I installed software from Nuance recently, and they surreptitiously installed a program called FlexNet Connect (even with a custom install). FlexNet Connect does not provide useful information on its site, like architecture or security architecture documents. Process Explorer shows its running as a service under NT AUTHORITY/SYSTEM
and its image is hidden in C:\ProgramData
. It also looks like its Adobe Air based, and Adobe is renowned for its insecure software. Finally, all it has done is served ads.
I think I would like to remove FlexNet Connect. There is no Uninstall option for the adware in Programs and Features | Uninstall. Additionally, it looks like its burrowed in like malware.
My question is, how do I completely remove FlexNet Connect software from this machine?
I still remember the days when Adobe used to distribute that Macrovision crap with its software. Macrovision would run as a driver, and it had a big security hole that went unpatched for years (as if Adboe needed help in making a machine insecure). As such, neither Adobe software nor Macrovision software are allowed on any machines under my control.
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
key is missing this software entry. You could try my method of manually uninstalling such softwares – pun Jul 5 '16 at 3:46completely remove FlexNet Connect software
. – dxiv Jul 5 '16 at 3:47