March 12, 2011 Build of SUPER Triggers Adware Filters

[Guy Bruner]

Like many of you, I have used eRightSoft's SUPER free transcoding utility software without problem.  Today, I found that I needed to install the latest version: v2011.build.47 March 12, 2011.  I was surprised that Microsoft Security Essentials flagged it as containing a low level adware threat by the company OpenCandy.  I have MSE set to quarantine all potential threats and, unless you change the settings for all low level threats, you cannot opt out.  Since I had used SUPER before, I did some investigation.  I found that OpenCandy is used by a variety of software vendors, including CNET, to provide the end user options to install other software during installation of the particular, often freeware, software you just downloaded.  These are options you must accept for alternative software to be installed and you may decline without penalty.  Apparently, Microsoft and some other adware software began flagging OC in early March.  There is a detailed writeup on the debacle on the OpenCandy website.

After reviewing the issue, I decided to lift the quarantine, let SUPER install and take a chance on a low level threat.  SUPER will not install unless you let OC install its .dll in a temporary folder and you cannot read the eRightSoft EULA which tells you about OC unless you inhibit the quarantine. If you don't want to allow OC to install, you can opt out by not accepting the Terms of Service. During the SUPER installation, I was offered the opportunity to install 2 other pieces of software - RealPlayer and another utility - which I declined to do.  SUPER was installed completely without having to install the optional software.

Bottom line is that I do not believe that OpenCandy is a valid threat.  Apparently, this issue can be resolved by eRightSoft updating the installer package to incorporate a newer version of the OC .dll, which it has not yet done.  Basically, they have to jump through a hoop to do this for free software and I cannot fault them for waiting until it suits them to fix it.  You may feel differently.  If so, wait until they issue a newer build.  However, I see no danger in installing the current build.

[Tom Dickerson]

Guy, I see where they list m2ts under their video input formats. Can use also input Panasonic's MTS?

[Guy Bruner]

I'm in the middle of a transcode right now, but I don't see why not.  You can always change the file extension from MTS to M2TS if it doesn't like the extension.  It's the same container, just with a FAT compatible 3 character extension.

Edit:  I just checked an M2TS from my SD1 and it plays fine.  It was copied over to my hard drive using the Panasonic HD Writer software which just changes the file extensions as it copies.

[ForFun]

I ran into this myself a few weeks ago.  This stuff gives me the shivers.  I unistalled Super and ran a free program called Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and I'm pretty confident my computer is clean, now.  I "Googled" for a replacement for Super and ended up with Hamster.  I really like it so far.  Too bad about Super, though, I used it a lot and will miss it.

[granpa brian]

Odd - seems I've still got Super - Build 30.  I was just closing down, so I can't test it, but the usual dialog opened OK.  I'll investigate further in the morning.