This article applies to installer files for the following Appeon products:

  • PowerBuilder Installer
  • InfoMaker Installer
  • Cloud App Launcher Installer, which must be installed on the user's computer to run applications deployed from PowerClient projects

Appeon digitally signs its official release files to help users verify their authenticity and integrity. Beginning from version 2025 R2, Appeon uses a new DigiCert EV Code Signing certificate and Microsoft Authenticode to sign its release files.

In some cases, antivirus software or Windows Defender SmartScreen may incorrectly flag, block, or display a warning for an Appeon installer. Such warnings do not necessarily indicate that the installer contains malware.

Windows Defender SmartScreen Warnings

When downloading certain installers for the first time, Windows Defender SmartScreen may display a message such as:

This app isn't commonly downloaded.

A similar warning may also appear when the installer is launched.

This does not necessarily indicate a security issue with the file. Microsoft SmartScreen may still be establishing reputation data for a new signing certificate or a newly released installer file.

Other Antivirus False Detection Symptoms

Depending on the antivirus software you use, you may encounter one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Norton 360: Files such as PowerBuilderRuntime.exe, the PowerBuilder Compiler installer, or the Cloud App Launcher installer may be blocked during installation or uninstallation. In some cases, the installer can run only after Data Protector is turned off in Norton Antivirus.
  • Total Defense:
    1. IISController.exe may be blocked when installing PowerServer Mobile.
    2. AppeonKeyManager.exe may be blocked when installing PowerServer Mobile with the offline installer.
  • Avast / AVG: The Cloud App Launcher installer may be quarantined for scanning. Although an error message may appear, the installation may still proceed after the scan is complete.
  • McAfee: The Cloud App Launcher installer may be blocked by WebAdvisor. The download may still proceed if you select Accept the risk or Access in the prompt.
  • BullGuard: Installer files such as IISController.exe, PowerBuilderRuntime.exe, and PowerBuilderCompiler.exe may be blocked by default in some environments.

Resolution

If an Appeon installer is blocked or fails to run, use the following steps.

1. Verify the digital signature

Before proceeding, verify that:

  • The signer is Appeon Inc.
  • The digital signature status is valid.
  • The installer was downloaded from the official Appeon website.

2. Review the warning and proceed only after verification

If Windows Defender SmartScreen or your antivirus software displays a warning but provides an option such as Run anyway, Allow, Accept the risk, or Add to exceptions, you may proceed after confirming that the installer has a valid digital signature from Appeon Inc.

3. Update your antivirus definitions

Obtain the latest malware definitions for your antivirus software or Windows Defender.

For example, to refresh Microsoft Defender definitions:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Change the directory to: 
    C:\Program Files\Windows Defender
  3. Run: 
    MpCmdRun.exe -removedefinitions -dynamicsignatures
  4. Then run: 
    MpCmdRun.exe -SignatureUpdate

4. Add the installer to the exceptions list

If the installer continues to be blocked after you verify its digital signature, add the installer file to the exceptions list in your antivirus software.

If you are not familiar with this process, contact your antivirus software vendor or refer to the relevant product documentation.

5. Report persistent false positives

If the issue continues, report the false positive to your antivirus software vendor and request that the detection be reviewed.

You may also contact Appeon Support for assistance.

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