Yes, I selected the custom option and I was hit with Malware regardless, but even if I hypothetically, haphazardly installed Malware without unchecking the box or opting out, I was still hit with Malware by a site I once trusted. Thats the news.

Turns out they have a Malware policy and it looks like there lots of wiggle room in it. One mans terrorist is actually a freedom fighter type stuff.

http://www.cnet.com/download-malware-policies/

Better definition/term for this crap is 'Spamware'.

Malware would be key-loggers, trojans, virii etc...

I've avoided Cnet since I attempted to download VLC player once from them. They threw in a lot of junk and then the site just has that fishy feel about it, like one of those virus spreading sites that masquerades as a site to download graphic design things from.  

The Internet WORLD has become a far less friendly and more 'business' oriented thoroughfare.

I disagree Jafo. I respect your opinion, but anything that takes control of my browsers and practically renders them unusable is Malware.

agreed....browser hijackers.....should be included with my virii, trojans, etc.....[I forgot 'em]....

I'll accept that, Carl... the 'real world'-internet' isn't a valid distinction: They feed off each other, so they are equally real.

Thanks so much for the cnet warnings. It is indeed disappointing. I had a browser hijack experience about 6 mths ago, and wasn't sure if it was due to the domain admin provider of a certain client I was consulting (located offshore - triggering IE security certificate alerts) or visiting a certain site (now forgotten, sorry) with chrome. (And no, it wasn't a "naughty" one...)

Usually I like to solve these issues myself. Obtained a "spyhunter" cleaner which repeatedly identified a file associated with WB as being the problem. Noooooo!! None of the recovery methods I preferred resolved it. Due to multiple schedule demands I reluctantly engaged the services of a certain ISP tech support service. They finally got rid of it (deleting Application data folders, and to their credit informed that certain cleaners erroneously attribute fault) but I also now have no system help files. I could reinstall a service pack but since XP is near EOL I've chosen to cope. The other valuable lesson is no matter what, "physician heal thyself!"  

Wow, a Jafo self correction. This is historic.