Zoombrowser malware ? ? ?

On a machine that was sitting idle, I got a sudden popup warning that zoombrowser.exe was detected as malware (avast).

On this machine, I have never run zoombrowser and if it is not called in by another app like DPP, it has never been run.

I searched, but could find nothing.

Just wondering if anybody knows anything about this.

Last night I updated my copy of AVG virus protection, ran a scan, and got a message that a Zoombrowser file (don't remember which one) was know as a bad file. I never use Zoombrowser and had deleted it but recently got a new camera and when I updated the software from the Canon disc Zoombrowser was installed again. I also got the same warning, saying a file was known as a bad file, on another program that had been on my computer for a couple of years. I have another Malware program that I use and it has never given me any warnings about either of the programs. I will probably delete Zoombrowser again but I don't know what I will do about the other program.

I'd say a real virus is somehwow masquerading under Zoombrowser alias, or AVG is somehow detecting bogus virus.

I have used Zoombrowser on my PC's (desktop and laptops since 2002, under WinXP and under Win7, with Malwarebytes and Spybots Search and Destroy as spot checks, and with Norton Internet Security and later Microsoft Security Essentials as scheduled full scans, and never have any of the four programs found any issues with Zoombrowser.

I still like using Zoombrowser for my wife to review photos I have taken after social gatherings, etc. and even for the very occasional use of my desktop printer to make a quick print of a photo (I prefer sending most prints out to Costco, rather than printing inkjet at home)

I'd say the spyware scanners are likely mistaken, assuming the ZoomBrowser installation was not messed up! It can happen, you know, with third-party software! Maybe alert the spyware scanners?

Thanks guys. I emailed Canon support immediately after posting this, and they replied it was probably a false detection. They did not put any investigative effort into it but I still tend to agree it is.

Funny it came up, tho. I have not upgraded any of the Canon apps in probably over a year or more, so I find it interesting Avast suddenly became aware of a "problem" that has been sitting on the harddrive all this time.

Like I said I do not use it, so I got rid of it. I'll upgrade the Canon apps and replace it. Thanks.

Picture North Carolina wrote in post #16415498
Funny it came up, tho. I have not upgraded any of the Canon apps in probably over a year or more, so I find it interesting Avast suddenly became aware of a "problem" that has been sitting on the harddrive all this time.

Like I said I do not use it, so I got rid of it. I'll upgrade the Canon apps and replace it. Thanks.

I did a web search about AVG reviews from users, and it seems that what had been a fine product has suddenly, in later versions, become quite problematic...read the reviews on Amazon.com from users of the most recent versions of AVG, very uncomplimentary reviews

http://www.amazon.com …ySubmissionDate​Descending

Wilt wrote in post #16416374
I did a web search about AVG reviews from users, and it seems that what had been a fine product has suddenly, in later versions, become quite problematic...read the reviews on Amazon.com from users of the most recent versions of AVG, very uncomplimentary reviews

http://www.amazon.com …ySubmissionDate​Descending

Avast and AVG are two different apps!

I've had Avast on my Windows 7 workstation for a couple years and it seems to be functioning fine. I've had AVG on a Windows 7 laptop and there seem to be some issues, although it gets used by other family members and I don't typically have it to troubleshoot!

tonylong wrote in post #16417050
Avast and AVG are two different apps!

While OP was about Avast, the first reply was about zoombrowser issues and AVG. So my response was directed at the reply, not the OP.

Amazon.com user reviews for Avast aren't strongly biased in the positive direction, either!
http://www.amazon.com …roduct-reviews/B0053D5RH0

Wilt wrote in post #16417307
While OP was about Avast, the first reply was about zoombrowser issues and AVG. So my response was directed at the reply, not the OP.

Amazon.com user reviews for Avast aren't strongly biased in the positive direction, either!
http://www.amazon.com …roduct-reviews/B0053D5RH0

So then, what's a freeware alternative?

tonylong wrote in post #16417488
So then, what's a freeware alternative?

Microsoft Security Essentials

tonylong wrote in post #16417488
So then, what's a freeware alternative?

Avira. Free for private use (pop up window now and then). I use it for several years with very good results. Three years ago the company I work for switched from McAffee to Avira as well.

drmaxx wrote in post #16417992
Avira. Free for private use

I've read that, too. I've had Avira install on my todo list for a while but have not gotten around to it.

Yes, AVG is problematic. I was once a solid user but dumped it on many machines years back because even then, before current bad reviews, I saw it turning into a bad egg.

And a single false detection does not make Avast bad. After all, it's free anti-virus stuff and one has to ask oneself if you would rather have a random false detection or have true virii slip by.

We're off subject here, but no matter what AV software is used, paid or free, everybody should also have malwarebytes installed on their system.

Wilt wrote in post #16417771
Microsoft Security Essentials

Even MS don't recommend MSE - LINK

hollis_f wrote in post #16418140
Even MS don't recommend MSE - LINK

Key note in that link,
"Microsoft’s official website still bills MSE as offering 'comprehensive malware protection' without any hint that they no longer recommend using it. Microsoft is not communicating well with its users.
Update: Microsoft has now released a statement, saying 'We believe in Microsoft antimalware products and strongly recommend them to our customers, to our friends, and to our families.'
"....According to Holly Stewart, Microsoft 'had an epiphany a few years ago, back in 2011, where we realised we had a greater calling and that was to protect all Microsoft customers.' She says that Microsoft passes its information on to other antivirus makers and helps them make their products better."

...I bet the epiphany is really Microsoft's realization that it cannot monopolize an industry built around its core, the operating system, and that it needs to coexist in an environment that encourages strong support by third parties developing and selling products built around that core!