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Removal instructions for PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

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Started by Metallica , Feb 02 2021 03:43 AM

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#1
Metallica
Posted 02 February 2021 - 03:43 AM

Metallica

    Spyware Veteran

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  • 33,101 posts
Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is PC HelpSoft Driver Updater?

PC HelpSoft Driver Updater is a driver updater that triggers our PUP detection rules. By doing so we offer users a choice to consider whether they want to use this software. More information can be found on our Malwarebytes Labs blog.

How do I know if I am affected by PC HelpSoft Driver Updater?

This is how the main screen of the system optimizer looks:

main.png

You will find these icons in your taskbar, your startmenu, and on your desktop:

icons.png

and see this type of windows during install:

warning1.png

and this type of screens during operations:

warning5.png

warning6.png

You may see this entry in your list of installed programs:

warning4.png

and this task in your list of Scheduled Tasks:

warning3.png

How did PC HelpSoft Driver Updater get on my computer?

These so-called driver updaters use different methods of getting installed. This particular one was downloaded from their website.

website.png

How do I remove PC HelpSoft Driver Updater?

Our program Malwarebytes can detect and remove this PUP.
  • Please download Malwarebytes for Windows to your desktop.
  • Double-click MBSetup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • When your Malwarebytes for Windows installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen.
  • Click on the Get started button.
  • Click Scan to start a Threat Scan.
  • When the scan is finished click Quarantine to remove the found threats.
  • Reboot the system if prompted to complete the removal process.
Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of PC HelpSoft Driver Updater?
  • No, Malwarebytes removes PC HelpSoft Driver Updater completely.
  • This PUP creates a scheduled task. You can read here how to check for and, if necessary, remove Scheduled Tasks.
What if I want to keep PC HelpSoft Driver Updater?

Should users wish to keep this program and exclude it from being detected in future scans, they can add the program to the exclusions list. Heres how to do it.
  • Open Malwarebytes for Windows.
  • Click the Detection History
  • Click the Allow List
  • To add an item to the Allow List, click Add.
  • Select the exclusion type Allow a file or folder and use the Select a folder button to select the main folder for the software that you wish to keep.
  • Repeat this for any secondary files or folder(s) that belong to the software.
If you want to allow the program to connect to the Internet, for example to fetch updates, also add an exclusion of the type Allow an application to connect to the internet and use the Browse button to select the file you wish to grant access.

How would the full version of Malwarebytes help protect me?

We hope our application and this guide have helped you in dealing with this driver updater.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes would have warned you against the PC HelpSoft Driver Updater installer.

protection1.png


and we block access to their domain:

protection2.png


Technical details for experts

You may see these entries in FRST logs:

(PC HelpSoft Labs Inc -> PC HelpSoft) C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\HDMTray.exe
(PC HelpSoft Labs Inc -> PC HelpSoft) C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\PCHelpSoftDriverUpdater.exe
Task: {08A48073-A9AC-4F28-9A52-7630AC4E4161} - System32\Tasks\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater automatic scan and new device notifications => C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\HDMTray.exe [3091712 2021-01-20] (PC HelpSoft Labs Inc -> PC HelpSoft) <==== ATTENTION
C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
C:\Windows\system32\Tasks\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater automatic scan and new device notifications
C:\Users\Public\Desktop\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.lnk
C:\ProgramData\Desktop\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.lnk
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
(PC HelpSoft ) C:\Users\{username}\Downloads\Driver_Updater.exe

PC HelpSoft Driver Updater v5.3.500 (HKLM-x32\...\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater_is1) (Version: 5.3.500 - PC HelpSoft)
Alterations made by the installer:

