Grokster SpywareFree Install - Step by Step

[JackSpratts]

N.B. The following has not been tested with Grokster v1.6. Though not a forced upgrade, there may be issues that remain unaddressed by this installation procedure. While you shouldn't let that get in the way of enjoyable file sharing experiences, it's always wise to proceed with caution. That's why you're here afterall.

Prep

Run an updated version of Ad-Aware before doing this install, at least version 5.81, build 2.915 or later (new platform). Remove any spyware components found. If you don't already have it you can get Ad-Aware from http://www.lavasoftusa.com/downloads.html Use the back-up provision if you've never used Ad-Aware before. If you do have Ad-Aware make sure it's updated by d/l'ing & installing the latest reflist.zip file from the site (it's called the "Ad-Aware signature file" and it unzips to a file called reffile.awr - and it works with the latest Ad-Aware engine only, versions 5.8 forward). I recommend using your PC for a while after you've removed spyware for the first time just to make sure everything operates properly.


Install

Download Grokster and run the install. You'll be prompted for an array of add-ons, none of which you'll want, so make sure they're all unchecked. You'll be asked to modify your browser. Decline.

Once Grokster's installed, close it at the toolbar.


Clean

Run Ad-Aware. Twice. Even though you've said no to the extra Grokster installs they may be there anyway! When prompted, remove (check) all found components EXCEPT cd_clint.dll.

Download the CD CLINT.ZIP file from the site provided by napho, http://www.cexx.org/dummies.htm Unzip it to your desktop. It's around 48k in size.


Replace cd_clint

Note - The following may be on a different drive on your PC:
Making sure Explorer is set to show Hidden Files, go to Local Disc C | Windows | System and find the original cd_clint.dll file. It should be 151k in size. Rename it something like “oldcd_clint.dll” and then move it to a new folder. Save it, you may need it down the road. Now transfer the new cd_clint.dll file (you just downloaded and unzipped), from your desktop and put it into Windows | System folder.

Re-start Grokster. Congratulations, you're now back on the Fasttrack Network!


Finish

At your next boot-up do the following: Decline the Grokster update wizard. Go to Start | Run and enter "msconfig". Click OK. Click Startup in the new box and uncheck all items marked as Kazaa or Grokster, if any. Click Apply & OK. That's it. No need to restart as all changes will take effect during your next boot-up.

Done.

- js.

Updated on 6/02/'02
Updated on 5/26/'02
Updated on 3/21/'02
Updated on 3/08/'02

[theknife]

Making sure Explorer is set to show Hidden Files

Did I also mention I was on my second snifter of Frangelico when I was struggling with this last night?

Thanks again Jack!

[JackSpratts]

Originally posted by theknife


Did I also mention I was on my second snifter of Frangelico when I was struggling with this last night?

Thanks again Jack!

- js.

[Dawn]

Originally posted by theknife


Did I also mention I was on my second snifter of Frangelico

I love that stuff

[Haole]

Works like a charm--no additional spyware, no flashing ads. If only the program were slightly better. I can't get many results from searches. Spoiled by Winmx, I guess, although that prog is getting more difficult (the users) every day.

[BuzzB2K]

Remember too that Morpheus had a lot more users then Grokster\KaZaA did and when StreamCast (MusicCity) chose to go to a different protocol (again, if you don't remember ask the OpenNAP crowd) we have now lost access to all those files...

The more people we can get on Grokster the better the searches will be...

Looks like Griffin screwed his users again!

[theknife]

Originally posted by Dawn
I love that stuff

I always knew you had good taste

[indiana_jones]

for the quick and dirty guys, who have a grokster.exe at hand:

• i just put the grokster.exe into my old morpheus folder
• renamed all Morpheus registry to Grokster and clicked notify update in options (in case it doesn't i renamed and write- and access protected it)
• put the cd_clint.dll (the dummy is genious idea) and set it as much to read only as nt is able

it still works with the old morpheus settings and i'm back on the road.
thanks for all the hints

indy

[ssj4_android]

I keep getting disconnected. Same thing as hacked kazaa I had.

[indiana_jones]

of course it's the new 1.5 grokster.exe i took (there is no hack at all) - i just did no common installation just installed it "manually", the old morpheus client doesn't work anymore.

[goldie]

Neutering went off like a charm - thanks JS and Napho!

I'm connected, everything's cool. I'm just a bit surprised at how many users there are and how little files are shared............

Does this mean Morpheus users were more generous?!

Will update if something's amiss.

[JackSpratts]

Originally posted by goldenrod
Neutering went off like a charm - thanks JS and Napho!

I'm connected, everything's cool. I'm just a bit surprised at how many users there are and how little files are shared............

Does this mean Morpheus users were more generous?!

thanks gr! and here's a paraphrase of what grokster says it means: "the user counts are now more accurate and the file counts are less so."

