Does Virtual CloneDrive include any annoying "extras" like a toolbar, reminder pop-ups, etc?
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It's supposed to be similar to Alcohol52% in that it provides up to 8 virtual CD/DVD drive(s), whereas Alcohol 52 FreeEdition supports only 6. Alcohol worked fine but, Alcohol52 installs "Free Edition Includes Protection Database Search Toolbar", and I'd prefer not to have to mess with any toolbars, even if they can be removed.
So far, I haven't found out if Virtual CloneDrive installs any "extras". From what I've read so far, it doesn't appear to do so.
OLD problems...
I searched HWA and a few other fora for posts related to Slysoft's Virtual CloneDrive freeware program, and there have been some problems. A couple posts in HWA apparently ran into some unresolved problems while using it...waaay back in 2003/2004.
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Why don't you use Daemon Tools for the Virtual Drive?
I used to use CloneCD/DVD for virtual drives (mounting, etc) but I like how Daemon's
more lite, and to the point. Plus Daemon supports all files.
Daemon tools used to include Adware that if you didn't want it, you had to manually uninstall it using add/remove programs. Something I'd prefer not to have to mess with unless I have to. The documentation for DT Lite 4.30.4 is minimal compared to what used to be available. I couldn't find anything on 'searchbar' or 'registration' for 4.30.4.
The info made available NOW, doesn't seem to address this at all. So I'm unsure whether the 'searchbar' tool
1) has been eliminated from the installer
2) is totally optional AT install time
3) I have to manually remove it using Add/Remove programs after installation is completed.
Earlier versions required Internet Registration and I would bet that remains the case. DT Lite 4.30.4 only supports 4 drives (although that's enough for me).
Now, if I can opt-out DURING installation process to not install 100% of this 'Searchbar' package that might be different. But it doesn't fill me with a lot of confidence when in version 4.03 (a few revisions ago, but still main 4.x) they start talking about using 'behavioral' and 'contextual' coupons, ads, etc. to my desktop, even though they claim "without compromising the (user's) privacy, security". One person told me he never saw an opt-out or opt-in option when he installed the earlier 4.03 version. I could assume the add/remove instructions means I uninstall those components assuming I CHOSE to install them in the firstplace...but I really don't like making assumptions.
From 4.03 documentation
This version has an option to install client-side software applications (DAEMON Tools Searchbar and Save Now) that deliver a limited number of behaviorally targeted and contextually relevant coupons, ads and comparative shopping results directly to consumers desktops – without compromising the privacy, security or smooth functioning of peoples computers! No URL hijacking or redirects! In order to support FREE distribution of DAEMON Tools we highly encourage you at least to try out this optional software! (you can remove it anytime later when you wish: via Control Panel-> Add/Remove Programs)
John, if it includes toolbars and such the program should ask you if you want to install it when you're installing the software. Or it should at least specify if it includes other bundled software such as toolbars.
Try it out in virtual xp if you're so worried lol.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Major Dieter Hellstrom: "That was the sound of my Walther pointed right at your testicles."
I have no spyware installed from Daemon Tools Lite. Never have. The tool-bar is an option
you chose to install. It does not install without your consent.There's nothing to register
either. If I'd experienced what you have heard/read about Daemon Tools, I wouldn't have
posted positively about it. Get the Lite version from here:
For those interested, I found this reference on 7 virtual CD/DVD drives, with summaries of features, limitations, and usability. After reading, the "Gizmo Drive" actually looks pretty interesting compared to "Virtual CloneDrive" or "Daemon Tools Lite"
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