File system details [View: All details] (Selection)
---------------------------------------------------
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
       Adds the file 7z.dll"="6/8/2020 6:51 PM, 1025280 bytes, A
       Adds the file English.ini"="1/18/2021 1:09 PM, 39680 bytes, A
       Adds the file HDMSchedule.exe"="1/20/2021 2:52 PM, 3998976 bytes, A
       Adds the file HDMTray.exe"="1/20/2021 2:52 PM, 3091712 bytes, A
       Adds the file HomePage.url"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 155 bytes, A
       Adds the file PCHelpSoftDriverUpdater.chm"="5/28/2018 3:30 PM, 16105 bytes, A
       Adds the file PCHelpSoftDriverUpdater.exe"="1/20/2021 2:52 PM, 7455488 bytes, A
       Adds the file SList.db"="1/9/2016 5:04 PM, 1093632 bytes, A
       Adds the file SList.txt"="1/15/2021 4:37 PM, 79540 bytes, A
       Adds the file sqlite3.dll"="6/8/2020 6:32 PM, 873192 bytes, A
       Adds the file stub64.exe"="1/20/2021 2:52 PM, 372992 bytes, A
       Adds the file unins000.dat"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 44821 bytes, A
       Adds the file unins000.exe"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 2558817 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
       Adds the file Help.lnk"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 1226 bytes, A
       Adds the file PC HelpSoft Driver Updater on the Web.lnk"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 1301 bytes, A
       Adds the file PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.lnk"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 1226 bytes, A
       Adds the file Uninstall PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.lnk"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 1151 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater
       Adds the file 04074E7867D72A5F07BC16742DF4AFE77381C7A3.7z.pre"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 3633 bytes, A
       Adds the file 04074E7867D72A5F07BC16742DF4AFE77381C7A3.7z.status"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 38 bytes, A
       Adds the file 19788CAFB1D5B164ECECCC9E5865245FFCAC311E.7z.pre"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 5230 bytes, A
       Adds the file 19788CAFB1D5B164ECECCC9E5865245FFCAC311E.7z.status"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 38 bytes, A
       Adds the file 2879550825C2D5D6091E4F4446E9C1D0FC625621.7z.pre"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 3899 bytes, A
       Adds the file 2879550825C2D5D6091E4F4446E9C1D0FC625621.7z.status"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 38 bytes, A
       Adds the file 4DFF017657469E00843CFAEF6FCF3A6A7E8270E5.7z.pre"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 3817 bytes, A
       Adds the file 4DFF017657469E00843CFAEF6FCF3A6A7E8270E5.7z.status"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 38 bytes, A
       Adds the file D720761C908F8B618AD1E0C21C4817A411B2EC11.7z.pre"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 4371 bytes, A
       Adds the file D720761C908F8B618AD1E0C21C4817A411B2EC11.7z.status"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 38 bytes, A
       Adds the file Devices.ini"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 116883 bytes, A
       Adds the file DevicesPlus.ini"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 112034 bytes, A
       Adds the file Drivers_new.db"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 24110080 bytes, A
       Adds the file program.log"="2/2/2021 8:51 AM, 3734 bytes, A
       Adds the file Scan.ini"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 5157 bytes, A
       Adds the file settings.ini"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 34 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\Backup
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\Cache
       Adds the file 006809FA0E088371EF9693B3AD3D41EA226DC1AC1_7_64.ini"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 231 bytes, A
       Adds the file 03CFBAE9C1615BB1E7FC8E1F45A0E381347F3BAE1_7_64.ini"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 232 bytes, A
       Adds the file 04E173799F780AABED73CE1F2D2FED6CF70AFD8D2_7_64.ini"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 268 bytes, A
       Adds the file 06F393D0E69365B87BDCE5C206CC8E6C2B31C946F_7_64.ini"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 269 bytes, A
       Adds the file 070BEF60E6496BCAD6258A455DC7A46DE16BC32B8_7_64.ini"="2/2/2021 8:49 AM, 225 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\Log
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\Undo
    In the existing folder C:\Users\Public\Desktop
       Adds the file PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.lnk"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 1208 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Windows\System32\Tasks
       Adds the file PC HelpSoft Driver Updater automatic scan and new device notifications"="2/2/2021 8:48 AM, 3114 bytes, A

