#1jeangreen
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Posted 05 March 2019 - 04:04 AM
Did you know that DriverPack is a virus?
My friend installed it a few days ago and it started installing different stuff and slowed the computer so much it could not even launch properly. He had to reinstall Windows because he could not even uninstall it. Weird that it was the first time I heard about such problem. We read on other forums that it is a virus in fact. Thought I should write it here just to warn people.
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#2britechguy
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Posted 05 March 2019 - 09:58 AM
The warning is appreciated.
DriverPack is not a virus, but an automated driver updater, and as you have learned, many of these had might as well be malware in everything but technicality.
We at Bleeping Computer, and IT professionals in general, recommend that users never install third-party automated driver updaters. They are well known to be hugely problematic.
If your own computer manufacturer has an in-house driver update program dedicated to your machine, that's fine. If you have component parts like your WiFi card or your graphics card where the maker has a dedicated driver updater, that's fine. These things are built around the exact hardware you own and go directly back "to the source" to fetch whatever updates they fetch.
Heaven only knows where some of these third-party automated driver updater programs get what they install. Avoid them like the plague!
Brian AKA Bri the Tech Guy(website in my user profile)-Windows 10 Pro, 64-Bit
A lot of what appears to be progress is just so much technological rococo.
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#3JohnC_21
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Posted 05 March 2019 - 03:03 PM
I have used DriverPack when it's the only place I can find a driver that corresponds to the Vendor and Device ID in Device Manager. Never use it to automatically scan and install every driver it suggests. That can lead to a world of hurt as Brian posted.
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#4quietman7
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Posted 05 March 2019 - 07:50 PM
Driver Update utilities are just as bad as registry cleaners. Most are junk programs often bundled with other software you download from the Internet and many are classified/detected as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) by security scanners.
- Driver Updaters: Digital Snake Oil, Part 2
- Never Download a Driver-Updating Utility; They’re Worse Than Useless
- HTG Explains: When Do You Need to Update Your Drivers?
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#5eLPuSHeR
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Posted 06 March 2019 - 03:03 AM
I used DriverPack in the past and it installed some mild adware on my PC. I could remove it fully with no issues though. As last resort I am using Snappy Driver Installer which is clean (no adware). As always, make backups and proceed with caution.
Lately I am having good results with w10 getting its own drivers but your preferred route shoud be:
+ Manufacturer website
+ Windows Update
+ SDI
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#6JohnC_21
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Posted 06 March 2019 - 07:43 AM
@eLPuSHeR, my AV flags the drivers from DriverPack but what I do is temporarily disable the AV and download then strip the driver by unpacking the exe file with 7zip. I went there yesterday and they now provide both a exe and zip file which makes it easier to just use the driver without the installer.
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#7eLPuSHeR
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Posted 07 March 2019 - 04:48 AM
Thanks for the heads up John.
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#8jeangreen
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Posted 12 March 2019 - 09:07 PM
The warning is appreciated.
DriverPack is not a virus, but an automated driver updater, and as you have learned, many of these had might as well be malware in everything but technicality.
(Video) COMO REMOVER O PUA:Win32/PcMechanic DO SEU COMPUTADORWe at Bleeping Computer, and IT professionals in general, recommend that users never install third-party automated driver updaters. They are well known to be hugely problematic.
If your own computer manufacturer has an in-house driver update program dedicated to your machine, that's fine. If you have component parts like your WiFi card or your graphics card where the maker has a dedicated driver updater, that's fine. These things are built around the exact hardware you own and go directly back "to the source" to fetch whatever updates they fetch.
Heaven only knows where some of these third-party automated driver updater programs get what they install. Avoid them like the plague!
Thank you for such a detailed reply! Definitely will never useautomated driver updaters now.
Driver Update utilities are just as bad as registry cleaners. Most are junk programs often bundled with other software you download from the Internet and many are classified/detected as potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) by security scanners.
- Driver Updaters: Digital Snake Oil, Part 2
- Never Download a Driver-Updating Utility; They’re Worse Than Useless
- HTG Explains: When Do You Need to Update Your Drivers?
Thank you for the heads-up.
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#9quietman7
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Posted 12 March 2019 - 09:13 PM
You're welcome on behalf of the Bleeping Computer community.
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#10Marou81
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Posted 28 March 2019 - 09:00 PM
Interesting, should try it in my VM someday
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#11BigEd1
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Posted 12 July 2019 - 10:36 PM
Never had a problem with DriverPack or the Network one. And I've used it quite a few times. You need to fully check the program out and make sure only what you want is installed. They have some addons that are in the package that will get installed unless you uncheck them.
