxit Reader software update

10 years ago

I've been using Foxit Reader, an alternative to Adobe Reader for a couple of years. Earlier this week I got a notice of an upgrade to a newer version, and went ahead with the install. Afterwards, my browser home page and my search engine were set to something called AVG Search, which I had to spend some time undoing. How did this happen? Well, I am usually careful with any upgrade and inspect the install windows to make sure that there are no unwanted extras coming along for the ride. With the Foxit update, I saw no notice of anything extra. As I later found out, they do give notice that you are agreeing to install the extra crapware...but only if you choose "Custom Install" rather than the default "Standard Install." If I would have been savvy enough to click "Custom Install," I would have apparently seen a box that I could have unchecked and avoided this little problem.

So...just a warning to others out of this. Even if you don't use Foxit, this kind of tactic can happen with installs of other software. Although I have been satisfied with the performance of Foxit Reader, I am not happy with their underhanded approach to sticking me with unwanted extra junk.

I'm looking for another pdf reader....any suggestions?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

owbist
10 years ago
I have been using the PDF reader built into Firefox for some time now. No complaints with it.

Regarding your unwanted crapware I have been using the custom install for some time after realising some sites were doing exactly what Foxit has been up to. It is about money of course, they get a fee for all those unwanted installs, plus many of those probably do not get removed once the user has made the discovery.

For those who may fear using the custom install method it is very simple, you check off all you need and leave out what is not wanted.
mxyplx
10 years ago
Also gotta read the download site carefully. I have found a couple sites where the bad stuff gets installed with the download; that is before the install. So even if you don't install you got it. One was a solitaire game site - don't recall the details now because that was only last year so it wasn't long enough ago. :-)
Related Discussions
Foxit Reader
Q
Comments (11)
I downloaded Foxit awhile back and have no trouble getting things from website,s. Just wish I could get rid of Adobe I tried Add/Remove and get the following. "This patch could not be opened. Verify that the patch package exsists and that you access it, or contact the application vender to verify that this is a windows installer patch package". I really don,t know how to find patches ect the computer tells me I have Adobe 7.0.7
...See More
Can't do Toshiba software updates
Q
Comments (12)
Here's the results i got with Secunia. If I do these three downloads will that correct the seven applications? Results of scan: Detection Statistics: 7 Applications Detected in Total 3 Insecure Versions Detected 4 Patched Versions Detected Running For: 4 Minutes, 15 Seconds Errors with the scan: 0 Errors Detected, scan result should be correct Scan Options: Enable thorough system inspection Display only insecure programs Status / Currently Processing: Detection completed successfully Programs / Result Version Detected Status Adobe Reader 8.x 8.1.4.200 This installation of Adobe Reader 8.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats! The detected version installed on your system is 8.1.4.200, however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 8.3.0. Update Instructions: Download Installed on Your System in: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 8.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe Apple QuickTime 7.x 7.69.80.9 This installation of Apple QuickTime 7.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats! The detected version installed on your system is 7.69.80.9, however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 7.7. Update Instructions: Download Installed on Your System in: C:\Program Files\QuickTime\QuickTimePlayer.exe Adobe Flash Player 10.x 10.3.181.23 (ActiveX) This installation of Adobe Flash Player 10.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats! The detected version installed on your system is 10.3.181.23 (ActiveX), however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 10.3.183.5 (ActiveX). Update Instructions: Download Installed on Your System in: C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\Macromed\Flash\Flash10s.ocx
...See More
Security warning about java
Q
Comments (35)
no definitely not Moni!In fact it is extremely outdated, it's really important to keep updated java, adobe reader and other adobe product, including flash on every browser,which is mentioned in the second link for Corrines blog. You are definitely at risk. Shirley do you have the latest version of Firefox if not update it, 18 is current. Some sites do use java, most are moving to newer safer technology. YouTube shouldn't be a problem. Firefox yesterday disabled java in their browser which is why you are not seeing it now. It sounds like you are ok. According to recent info supposedly there will be a patch Tuesday, we shall see.
...See More
About downloads and add-on software
Q
Comments (16)
Other than a bug in an inopportune place or someone experiencing difficulty or non-functionality of a needed feature, most users wouldn't see a significant difference between Open Office and Libre Office. Same is true for updates - that's what keeps developers busy, but not always meaningfully for users. Libre arose as somewhat of an "anti-establishment" or renegade alternative. Projects like that are what draw the flies in the Open Source world. It's true that Open Office seems to have lost most of its momentum, and that could be reason enough to switch over at a later date or if problems arise that aren't fixed.
...See More
puzzlefan
10 years ago
It isn't just Foxit software. ALWAYS choose custom install for any software and updates to any of your software. The choice is sometime somewhat hidden but worth the effort to say no.

Related Stories

DESIGN PRACTICE Design Practice: How to Pick the Right Drawing Software

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Learn about 2D and 3D drawing tools, including pros, cons and pricing — and what to do if you’re on the fence

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

KITCHEN DESIGN 3 Dark Kitchens, 6 Affordable Updates

By Jennifer Ott Design

Color advice: Three Houzzers get budget-friendly ideas to spruce up their kitchens with new paint, backsplashes and countertops

MORE ROOMS 28 Great Real-Life Home Offices

By Vanessa Brunner

Houzz Readers Prove You Can Turn Any Room Into Inspiration Central

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Modern Treetop Living in Sydney

By Annie Thornton

Encouraging connections and calm, this Australian family home among the trees is all about subtlety

LIFE How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage

By Lisa Frederick

When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don't be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

KITCHEN DESIGN A Cook’s 6 Tips for Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Christine Tusher

An avid home chef answers tricky questions about choosing the right oven, stovetop, vent hood and more

MOST POPULAR So You Say: 30 Design Mistakes You Should Never Make

By Mitchell Parker

Drop the paint can, step away from the brick and read this remodeling advice from people who’ve been there

THE HARDWORKING HOME CES 2015: Inching Toward a Smarter Home

By Mitchell Parker

Companies are betting big on connected devices in 2015. Here’s a look at what’s to come

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

Problems with Outlook 2013

0

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3