Re: Viewpoint Media Player in Security http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r11755316 en Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:21:57 EDT Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:21:57 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11762610 Mele20 : I've had Viewpoint Media Player for close to a year. It has never asked to update. But I don't have AOL or AIM. I got Viewpoint Media Player so I could view 3-D program on Hondas, or Fords, I don't recall which. It is a great player. It has never popped up, never done anything spylike. Only time it runs is if I go to a site that uses Viewpoint Media Technology for ads. I use Proxomitron so I don't see ads unless I choose to do so and I have chosen to view auto ads, and some others, via Viewpoint Media Player because they are great interactive ads which are very useful if you are considering purchasing a new auto and want to examine the auto carefully.

In my experience, VMP is not spyware. Perhaps it is if you have AIM but otherwise no.
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The first and foremost function of our jurors is to protect private citizens from a tyrannical and intrusive government...Jurors are the last line of defense for liberty. Thomas Jefferson 1789]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11762610 Wed, 03 Nov 2004 06:41:40 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11760620 Steely : Let us know if it comes back in any form after you use your AOL software again. Good luck!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11760620 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 23:11:25 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11760519 drake : Thanks all.
I decided to go ahead and get rid it. No harm done.
That update ad that kept popping up was rather annoying, nevertheless.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11760519 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 23:01:11 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756732 Steely :
said by drake See Profile:

I would need to press Ctrl + Alt + Delete - click the process/application running and hit End Task for this particular 'ad'.
Exactly what "process/application" is running when this happens? Do you see anything listed in your MSConfig Startup window that might be triggering those pop-up messages? The reference to a "Search Toolbar Component V2" is what worries me. Now THAT sounds like spyware. I wonder how it relates to the Viewpoint Media Player installed with AOL and/or AIM (if, in fact, it does).]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756732 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 15:47:27 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756529 vukodlak75 : Yup, I tried it and it does get reinstalled.

»Viewpoint and AOL]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756529 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 15:26:07 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756450 Steely : I usually read about VMP in these forums with respect to AIM. But since I have the full AOL 8.0 or 9.0 software installed on most of my computers, I've opted to leave it alone. Besides, I think I remember reading that AOL will simply reinstall it if it's deleted, and if that's the case there's no sense in deleting it in the first place. I don't get ads in AIM because I use DeadAim or AIM Ad Hack, so that's not an issue. But I've never seen a pop-up update window like you're getting. My guess is you have something more than AOL's VMP to worry about (otherwise wouldn't AOL simply update itself?). As far as tracking info being "sent back" to the server, personally, I couldn't care less. I'm fine with AOL knowing what content I view with their player while using their software. I just wish AOL would be more upfront about what it's doing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756450 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 15:19:34 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756408 bluepoint : What's sending you those updates is viewpoint manager that's secretly installed with aim together with its player. You can uninstall the manager or both without hurting aim if that's what you wish.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756408 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 15:14:36 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756294 muf :
said by drake See Profile:

It also says that it basically sends info back to the Viewpoint server; I suppose that doesn't hurt, I hope.
It's doing it without your consent and in a secretive manner. What exactly is it sending to Viewpoint behind your back? If it was me, it would be off my pc. Anything that installs software without your knowledge, sends information across the net without your consent and basically acts in a sneaky manner can't be good. If i've not made myself clear let me confirm. I WOULD GET RID OF IT! But hey, it's up to you.

»www.spywareguide.com/product_show.php?id=880

muf
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We want... a shrubbery!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756294 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 15:00:28 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756256 vukodlak75 :
said by erwin_mi See Profile:

Viewpoint Media Player also seems to be part of Adobe Atmosphere Player for Acrobat and Adobe Reader.
...and Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0. Nothing has flagged it and ZA Pro has never alerted me of it, so I left it alone.
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"Disconnect and self destruct one bullet at a time
What's your rush now, everyone will have his day to die."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11756256 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 14:56:31 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755975 erwin_mi : Viewpoint Media Player also seems to be part of Adobe Atmosphere Player for Acrobat and Adobe Reader.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755975 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 14:31:04 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755801 drake : Thanks all.

muf See Profile;
I took a look at the link you provided in your post. According to the content text:

The Viewpoint Media Player is often installed without giving the user notice and without mention in the installing program's licensing agreement. The user does not consent to the installation in these cases. Removing the installing program does not remove Viewpoint. These are the primary reasons why Viewpoint is listed as spyware -- it does keep some tracking information (see below) and it does not notify the user.
It also says that it basically sends info back to the Viewpoint server; I suppose that doesn't hurt, I hope.
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We Can Help you trap the bad guy by visiting our BBR Security Forum! He won't escape!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755801 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 14:12:07 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755336 kpatz : I always nuke Viewpoint from systems I clean off. In addition to uninstalling it from Add/Remove programs, make sure to delete it from the AIM folder as well.

In addition to the rumors that it is spyware, Viewpoint is also the source of those very annoying video ads in AIM, so that's another reason I remove it.
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One curse down, one left to go... time to break the curse of the Bush! KERRY/EDWARDS 2004 *** ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755336 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 13:19:24 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755316 muf : According to Tenebril Spycatcher it is spyware. Have a read here.
»www.tenebril.com/products/ghosts···01221991

muf
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We want... a shrubbery!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755316 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 13:17:15 EDT Re: Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755266 DSL_Steve : Viewpoint gets installed with AIM. I've never seen the update window...probably because Viewpoint gets updated with AIM updates. Its also easily removed from the Add?Remove Programs control panel.

It never gets flagged by SpyBot, Ad-aware or NAV. I'd say the update is harmless.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755266 Tue, 02 Nov 2004 13:11:49 EDT Viewpoint Media Player http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11755002 drake : Well, this 'Viewpoint Media Player' update has been popping up an ad in the bottom-right hand corner of my PC - I'd say for the last two weeks possibly. For me to run away temporary, I would need to press Ctrl + Alt + Delete - click the process/application running and hit End Task for this particular 'ad'.

Now, I did, in fact, search the forums, here on BBR, and found two threads that was some-what interesting to an certain extent:

»View Point Media Player - June 2003
»Anyone know what this is? Viewpoint Media Player? - May 2002

I do have AOL 9.0 SE installed. Should I go ahead an update the application as it's inquiring? Anything to worry about, in terms of security matters?
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