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I tried to uninstall driver update by slimware utilities. I did it on programs and features, but it just sits there. Can someone help me
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
Go to "show hidden icons" and left click on the two Slimware apps running in the background, and "Exit" both of them. Now go to "Settings", "System", then "Apps and Features". Find the program Driver Update, and Uninstall. Now, SlimwareCleaner Plus. Restart.
Hi CalSylFaust,
Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community Forums.
Based on the description, it appears that you would like to uninstall the driver update by slimware utilities. I will definitely help you in fixing this issue.
Method 1: I would suggest you to follow the steps to uninstall the Slimware Utilities from the support link and check if it helps.
https://www.slimwareutilities.com/slimcleaner.php
Method 2: I would also suggest you to run the Microsoft FIXIT from the link and check if it helps.
Fix problems with programs that can't be installed or uninstalled
http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall/
Method 3: If the issue persists, I would suggest you to contact Slimware Utilities support for further assistance.
https://www.slimwareutilities.com/contact_us.php
https://www.slimwareutilities.com/forum/forum.php
Hope this helps. Try the above steps and get back to us for further assistance if you have any issues regarding Windows Operating System. We will be happy to help you.
None of the above methods work ... I can't believe I'm the only person with this dilemma
No, you're not alone. A list of some related threads is located here, but you chose a very old one :(
In 2013/14, suggested methods 1 [See later EDIT/NOTE below] & 2 per the Answer-marked post you're referring to in this specific thread might have helped then a few affected users, but not ALL. Method 3 was/is still a really bad idea!
If Terry's suggestion right above this post does not help you to get rid of this 'bogus' (difficult-to-remove) program, please try Revo Uninstaller and MBAM. The combination of these tools should take care of this PUP.
MBAM should detect it as 'PUP.Optional.DriverUpdate.A'.
This > 'Remove PUP.Optional.DriverUpdate.A virus Removal Guide' may be of assistance.
AdwCleaner (a trustworthy anti-adware scanner) may also be a good idea to search (and remove) for any other Adware or Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that might have been installed there with or without your knowledge or consent.
You need to remove - not only 'DriverUpdate' - but everything "SlimWare Utilities" that might have been installed (SlimCleaner, for instance?) there with or without your knowledge.
Hope this helps.
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<EDIT> Note that in the link in Method #1 you should have clicked the 'Uninstall' tab right below the big green 'Download from Download.com' link <= which, by the way, points to CNet's proprietary installer... which is not a good idea either. It may contain additional 'bundleware, adware, or PUPs' you don't want installed along the one you're already trying to remove... making worse your headache ;)
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Chuck, Thank you for you help. The problem was on my husband's laptop, and I downloaded MalwareBytes as you suggested, and I'm glad I did. There was 13 threats, 6 of which were MindSpark, 6 were Ask, and 1 was APNToolbar. I deleted the lot. It was interesting to see 7 of those threats were in the Registry. I am not game to delete anything in the Registry without help from a tech, but I was confident to do it this time. Ask has always been a problem on his laptop as well. I have no idea what APNToolbar is, but I deleted it anyway. So far so good. I have no problems with my laptop and desktop, but I am going to put MalwareBytes on both of them and do a check as well. I thought my Norton's 360 Premier Antivirus had Malware covered, but obviously not.
Carole, you should also make sure Slim/Mindspark hasn't left any services running. Go to https://www.malwarebytes.org/ and download their free malware scanner. Install it, but you don't need to accept the free premium trial at the end. Update it to the latest definitions, then click the "Settings" icon up on top. Now click "Detection and Protection" on the left. Add any check mark needed if all three "Detection Options" are not already selected. Both of the "Non-Malware Protection" options should be set to "Treat detections as malware." After you do that, click the "Scan" icon on top, and run the "Threat Scan." When it finishes, quarantine everything it finds, then restart your computer.
And I would recommend you update MalwareBytes and run a Threat Scan weekly. It's not an antivirus program, which you still need, but a good complement to one.
