ImgBurn Bloatware/Spyware

Kimberly wrote on 7/6/2013, 9:13 AM
Hello All:

I just updated my ImgBurn to the latest version from the ImgBurn website. I chose the mirror that was hosted by ImgBurn.

I was then unpleasantly surprised to see three pieces of bloat/spyware came along with the ImgBurn install even though I declined the install of "extras" when I did the install:

My Tools/Internet Options/General/Home page was changed from my personal setting to http://search.conduit.com/?ctid=CT3300195&octid=CT3300195&SearchSource=61&CUI=UN20057682056693155&UM=2&UP=SPEB619F20-56AD-461B-8311-17C71C1FF7A4

A toolbar called WhiteSmoke New V2 Toolbar was installed.

An application called Search Product by conduit was installed.

I understand people need to pay the bills; sneaking bloatware/spyware into your downloads is not an honorable way to do that.

I have removed these three items. I've never used ImgBurn much, only now using it because my new external BD burner is not recognized by DVD-A (and ImgBurn for that matter).

Your mileage may vary on your next ImgBurn download. Good luck!

Regards,

Kimberly

Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 7/6/2013, 9:28 AM
"Changed: No longer bundling/offering the Ask.com toolbar in the setup program, OpenCandy now handles product offerings during installation."

Very few people like adware bundled with their free aps. But it's a fact we continue to live with, and opencandy always gives opt-out options during installation. The days of just "clicking-through" an installation dialog are long past.
Doug A. wrote on 7/6/2013, 9:56 AM
The same thing happened to me about a week ago. I did a system restore because i wasn't sure what else it had changed on my computer. Disappointing...
PeterDuke wrote on 7/6/2013, 10:21 AM
The other thing is that the sites for downloading freeware (and not so freeware for that matter) often have a plethora of big download buttons all over the page for stuff you don't want. It takes some time and careful consideration to find the download link you really want.
wwjd wrote on 7/6/2013, 10:48 AM
Tangent: so, what is the all around best free burner? I use CDBURNERXP cuz it does everything I've needed... is there better? As in, mor utility for us video guys?
BruceUSA wrote on 7/6/2013, 12:41 PM
I think if you do the default install you will get all kind of spywares installed along with the program. I always do custom install, so that I can see whats is being installed onto my computer.

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MSI PSU 1250W, Windows 11 Pro

 

Gene Aum wrote on 7/6/2013, 12:52 PM
Kimberly, I just checked three computers that I keep updated with the current ImgBurn release. None have the 'extras'.

Re alternatives, ImgBurn is the best in class. If one looks at the changelog with each update it's amazing the number of new features usually included, as well as bug fixes. The author must put some serious time into the constant improvement of this product.

Steve
John_Cline wrote on 7/6/2013, 5:06 PM
I have noticed that during an install when presented with optional software that the button to disable the additional software appears to be grayed out but, in fact, it can be selected and then you can deselect the software manually. It is clearly deceptive but if you pay close attention, ImgBurn can be installed without the unwanted bloatware.
Kimberly wrote on 7/6/2013, 5:50 PM
I have noticed that during an install when presented with optional software that the button to disable the additional software appears to be grayed out but, in fact, it can be selected and then you can deselect the software manually. It is clearly deceptive but if you pay close attention, ImgBurn can be installed without the unwanted bloatware.

I saw the un-select box and I'm sure I checked it, but all the extras sneaked in there anyway. It is certainly possible I missed something in the install.

On a brighter note, I just used ImgBurn to make a BD-RE with my new external Archgon BD burner. I created the ISO in DVD-A 6.0, but neither 6.0 nor 5.2 recognize my Archgon burner. This is weird because it recognized external LaCie and LG DVD burners that I've used in the past. Anyway, the video looks spectacular on my 1999 32-inch Panny. The audio for the menu sounds fine. The audio for the content sounds like there is an echo. Must investigate . . .

The ImgBurn site has a "donate" button that accepts PayPal. That's a cool idea and I'm going to donate. I've done that with other software that I use. I'd rather donate than deal with the bloaty-sneaky ware.

Regards,

Kimberly
JohnnyRoy wrote on 7/7/2013, 6:52 AM
I use BurnAware Free. I found ImgBurn gets too confusing sometimes with all of the various disc formats. BurnAware Free has an extremely easy to use menu with no technical gibberish. They also have paid versions so they don't need to ship adware with their free products to make money.

I do agree that the days of just clicking "next" through an install are over. You need to read every screen, especially the EULA to see if you are agreeing to have additional software installed because sometimes that's where they ask for your consent! You don't need to read every word, usually the first sentence of each paragraph is enough to tell you what it's about.

~jr
UlfLaursen wrote on 7/7/2013, 1:40 PM
Looks good JR - will try it out.

Ulf
DavidMcKnight wrote on 7/7/2013, 8:56 PM
It's unfortunate that he's moving more toward default spyware/adware extras.
I very recently PayPal'd him some money because I use and like ImgBurn so much.
Hmmm.
Kimberly wrote on 7/7/2013, 9:24 PM
There is a neat little software called Diffractor (behaves like Picassa) and they have a PayPal "donate" button on their site. If you "donate" $10, you get to be a Platinum Sponsor or something like that. You get a pop-up message from time to time that says You are Awesome and I think maybe one or two more features.

I donated because I liked the software and the low key way they solicited donations. I'm a small timer who sells niche videos, so I appreciate how hard it is for the small guys to make a buck. Also I don't mind paying for products that I use. Maybe the ImgBurn folks could consider something similar to what the Diffractor folks are doing.

PS. Thanks JR for the suggestion on BurnAware. I downloaded a trial. Haven't tested it yet but I do like the simple interface. ImgBurn is a little to complicated looking for my tastes.

Regards,

Kimberly
DGates wrote on 7/7/2013, 11:42 PM
ImgBurn is awesome. Best in it's class. After using just once, I immediately donated 10 bucks to them. That's a pittance for such a solid piece of software. But I wonder how many people even bothered to donate? Probably not enough, and now they've added third-party software to bring in some more revenue. Can't blame 'em.



john_dennis wrote on 7/8/2013, 12:14 AM
I threw some money at him. Probably should do it again.
Kit wrote on 7/12/2013, 4:28 PM
I just updated to 2.5.8 and saw nothing to decline nor any indication that extras were being installed. I should probably send some money as well.

Kit
teaktart wrote on 7/13/2013, 3:04 PM
I like to make copies of tv programs recorded onto dvds - personal use only. The newer versions after 2.5.5.0 do not allow me to make a simple copy/burn if there is more than one program on a dvd. I'm forced to 'build' a dvd which is a PITA before I can create the .iso or .bin for burning.

Anyone else run into this problem? I've deleted all updates and cling to my 2.5.5.0 version for just that reason.

eileen