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desx34
Participant
July 28, 2026
Question

Virus: when attempting to install Adobe Reader, two additional viruses are installed. one named McAfee and another named Adobe Express Photos.

  • July 28, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 18 views

Virus: when attempting to install Adobe Reader, two additional viruses are installed. one named McAfee and another named Adobe Express Photos.

The moment a program enters my computer without permission, scans files, and spreads across the system without authorization, it becomes a virus.

    2 replies

    Jason Miller234
    Participating Frequently
    July 28, 2026

    They're definitely annoying, but I wouldn't call them viruses. Adobe bundles optional software like McAfee and Adobe Express during installation, and it's easy to miss the opt-out checkboxes. If you don't want them, uninstall them and make sure to deselect any bundled offers during future installs. Downloading Adobe Reader directly from Adobe's official website also helps avoid unwanted extras.

    Meenakshi0101
    Community Manager
    Community Manager
    July 28, 2026

     Hi desx34,

    We are sorry to hear about your experience.

     When you install Acrobat Reader, both McAfee and Adobe Express Photos are optional. If you do not wish to install these applications, you can uncheck the boxes for both during the installation. 



    Since you have already downloaded these applications, you will need to uninstall Acrobat Reader in order to remove the additional downloads. Then, reinstall Acrobat Reader using the following link: Acrobat Reader.

    Please try reinstalling the application using the following steps:

    • Uninstall the application and run the cleaner tool from the following link: Acrobat Cleaner tool. Ensure that you empty the trash folder if you are on Mac.

    • Reboot the machine. 

    • Install Adobe Acrobat Reader from the following page: Acrobat Reader  

     If you need any further assistance, please let us know.

     

    Thanks,

    Meenakshi