SKYPE INSTALLING CRAPWARE ALONG WITH PROGRAM

It seems that Skype is automatically installing crapware called EasyBits Go without informing or asking users for installation permission.

Easybit produces a number of game apps and is supported by many major brands including HP, Dell, Acer and Skype among others. When installing Skype, the installation also installs the Easybit Go application without the users permission or any notification.

Skype responded to the accusations:

It has come to our attention that concerns have been expressed from Skype users over the update delivered to Skype Extras for Windows by Easybits software.

The software is provided by our partner EasyBits, and is part of the Skype Extras Manager. The Extras Manager has been included in Windows releases of our software since 2006. This latest update from EasyBits included elements of their desktop games organizer in error, but it neither installs nor un-installs correctly. This update has been disabled while we work with them to correct the problems and user experience.

Skype works closely with its partners to ensure that our users receive the best possible Skype experience and is working with EasyBits to ensure this issue does not happen again.

Users are reporting it is a bit of a issue removing the offending software. To remove the software:

• Disable and remove 3rd party access to the easybitgo.exe file in Skype via Options > Advanced > Advanced Settings > Manage other programs’ access to Skype
• Remove the Easybits Go program via the Install/Uninstall panel under your system’s control panel
• Exit Skype and make sure the Skype.exe is not running in the list of running processes (via Task Manager). Also temporarily disable Skype from starting automatically when Windows starts.
• Then restart your computer since the program will still be is use by the system.
• Once restarted, go to [Drive Letter]:\ProgramData or [Drive Letter]:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data and permanently delete theEasybits GO folder.
• Remove whatever shortcuts it may have placed in the start menu and desktop.
• If you are confident enough to dig around in your registry, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software and delete the entire EasyBits folder (thanks Christopher)
• Go to the Windows\Prefetch directory and look for the file EASYBITSGO.EXE-364DAFD6.pf and delete it. Also do a search for ezPMUtils.dll and delete them all.
• If you are on Windows 7, delete the go folder in this directory - Users > [YOUR USERNAME] >AppData > Roaming (thanks Lesa)