- js.

[goldie]

Originally posted by JackSpratts


thanks gr! and here's a paraphrase of what grokster says it means: "the user counts are now more accurate and the file counts are less so."

- js.

One thing I forgot to mention to any installing Grokster - even if you opt out of the spyware, be sure to run Adaware ONE more time because it WILL install anyways!! (VERY important!!).

LOL - wonder how long I can keep using the media player (ACK, pass me my winamp) before THAT starts with the blank title screen or media player error messages

Who was it that said, "Let them eat cake"?

[multi]

well seem to be back on the kazza network its been months (every file i could find was from a @kazza user)
so for the moment it seems like
grokster for kazza
and xolox(or bearshare) for gnutella
winmx for openap
i use AG sometimes but gawd knows what network thats on?
im sure i missed something!
but back on (fast)Track thx again
i found i had two cd_clint.dll files after adaware search
in system32(forXP) so i kept1 and and cleaned the other but while cleaning had a file or folder could not be accesed warning requester so i ran aaw again and it was clean, i then put the dummy cd_file(there was no old1)in sytem32
but i got a pop up when it started(grokster)
maybe this means i didnt clean properly but all seems fine i will run aaw sometime in the next 24hrs just to check
now the trick will be not removing the dummy (tho took indys advice and write protected it)

[Snarkridden]

Followed the "De-spy Grokster" as Js detailed (thanks Js its like the old days again eh?)

Needed to go into DOS to rename the original cd_clint file as it was locked to windows (98 SE) ? Even though Grok was long booted off?

Started up (this is on a dialup connection) connected almost immediately, great I thought, do a search, bang in the middle of search, goes off line? then ONline, start a download, Offline again, then back on line, very strange this, eventually download finished Ok, by that time (start +1.5hours) there were 6 or so trying to download from me, 4 completed, 2 aborted, but strange to say that all the time someone was downloading from me, it stayed connec ted..

Next morning, no connect at all for an hour, gave up..

Other system (Cable 512k)

Followed the exact procedure, had to re-run Adaware 3 times as damn doubleclick kept appearing..

Connected instantly, stayed connected and has been connected now for 2 hours, downloads 15-20k (3 OK) no one uploading yet, but thats probably my wierd choice of music.

No popups, no ads, (I run NaviScope, which reports 20 ads blocked) and its still going, maybe I'll leave it running for the day?

General observation on files: The usual FOOLISH PRATISH and utterly stupid erronious keys so an straight search for any file turns up porn, a hell of a lot of badly named files "Metallica and gratefull Dead" taged to many files that have nothing to do at all with music (!) from either band.

But I suppose that is normal for the sort of sharer thats after grabbing attention, and doesn't have anything REAL to share..

TG you were definately correct in your statement of last year..

Well thats it, thanks to all for the comments prior to this, seems what I am finding is the norm?

650,000 users on line 1096,000 files still doesn't stackup with the old Morph average of 130 files per user?

Snark.

[JackSpratts]

too true Snark, and i'm also seeing those low file counts but the user counts i'm seeing are up around 1,000,000! so i think it's a minute to minute thing (see above). you probably know this but for those who don't, choosing Audio as a search parameter (when you finally are connected) limits your returns to mp3s, (no porn vids or images) and allows you to see the song lengths too.

- js.

[BuzzB2K]

Originally posted by JackSpratts
Finish

At your next boot-up do the following: Decline the Grokster update wizard. Go to Start | Run and enter "msconfig". Click OK. Click Startup in the new box and uncheck all items marked as Kazaa, Morpheus or Grokster, if any. Click Apply & OK. That's it. No need to restart as all changes will take effect during your next boot-up.

Done.

- js.

Updated on 3/8/'02

I was wondering about this step and then remembered that I declined the update while installing Grokster...

"How" you might ask "was I able to just say no..." without a restart?

One program I find I can't do without (It's one of the first I install if I re-load Windows) is Mike Lin's StartupMonitor. Here is a quote from Mike Lin's Home Page.

StartupMonitor is a small utility that runs transparently (it doesn't even use a tray icon) and notifies you when any program registers itself to run at system startup. It prevents those utterly useless tray applications from registering themselves behind your back, and it acts as a security tool against trojans like BackOrifice or Netbus.

You might want to check this Little Jewel out. I rate it a "Must Have"

[Marius]

Oops, I didn't see you'd posted this, Jack. My apologies - it makes the "Spyware-free Grockster" tutorial I posted yesterday somewhat redundant.

Marius

[BuzzB2K]

Originally posted by Marius
Oops, I didn't see you'd posted this, Jack. My apologies - it makes the "Spyware-free Grockster" tutorial I posted yesterday somewhat redundant.

Marius

You can never have too much of a good thing

[JackSpratts]

it's ok marius, we're all trying to help around here.

- js.