Guide | How To How To Prevent OpenCandy From Installing!!

[BCHatesMalware]

DISCLAIMER: The following instructions are geared for the Windows PC. Always backup your system before attempting to make any repairs/fixes. Do not attempt to do this, if you are not comfortable editing you system. The follow instructions do not damage your PC. They are a simple matter of editing the Hosts File, by adding the OpenCandy network web sites, to this file.
* END OF DISCLAIMER *

Now don't you just hate the OpenCandy stuff that sometimes tries to install onto your computer. Well, I have Good News. I have been blessed to find a way to help prevent this. So let's get going.

1. You need to download the latest version of a program called: HostsMan, unless you already have this program installed on your PC. I do highly recommend this program. The lastest version is: 4.5.102. Go here to download this program: http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman. Here are some stats about this program:

• 
  
  
  • Version: 4.5.102

• 
  
  
  • Released: September 2, 2014

• 
  
  
  • Size: 2.84 MB

• 
  
  
  • Requirements: Windows XP SP2, Server 2003 SP1, Vista, Server 2008, 7, 8, Server 2012, 8.1, Server 2012 R2

• 
  
  
  • License: Freeware

You can download this file as: a .ZIP file, or as an .EXE file.

2. Now, once you have downloaded and installed this program--you should find an icon, on your desktop, that looks like this:
. Click on this icon to launch the program.

3. This is what the Program Interface should look like (If you have just installed it).

4. Now, you will need to do some things in the Program.
a. We want to enable the Hosts Updater, so that the Hosts File will stay updated. So now click on
the [Select Sources] Button, as shown below:

b. Now once you click on the [Select Sources] Button, you should have this Interface Screen appear.
Now select all of the Hosts File Sources indicated in the list below. This will insure that you have
good protection. Then, click on the [Close] Button, in the lower right corner.

c. This is the Interface Screen that you should now see.

d. Now under the "Hosts Updater" Section, we want to enable the "Automatic updates" so that our
protection stays updated. This does require an active internet connection. Currently "Automatic
updates" is "Disabled". We shall now fix this.

 

[Av Gurus]

A simpler solution, for users who are not skilled, can serve program Unchecky.

 

[Ink]

DISCLAIMER: The following instructions are geared for the Windows PC. Always backup your system before attempting to make any repairs/fixes. Do not attempt to do this, if you are not comfortable editing you system. The follow instructions do not damage your PC. They are a simple matter of editing the Hosts File, by adding the OpenCandy network web sites, to this file.
* END OF DISCLAIMER *

For this reason, I do not think it's an ideal solution for the majority of PC users. As an alternate, most users can protect their PC against OpenCandy and other unwanted software by checking they have:
1. Antivirus with PUP-enabled.
2. Unchecky - http://unchecky.com
3. Always the Custom installation option
4. Read before clicking Yes/Next/Accept/Continue - Remember you can click on Decline.

Adware, toolbars and other unwanted software can be prevented IF the PC user reads what is on-screen, or chooses to Decline offers.

Unchecky runs silently in the background, using minimal resources.

 

[BCHatesMalware]

I apologize folks, but I was having some internet issues and above post was not completed. The steps are fairly quite easy, and since this is a Tutorial Forums, I am showing how to do this Step-By-Step, so that any user can accomplish this task. I will complete this shortly. :0

 

[WinXPert]

waiting for the next steps

 

[Rogue987]

Waiting on the Tutorial completion...

 

[soccer97]

Another step that I cannot "Officially" confirm is to disconnect from the internet after you have downloaded the installation file that contains the OpenCandy wrapper. Many of these "Add-on" offers are pay per install (thus when a user installs the program, it notifies the server, and the developer or whoever gets their affiliate/pay-per click portion). I have noticed that sometimes, they are not offered, or at least are not customized if the internet is disconnected during program installation.

 

[jamescv7]

Another step that I cannot "Officially" confirm is to disconnect from the internet after you have downloaded the installation file that contains the OpenCandy wrapper. Many of these "Add-on" offers are pay per install (thus when a user installs the program, it notifies the server, and the developer or whoever gets their affiliate/pay-per click portion). I have noticed that sometimes, they are not offered, or at least are not customized if the internet is disconnected during program installation.

Well your observation is correct, those bundled PUP need to be connected in the internet. For example CDBurnerXP without internet connection it just install directly comparing with connectivity enabled where needs a user approval for bundled program.

 

[soccer97]

Great, glad I can help.

 

[Bryan J]

Um, I'd suggest the OP's suggestion and not solely replying on unchecky. I say this based on experience. OpenCandy is easily installed w/o any indication via check boxes.

 

[soccer97]

Um, I'd suggest the OP's suggestion and not solely replying on unchecky. I say this based on experience. OpenCandy is easily installed w/o any indication via check boxes.

In addition to being vigilant about making sure the setup is configured correctly (not Express, and make sure boxes are unchecked), I always made sure to whenever possible completely disconnect from the internet before during and shortly after installing the program that was bundled with OpenCandy. This was a year or so ago. My understanding is that is a Pay-Per-Install system. It may also customize selections based on the program it's bundled into. The 'tracker' per se' must be sent during installation for them to get paid. Try it out w/o the internet.

Again, it's only what worked for me, and it was a year or 2 ago.


Previous post:

Another step that I cannot "Officially" confirm is to disconnect from the internet after you have downloaded the installation file that contains the OpenCandy wrapper. Many of these "Add-on" offers are pay per install (thus when a user installs the program, it notifies the server, and the developer or whoever gets their affiliate/pay-per click portion). I have noticed that sometimes, they are not offered, or at least are not customized if the internet is disconnected during program installation.

Maybe it just requires several people reproducing the situation now?