While some users complain about software that installs "extras" - usually the reason they find themselves in the situation was because they failed to remove the options during install. It goes without saying, that when installing new software on your PC, it is important that you don't rush, and pay attention to each screen and option that you include during the install.
Ashampoo is one company that offers to install a toolbar and make changes to the users web browser. While some users may actually find the toolbar useful - many more would rather keep their PCs config as light as possible.
During setup - there is a check box to turn off the Toolbar and to not change browser settings. That is it. A check box. Read the screens when running setup and clear that checkbox. Not a drama - just one click. Yes it can be inconvenient, and may require some practice.
Uncheck the toolbar checkbox (2nd highlighted from the top) the other 2 boxes should uncheck automatically.
Once you get the software running - Ashampoo programs usually have a "service channel" feature that not only checks for updates, but also lets you know about other offers or software that is available.
Some users also don't like this feature. To turn it off - find the "Service Channel" screen - could be straight off the main menu, or buried in the "Options" or "Settings" menu.
(Ashampoo Undeleter 1.10)
In terms of emails (spam). When you register (even for a free giveaway license) - Ashampoo stores ALL of your License keys in a free account (login using your email address and password - check your registration email).
* HOW TO (CORRECTLY) UNSUBSCRIBE FROM ASHAMPOO EMAILS
Visit http://ashampoo.com/ and you will see a top menu with "Products/Shop, Downloads, MyAshampoo, Support and Company".
Click on "MyAshampoo" - and login (MyAshampoo Login)
Click on Settings
There you will see a box for each type of email aka "Service Letter", which you can deactivate. When they are all shown as below - a message will appear (as shown) telling you that all emails have been disabled - you can subscribe or unsubscribe from any emails from Ashampoo.
Finally all of the emails that Ashampoo send out have an unsubscribe link - that will take you to a the above "service letter" page - click on the link included at the end of the email. (Hint: If you don't read the email, you won't see the unsubscribe link/info. Just deleting the email won't unsubscribe you from their mail list).
It is much better (for everyone concerned) if you unsubscribe rather than the "solution" I have heard some users do, when they allow Ashampoo to continue to send the emails, but the user sets up rules in their email client to block the emails (which is just dumb).
My own opinion though - I stop the emails - and occasionally login to the Ashampoo site - visit MyAshampoo page and check out the "Service Letters" to read about the current offers every few weeks there really are some great offers now and then. I'd never pay $50 or full price - if I can wait until a promotion comes along, and collect the same program for about $10 it is worth waiting.
Perhaps with all these options (even though it only takes 2 minutes to turn them off), I'm sure some users when providing their email address for the first time would appreciate an easier option - a single "do not contact me" checkbox. As the saying goes, "Less is More". If the software is good, the user knows how to find Ashampoo and will return when they are ready to upgrade or purchase other programs - but users who feel pestered or hassled, will stay away, and "warn" their friends to do the same.
