A question for LuckyBoy1 about Creative spyware. | Forums

[rijnton1944]

In various threads you warn for spyware installed by Creative and to run Adaware and Spybot after installing or updating from the Creative website.
However I used the Auto-update several times and ran Spybot and Adaware (SE Plus)in safe mode afterwards but never found anything.
How is that possible ?
Or are you referring to the ActiveX that is needed ? If so, that is in my case not detected by Adaware or Spybot. However I remove both manually from Downloaded Program Files in Windows.

[rijnton1944]

In various threads you warn for spyware installed by Creative and to run Adaware and Spybot after installing or updating from the Creative website.
However I used the Auto-update several times and ran Spybot and Adaware (SE Plus)in safe mode afterwards but never found anything.
How is that possible ?
Or are you referring to the ActiveX that is needed ? If so, that is in my case not detected by Adaware or Spybot. However I remove both manually from Downloaded Program Files in Windows.

[ytareh]

That Creative spyware is a curse ,really deeply buried but Ive found if try to get rid of some of it,it can mess up install.Sometimes takes 3 attempts (reinstalls)to get drivers to work properly.then again the audigy2ZS has got to be the absolute sound card of choice....

[steve_v]

Although not specifically invited by name to this thread, I have on several occasions said it is a shame that this service is so misunderstood. I am leaving you the folowing from Creatives site without underscoring the obvious. Please read it carefully.

----------------------------------------------------------

How Creative Software AutoUpdate Works

Creative Software AutoUpdate is an intelligent software upgrade tool designed to make software updates for your Creative products easy and efficient. This is just one of the ways we ensure that you always get maximum performance for your Creative products.

AutoUpdate automatically detects Creative products and software installed on your PC and determines whether your PC contains the latest versions of Creative software and drivers. When updates are available, AutoUpdate will provide you with a listing of essential, critical, and recommended updates to download and install on your PC.

Creative AutoUpdate uses a small, downloadable, 300KB module. This module is an ActiveX control that runs only this specific task. It will not self-activate in the future unless you initiate the Creative Software AutoUpdate program, in which case the same file will be used again without having to download it again. If you wish, you can delete the file once the AutoUpdate process is complete. Simply locate the program file "Creative Software AutoUpdate" from the Internet Explorer. From the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, choose Internet Options, then select Settings under Temporary Internet Files. A list should appear. Choose Creative Software AutoUpdate and press Delete..

To protect your privacy, Creative Software Web AutoUpdate does not record personal information. Only the Creative products installed and your basic computer configuration are detected during the system inspection and analysis stage. None of this information will be used by Creative for any other purpose.

[Weather_Man]

I'm not aware of any spyware from creative. It's much the same as UBI has been accused of installing spyware. No evidence has ever been shown.

If you're concerned, don't use the autoupdate and install the drivers manually.

[x6BL_Brando]

I'm with Steve's quote on this...no ill experience with this harmless piece of streamlined updating here.

[LuckyBoy1]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rijnton1944:
In various threads you warn for spyware installed by Creative and to run Adaware and Spybot after installing or updating from the Creative website.
However I used the Auto-update several times and ran Spybot and Adaware (SE Plus)in safe mode afterwards but never found anything.
How is that possible ?
Or are you referring to the ActiveX that is needed ? If so, that is in my case not detected by Adaware or Spybot. However I remove both manually from Downloaded Program Files in Windows. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


How is that possible?...

1) Dumb luck.

2) The particular update or programming you downloaded that time did not have any spyware in it.

3) Whatever security programming you have may have stripped out the spyware for you before it ever got on your PC.


Lemme explain a bit more on this. The driver disc Creative gave me with my Audigy 2 ZS had spyware on it including stuff from AOL. A driver update I downloaded from them had much of the same stuff on it. Does this mean you always will get spyware from them? No, it just means it is part of their behavior and as a result, you need to check and make sure after downloading from them.

I do not use the auto-updater simply because it insists on trying to start before Norton Internet Security and as a result, it conflicts with Norton. As a result, I manually download the stuff and besides, giving Active X priveledges to a company that is willing to ever give you spyware is not such a hot idea.

[Te_Vigo]

Thats strange that the Creative updater would try to start before Norton's, that is of course if I have read your post correctly.
The auto updater only runs when you go to the Creative download site and select run from there.
The autoupdater, is a bit of a misnomer in that it searches for installed creative hardware and components to automatically offer up the correct update/ patch for your particular component and driver/ software version.

The file sits in the Objects folder of IE, along with the Windows Update/ Office Update and Heartbeat (from MSN gamezone), Flashplayer, etc
None of the files that Spybot would pull up associated with pre ZS installs, show up with the ZS install.

If you are getting a startup conflict with Norton's, It could be a logon password at startup mismatch or even you might have the Creative Go toolbar installed.
NIS is also known for a startup conflict with Intel LAN
Ideally NIS should be installed in CleanBoot troubleshooting mode, after emptying the contents of the system Temp folder.

Also if NIS is configured correctly and Alert When a Program Tries to Gain Access to the Internet is turned on, with Automatic Program Control turned off, there should be an alert telling you that this Creative Autoupdater is trying to call home....which it doesn't.

[Weather_Man]

Get rid of Norton. Problem solved.

[LuckyBoy1]

Get rid of Norton? WeatherDude, how could you suggest I do such a thing?! After all, who charges me each and every time I need to speak with a live person on issues entirely of their own making? Who keeps making you buy the next years version of the programming instead of just renewing your subscription to be fully protected? What other program has such a strangle hold on everything? With that you are wondering why I stick with Norton?

Well, I'll tell you... mostly due to the "love and support" I get around UBI forums, I get occasional sad and poorly executed DOS attacks launched on me by some of the mental defective types around here. They also like sending me virus's, trojans, hijackers and other fun in the e-mail intentionally. They also sign up my callingelvis911@yahoo.com up for plenty-o-spam! With a password secured Norton Internet Security running, all this effort on their part just has the FBI and the RCMP knocking at their door and for nothing because Norton Internet Security just flat out handles it completely. PC-cillin is almost as good, but it won't run in safe mode. As far as Kaspersky goes, in order to get all the protections I need, it would cost about $140.00 for the programming. Panda?... I dunnow... Norton's got it handled and as long as it has it handled, I will stick with the evil empire of security programming.

Maybe I should just start posting things like...

Dude, that 250 watt power supply is fine for that Ultra card!

Dude, get the x800 card, it rocks and I don't need to see your diagnosis or know what you are using to push the card to encourage you to spend your money!

Dude, Oleg is a.... (insert whatever version suites you here) a) A God b) Cousin Billy's evil twin!

Then maybe the few maggots will stop and I can dump Norton like a bad habit.