Is softonic safe and legal?

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by ProshixDC, Dec 23, 2013.

  1. ProshixDC

    ProshixDC Private E-2

    I downloaded something from softonic, (I did not run it) and I scanned the file.
    My anti-virus said it was safe, but just to be safe I scanned it with malwarebytes. It detected something, but I am not sure if it is a virus or a tracking cookie.

    I just deleted the file because I didn't quite trust it. The site looked safe, but I am still not quite sure.

    Also, I was wondering, is this website legal? Or is there some pirated software on there?
     
    ProshixDC, Dec 23, 2013
    #1
  2. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    It's just junkware.

    [​IMG] Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

    • Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts.
    • Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista or Seven, right-mouse click it and select Run as Administrator.
    • The tool will open and start scanning your system.
    • Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications.
    • On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
    • Attach JRT.txt to your next message.
     
    TimW, Dec 23, 2013
    #2
  3. ProshixDC

    ProshixDC Private E-2

    Thanks for the advice. I am kind of late on replying to this, but whatever :p

    I have a question. There is quite a bit of programs that are on that site, so would it be okay to simply download and install something on that site, and then remove all the junk-ware that came from the program? Or is that not a very good idea? I am assuming it is not. :p
     
    ProshixDC, Dec 29, 2013
    #3
  4. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    What site? It is just the removal tool that I gave you a link for. :confused
     
    TimW, Dec 30, 2013
    #4
  5. ProshixDC

    ProshixDC Private E-2

    I am referring to softonic.

    I know it is junk-ware, but I am asking is it a good idea to download from it, and then use the program (Junk ware removal tool) to remove all the junk that is associated with it.

    Thanks for any advice you give me in return. :)
     
    ProshixDC, Dec 30, 2013
    #5
  6. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    No, you don't have to download it. Just run the JRT and attack the log so we can see if it got any remaining traces.
     
    TimW, Dec 31, 2013
    #6
  7. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    The answer to this question is absolutely not a good idea! JRT will not find and remove everything. And we do not want to spend all of our free time cleaning your PC all the time. ;)

    You need to read the license agreements and popup screens when installing any software no matter where you download from. You need to opt out of installing third party software and toolbars when the option is given. If the option is not given then you should not use the software.

    softonic is not a good place to download from. We suggest that you download from www.majorgeeks.com. At least we check for malware on every program offered for download. There may be toolbars and similar include but they download page does tell you about it and you are given the option to not install during the installation process.
     
    chaslang, Dec 31, 2013
    #7

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