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#12badtoad
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Posted 14 July 2019 - 09:37 AM
Driver Pack Solution has one very strange layout designed to confuse the user.Its like reading the whole newspaper to get to one article.Stick with device manager for trust worthy driver updates.
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#13BigEd1
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Posted 14 July 2019 - 10:18 AM
Device manager is a good way also. But also very time consuming and for the average user a nightmare. My routine, and I do it for business and 100's of times is > Install the fresh OS, run driver pack after turning off the other crapware selected by default, then I run Malwarebytes to clean up. Now right off the bat after the fresh OS install and I have internet I'll skip driver pack, head to the manufacturers website and grab their auto updater and let that run. The drivers are good and only once had a bad load it's just the extra they want to load which you don't need. Also, a lot of people just grab software and run it without checking it out first and then complain afterwards because it caused more problems.
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#14JohnC_21
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Posted 14 July 2019 - 11:20 AM
As I previously posted, I don't run the Driver Pack scanner. I search for the Vendor and Device ID and then download the zip file that has only the driver files and then update through Device Manager. Some drivers I was looking for was only found at Driver Packs site.
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FAQs
Can DriverPack be trusted? ›
The most reliable way to download drivers is from the manufacturer. Third-party programs often install the wrong ones hence it isn't a good idea. An explanation why DriverPack is identified as a threat is here.
Is DriverPack a malware? ›DriverPack is Malwarebytes' detection name for a system optimizer that bundles other software and recommends new drivers for the affected Windows system.
What is the purpose of DriverPack? ›DriverPack is a free driver updater tool that, with just a few clicks, finds the proper device drivers your computer needs and then downloads and installs them for you—no clicking through any wizards or installation prompts.
How to uninstall DriverPack? ›Click Start, type uninstall a program in the Search programs and files box and then click the result. Open WinX menu by holding Windows and X keys together, and then click Programs and Features. b. Look for DriverPack Solution in the list, click on it and then click Uninstall to initiate the uninstallation.
Which DriverPack is best? ›- Find the best driver update software.
- AVG Driver Updater.
- Avast Driver Updater.
- Device Doctor.
- DriverPack.
- DriverMax.
- IObit Driver Booster 9.
- DriverFix.
As such, DriverPack Solution eliminates the need of clicking any installation prompts or wizards on the system. DriverPack Solution helps in the automation of the process of downloading essential drivers and installing the same on your computer system.
How do you know if an installer is a virus? ›- Check Whether the Source Website Is Legitimate. ...
- Beware Common Types of Malicious Files. ...
- Use a Virus Scanner to Check Downloads For Malware. ...
- Pay Attention While Downloading & Opening Email Attachments. ...
- Check for the Software's Digital Signature.
- Your computer slows down. ...
- Your screen is inundated with annoying ads. ...
- Your system crashes. ...
- You notice a mysterious loss of disk space. ...
- There's a weird increase in your system's Internet activity. ...
- Your browser settings change.
- suddenly slows down, crashes, or displays repeated error messages.
- won't shut down or restart.
- won't let you remove software.
- serves up lots of pop-ups, inappropriate ads, or ads that interfere with page content.
- shows ads in places you typically wouldn't see them, like government websites.
First, open Settings (you can do this using the Windows+I keyboard shortcut) and type Remove. Select Add or remove programs. If the device or driver package that you wish to remove appears in the list of programs, select uninstall.
Should I delete drivers folder? ›
Usually, computer technicians create a folder on C: to store the drivers they install on the computer. This folder was probably created by someone who installed Windows or the program that was used. It can be deleted without a problem.
Are device driver packages important? ›Device drivers are essential for a computer to work properly. These programs may be compact, but they provide the all-important means for a computer to interact with hardware, for everything from mouse, keyboard and display -- user input/output -- to working with networks, storage and graphics.
How do I Uninstall a driver pack in Windows 10? ›Right-click the Start menu, click Control Panel, and then click Uninstall a program. Select the driver of the machine you want to delete by clicking it, and then click Uninstall. A deletion confirmation message appears. Click Yes.
How do I force Uninstall a device driver? ›- Open the Power menu using the Win + X hotkey.
- Choose Device Manager from the menu.
- Double-click the category with the device driver you want to remove.
- Right-click on the device and choose Uninstall device from the context menu.
It deletes the driver that was being used. If you happen to have multiple versions installed, only the driver that was being used, is removed.
Does Windows 10 need driver pack? ›All devices on a Windows system should have a driver package installed on them. The system provides some generic driver packages that can be installed on some classes of devices.
