Care needed with Classic Shell

It has been reported that classic shell or associated files can or could be infected:

Classic Shell (and reportedly audacity) version 4.3 was hacked. Do not update it as it will overwrite your Master Boot Record.

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Classic Shell itself wasn't compromised. FossHub was and some download links were replaced by another program, not signed, that do only one thing: overwrite the MBR. It's not an infected version of Classic Shell, Audacity or whatever, it's only a small program that targets your MBR. If at the end of the installation process nothing happens beside a short cmd window then you have downloaded the malware.

Oh and MBR can be fixed. On ClassicShell forum someone used TestDisk:Classic Shell • View topic - W10 anniversary update, installed CS4.3 , had to repair OS

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Reference

For an uninfected copy, download the utility directly from the author's website here.

this thread initiated by kemical really is to serve as a stark reminder … always be diligent in your online commerce … even websites you trust. owning a computer is a responsibility (not a privilege).

1. keep your os up to date with security fixes.
2. maintain the most recent data-reference files for your av-arsenal.
3. as member neemobeer suggested … might be beneficial to disable/uninstall java 'n flash.
   
4. check the file with online service before downloading (virustotal.com).
5. understand, going forward, even trusted sites can be hacked.
6. when downloading, verify file-name/size reflects what is posted on the website.
7. and, of course, scan file once it's downloaded (before installation).
8. prior to installation, create windows "restore-point".
9. when installing … careful you do not install other choices in the installation window. ***

*** as incredulous as this may sound … early this year, one program i was installing offered the generic install-window which included the typical "next/back" buttons (bottom of window). at one point, i chose the "back" button … and, only then, the install-other-software choices (enabled by default) appeared within that window.

very sneaky/duplicitous! had i not clicked the "back" button … i would have inadvertently unleashed something sinister! malware installs can also be hidden in the advanced/custom-install venue.

as always, thanks to kemical for the late-breaking news. just this past sunday (07-31) i had upgraded my classic-shell via it's homepage … direct from fosshub. since the incident, it appears classicshell.net revised the link to point toward mediafire for download.