I've used CCleaner from day one, I used to love Piriform and its products. But after the last update the free version doesn't start anymore because they ask me to try the Pro version. And even if I click NO (or "Try Pro version") they want to have internet access, which means the free version doesn't work. Sorry guys, but I will NEVER give you access to my data. Fortunately there are many other options around now. But why do you have to [Edit: "mess"] everything up???
Make sure you're only downloading CCleaner from the official site here:
https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/builds
And then make sure you get the Slim build installer, the last download link on the page.
OP got a "No" option?? I [expletive removed] didn't
So let's start my venting.
Apart from your latest version 5.51.6939 that did NOT indicate anywhere about being the Trial version before downloading and installing it, add these gems to your Hate Mail list:
a. Which idiot there authorised the same filename for both Trial and Free versions - the same QA Manager that let old versions be released under new version filenames on more than one occasion over the past few of years perchance?
b. When the Trial version first opens it shows the box asking to sign up to the Trial version.
WHICH YOU CAN'T [expletive removed] CLOSE UNLESS YOU KILL IT USING THE TASK MANAGER!
Whose bright idea was that, pray tell?
c. Flushed that Trial version out of the system (Gee, isn't Glarysoft's Glary Utilities handy for that?...), went to your "https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/builds" site and down'd the free "Standard installer" file.
As an aside, just why the [expletive removed] did you have to detail acquiring the Slim version to the OP there?
Anyway, installed what I downloaded, had a quick peek into the WinDoze Startup and there's now an interesting entry called "CCleaner64.exe /MONITOR"
"Monitor"?? Curiously I did not see anything during the reinstall asking whether any background monitoring was requested.
So whose bright idea was that to surreptitiously install that function??
Piriform seriously copped a slap around the head 'n shoulders last time they tried that [expletive removed], so let's see how many more users you lose continuing on with these antics.
The Slim build was suggested because it's a freeware installer, and it doesn't have any 3rd party software included, and since the OP was already upset why even chance an install with the Standard build which could "mysteriously" install Avast Free Antivirus without any user consent.
Edit:
Which ever build you download make sure the file names and hashes match to confirm you have the correct downloaded file, you can confirm by looking at this official announcement post:
https://forum.piriform.com/topic/53095-ccleaner-v5516939/
After getting the correct freeware installer you can disable that startup with Windows by doing the following:
1. Open CCleaner, and go into: Options > Smart Cleaning
2. Disable anything in Smart Cleaning that you don't want starting with Windows.
Having had serious issues with THAT previous build (that cost me more than a couple of maintenance contract paying clients by the way, thank you very much) I've just looked into this myself.
So why is there now a new Startup item added that wasn't notified ANYWHERE during the Free installation?
You don't even have any warnings posted anywhere.
Should we be now alerting everyone Piriform is back to dicking the End Users around, AGAIN?
Especially as I'm now having to go back to what's left of my customer base that still uses Piriform products and flag this to them.
And how about an actual Manager or Director of Piriform stand up and join in to this conversation - I'd like to get an official statement from him on it.
To my knowledge they have always automatically enabled Smart Cleaning (which used to be called something else previously and they've recently rebranded it).
The only version of CCleaner that avoids Smart Cleaning altogether is the Portable ZIP version available at:
Trail versions require an internet connection to check if the user is eligible and not already activated the trial in a given timeframe.
You can always download the free version of the software here on our site:
https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/download/standard
Or if you prefer the Slim or Portable versions on our builds page:
https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/builds
The free version of CCleaner will always be named ccsetup[version].exe whereas the trial will be cctrialsetup.exe. If you believe this to be incorrect anywhere, please let me know the location you have downloaded this from I will get it resolved.
Thanks
I think people must be doing something wrong!
I've always used the FREE version and because of the previous well-known issues I was still on CCleaner 5.44.6575 until a few days ago.
I'm now VERY aware of potential issues and look before I leap (install)
I've just updated 3 PCs to CCleaner 5.51.6939 by downloading from the genuine site http://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/download/standard and then manually installing it by clicking on the downloaded ccsetup551.exe file....as I always have done.
Also I run the installations "customised" to prevent CC options from being added to the Recycle Bin Context Menu.
No mention of Trial versions, Smart Cleaning was disabled by default (I was upgrading from a previous version as I mentioned and it kept my settings) and I have NO related Startup item in Task Manager, the only time a CCleaner process appears is when I run it!
I'm the first to complain when things go wrong but in this instance CC is doing just what it should be doing. Btw....before anyone asks - NO - I have no connections with CC or Piriform other than as a user.
Okay then.
It really strange - I downloaded Ccleaner, not from the official site (LINK REMOVED BY MODERATION), but I haven't any problems! Seriously, guys, I think it didn't depend only on the place from which you download software.
You must check your settings, verify compatibility and many other things!
10 minutes ago, Marta said:<div class="ipsQuote_contents"> <p> It really strange - I downloaded Ccleaner, not from the official site (LINK REMOVED BY MODERATION), but I haven't any problems! Seriously, guys, I think it didn't depend only on the place from which you download software. </p> <p> You must check your settings, verify compatibility and many other things! </p> <p> </p> </div>
Unofficial is unofficial and could contain flaws or malware. i've removed your link to the unofficial site and i'm compelled to ask you to only use official from now on.
Yup, for a program that advocates online security and privacy it sure has a lot of unsolicited connections - going on in the background, without any user interaction. As you can see in the screenshots, it's trying to connect (and update, or something?); even though everything, including (!) automatic update, is switched off from its options. Probably should file a bug report, but I really wouldn't wanna raise any fuss about it - it's still really great software.
All those connections are because it phones home. It's analytics, like so much other software has rather it's "freeware" or paid for. You can of course block all connection attempts.