How long does it take to install Driverpack? ›Automated driver installation The program installs all required drivers to any computer in just about 15 minutes.
What are the most important drivers for Windows 10? ›Important drivers include: Chipset, Video, Audio and Network (Ethernet/Wireless). For laptops, make sure you download the latest Touch Pad drivers. There are other drivers you will probably need, but you can often download these through Windows Update after have a working Internet connection setup.
Does reinstalling Windows delete drivers? ›This reset option will reinstall Windows operating system and keeps your personal files, such as photos, music, videos or personal files. However, it will remove apps and drivers you installed, and also removes the changes you made to the settings.
What happens if you don't install drivers? ›Every computer has multiple drivers that control various installed applications and hardware components. Without drivers, your computer's hardware and software will not function properly, and in some cases, they can't function at all.
Is it necessary to update the device driver? ›
Device drivers are an essential piece of software that helps different hardware components work smoothly with your computer. When these drivers are properly updated, your computer will run smoothly.
How do I know if my computer has spyware or viruses? ›Open your Windows Security settings. Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Select Windows Defender Offline scan, and then select Scan now.
How do I find hidden viruses? ›You can also head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security on Windows 10, or Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security on Windows 11. To perform an anti-malware scan, click “Virus & threat protection.” Click “Quick Scan” to scan your system for malware.
Can a virus be downloaded without you knowing? ›Websites you visit can download and install software without your knowledge or approval. This is called a drive-by download. The objective is usually to install malware, which may: Record what you type and what sites you visit.
What are four 4 symptoms of malware on your computer? ›- Slow performance. ...
- Unexpected freezing or crashing. ...
- Diminished storage space. ...
- Homepage randomly changes. ...
- Browser redirects. ...
- New browser toolbars. ...
- Annoying pop-ups. ...
- Unusual error messages.
Phishing Emails
By far the most common method for hackers and state-sponsored hacking organizations to spread malware is through phishing emails. Hackers have become incredibly skilled at crafting emails that trick employees into clicking on links or downloading a file that contains malicious code.
Malware is a shortened term for "malicious software." Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer without the owner's consent or knowledge. There are many types of malware, including: Viruses: malware that spreads from computer disks, CD-ROMs, and other storage media.
How do I manually remove a virus? ›- Step 1: Download and install a virus scanner. ...
- Step 2: Disconnect from internet. ...
- Step 3: Reboot your computer into safe mode. ...
- Step 4: Delete any temporary files. ...
- Step 5: Run a virus scan. ...
- Step 6: Delete or quarantine the virus.
- Unexpected pop-up windows. ...
- Random sounds. ...
- Unexplained file or folder changes. ...
- Slow operation. ...
- Random connections to unknown websites. ...
- Unexpected images. ...
- Inability to download antivirus programs or updates. ...
- Spam sent from your email address or social media.
Malware can go undetected for extended periods of time. Many users are only aware of a malware attack if they receive an antimalware alert, see pop-up ads, are redirected to malicious websites, or experience slow computer speeds or frequent crashes.
What should I not delete in Disk Cleanup? ›
There is one file category you should not delete in Disk Cleanup. It is Windows ESD installation files. Usually, the Windows ESD installation files take up a few gigabytes of disk space on your computer. You may think that deleting these files will release a lot of free space for new data.
What should I clean up in Disk Cleanup? ›Disk Cleanup helps free up space on your hard disk, creating improved system performance. Disk Cleanup searches your disk and then shows you temporary files, Internet cache files, and unnecessary program files that you can safely delete. You can direct Disk Cleanup to delete some or all of those files.
How do I run Disk Cleanup? ›- In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup, and select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.
- Select the drive you want to clean up, and then select OK.
- Under Files to delete, select the file types to get rid of. To get a description of the file type, select it.
- Select OK.
By default, resetting PC will only remove files on the drive where Windows is installed and it won't affect the data on any other drives. But if you choose to remove files from all drives, then all the data on the system disk will be removed.
Is it safe to uninstall old drivers? ›Yes, you'd better to uninstall the old GPU drivers when you buy a new GPU. If you don't uninstall old graphics drivers, you may encounter driver conflicts after installing the new drivers. In addition to that, it is very likely that your new GPU won't work properly because of the old drivers.
Should I fully clean the drive or just remove files? ›To completely erase the data from the hard drive, removing files and cleaning the disc is recommended. You go for this option because of various reasons: The hard drive of your computer is running slow. To let it run efficiently, you can opt for deep wiping that is removing files and clean the drive fully.
What are some examples of device drivers? ›There are various types of device drivers for I/O devices such as keyboards, mice, CD/DVD drives, controllers, printers, graphics cards and ports. When a driver is included in an operating system, it may be referred to as a kernel-mode device driver.
How do I update my drivers? ›- In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
- Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you'd like to update.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Select Update Driver.
- Try to delete a driver by using the device's uninstaller.
- Open the Device Manager.
- Find the device or hardware component with the faulty drivers.
- Open the properties of the hardware device with the bad drivers.
- Uninstall and delete the drivers completely.
To delete a driver package from the driver store, do one of the following: From the command prompt, use pnputil /delete-driver <example. inf> /uninstall .
Where are device drivers stored? ›
All Windows versions including Windows 10 store the drivers in the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder or C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore folder. You can find all the hardware drivers of your Windows computer in these two folders.
Does System Restore remove drivers? ›Using System Restore will not affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made. System Restore automatically creates a restore point once a day.
Should I delete driver easy? ›These are the main reasons why Driver Easy is uninstalled by users: The program is not compatible with other installed applications. The program crashes or hangs periodically/frequently. The program is not as good as the user expected.
Where is the safest place to download drivers? ›- DriverGuide.com. This popular free driver download website is built in in 1996. ...
- TechSpot Drivers. ...
- DriverPack Solution. ...
- drivers.softpedia.com. ...
- driverscape.com.
DriverFix reviews are mostly positive, and any mention of potential security risks only applies to older versions of the software.
How long does DriverPack installation take? ›Description. Automated driver installation The program installs all required drivers to any computer in just about 15 minutes.
Is download from driver fix safe? ›We've seen users asking if DriverFix is a safe program to use, and our answer is definitely YES, this tool is not only safe to use but also very useful for the health of your PC.
What is the safest driver app? ›- DriveMode. Android/Apple. DriveMode helps "update" a car without any smart features to one that can handle basic voice commands. ...
- Drive Smart. Android/Apple. ...
- TrueMotion Family. Android/Apple. ...
- OnMyWay. Android/Apple. ...
- LifeSaver. Android/Apple.
Drivers allow your devices to communicate and therefore work with your PC. Windows 10 comes with a range of drivers for printers, monitors, keyboards, graphics cards, and other hardware that are already installed. If you connect a device without a preinstalled driver, there's no need to worry.
What folder should I download drivers to? ›All Windows versions including Windows 10 store the drivers in the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers folder or C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore folder. You can find all the hardware drivers of your Windows computer in these two folders. Generally, the Drivers folder contains .
Is driver Fixer A virus? ›
The Malwarebytes research team has determined that DriverFix is a "driver updater". These so-called "system optimizers" often use intentional false positives or exaggerated results to convince users that their systems have problems. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these problems.
Should I use driver fix? ›When it comes to keeping your drivers in check, DriverFix is the perfect tool. It may lack extra features of rival driver updaters, but it performs its primary task excellently. It's also a good bang for the buck because an annual license supports use on multiple PCs.
Can a driver be corrupted? ›Driver corruption is one of the common cause of the blue-screen error, audio error and sometimes black screen error. The corrupted, old drivers are incompatible with your operating system and become a trouble maker.
Do drivers install automatically? ›In Windows 10 and Windows 11, almost all drivers get downloaded automatically. Moreover, manual drivers for each components are also available on manufacturer's websites. Nowadays most of users and tech guys go for Automatic drivers from Windows Updates.
What is driver pack installation? ›A driver package consists of a set of software components to support a device under Windows. If you plan to design and build a new device, follow industry hardware standards. When you follow these standards, you are more likely to have a streamlined development process as well as lower your support costs.
How do I know when a driver was installed? ›- Open the Windows Device Manager.
- In Device Manager, locate and double-click the device you want to view the version. ...
- In the device Properties window, click the Driver tab.
- In the Driver tab, the Driver Provider, Driver Date, and Driver Version of that device.
Without drivers, the devices you connect to your computer—for example, a mouse or external hard drive—won't work properly. Windows can automatically check if there are drivers available for new devices that you connect to your computer.
Is it safe to update all drivers? ›If your hardware is working as intended, it's best to let it be, since new drivers can introduce problems as well as fix them. If, however, you're having issues with a specific piece of hardware—or you know one of your drivers has a security flaw that needs fixing—it might be a good idea to update it.
Do you need to do anything after downloading drivers? ›After the drivers are downloaded, you must determine how the drivers are packaged. If the directory contains executable files or a setup file, you can install the driver using an executable.