Registry details [View: All details] (Selection)
------------------------------------------------
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater_is1]
       "DisplayIcon"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\PCHelpSoftDriverUpdater.exe,0"
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "PC HelpSoft Driver Updater v5.3.500"
       "DisplayVersion"="REG_SZ", "5.3.500"
       "EstimatedSize"="REG_DWORD", 20099
       "HelpLink"="REG_SZ", "https://webtools.avanquest.com/redirect.cfm?eredirectId=pchelpsoft/driver-updater-5-home.htm"
       "Inno Setup: App Path"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater"
       "Inno Setup: Deselected Tasks"="REG_SZ", ""
       "Inno Setup: Icon Group"="REG_SZ", "PC HelpSoft Driver Updater"
       "Inno Setup: Language"="REG_SZ", "en"
       "Inno Setup: Selected Tasks"="REG_SZ", "desktopicon"
       "Inno Setup: Setup Version"="REG_SZ", "6.0.3 (u)"
       "Inno Setup: User"="REG_SZ", "{username}"
       "InstallDate"="REG_SZ", "20210202"
       "InstallLocation"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\"
       "MajorVersion"="REG_DWORD", 5
       "MinorVersion"="REG_DWORD", 3
       "NoModify"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NoRepair"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Publisher"="REG_SZ", "PC HelpSoft"
       "QuietUninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\unins000.exe" /SILENT"
       "UninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\unins000.exe""
       "URLInfoAbout"="REG_SZ", "https://webtools.avanquest.com/redirect.cfm?eredirectId=pchelpsoft/driver-updater-5-home.htm"
       "URLUpdateInfo"="REG_SZ", "https://webtools.avanquest.com/redirect.cfm?eredirectId=pchelpsoft/driver-updater-5-home.htm"
       "VersionMajor"="REG_DWORD", 5
       "VersionMinor"="REG_DWORD", 3
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater]
       "a7330f1905bae25449ee92f7acd1def1"="REG_SZ", "PC HelpSoft Labs Inc"
       "AppStart"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "BackupDir"="REG_SZ", "C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater\Backup"
       "BtnFixPressed"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "DatabaseDate"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "DelayedStart"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "InstallationDate"="REG_SZ", "02-02-2021"
       "InstallPath"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater"
       "InstallStat"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "Language"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "LastNotificationTime"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "LastScan"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "LastSrvCheck"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "LastSrvNotification"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "nDownloads"="REG_DWORD", 3
       "NewAppNotifier"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NewToolbarNotifier"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "OutdatedDrivers"="REG_DWORD", 5
       "OutdatedPackages"="REG_DWORD", 5
       "ProxyAddress"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ProxyLogin"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ProxyPassword"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ProxyPort"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ScanExecuted"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "SetupName"="REG_SZ", "C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\Driver_Updater.exe"
       "SoftwareNotifications"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "StartupNotifier"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "StartWithWindows"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "TotalDrivers"="REG_DWORD", 63
       "URLParams2"="REG_SZ", "lic=Licensed&cat=PUP&lang=en&prod=MBAM-C&ver=4.3.0.98&cpv=1.0.1157&upv=1.0.36615&ldr=perpetual&ip=217.195.25.242&url=webtools.pchelpsoft.com"
       "UseProxy"="REG_DWORD", 0
Malwarebytes log:

Malwarebytes
www.malwarebytes.com

-Log Details-
Scan Date: 2/2/21
Scan Time: 8:59 AM
Log File: 914434a4-652c-11eb-9f45-080027235d76.json

-Software Information-
Version: 4.3.0.98
Components Version: 1.0.1157
Update Package Version: 1.0.36615
License: Premium

-System Information-
OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: {username}-PC\{username}

-Scan Summary-
Scan Type: Threat Scan
Scan Initiated By: Manual
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 233077
Threats Detected: 13
Threats Quarantined: 13
Time Elapsed: 2 min, 46 sec

-Scan Options-
Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Disabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Detect
PUM: Detect

-Scan Details-
Process: 1
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\PC HELPSOFT DRIVER UPDATER\HDMTRAY.EXE, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, , , , , 6F8BDCE8BAC425744C04E9C717618D78, 6CE6B29927F89EE59473BE98359463653A01A3C62411F1208C746F4F62A1CD13

Module: 2
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\PC HELPSOFT DRIVER UPDATER\SQLITE3.DLL, Quarantined, 8364, 904412, , , , , 14E1F7EBCE8EED6A8D1F49BCA82115AE, AB8C0780873291E65723DB4ACD0EB58476781A842087EFEE8770F825906D1332
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\PC HELPSOFT DRIVER UPDATER\HDMTRAY.EXE, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, , , , , 6F8BDCE8BAC425744C04E9C717618D78, 6CE6B29927F89EE59473BE98359463653A01A3C62411F1208C746F4F62A1CD13

Registry Key: 3
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\SCHEDULE\TASKCACHE\TREE\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater automatic scan and new device notifications, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, , , , , , 
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\SCHEDULE\TASKCACHE\TASKS\{08A48073-A9AC-4F28-9A52-7630AC4E4161}, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, , , , , , 
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\SCHEDULE\TASKCACHE\LOGON\{08A48073-A9AC-4F28-9A52-7630AC4E4161}, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, , , , , , 

Registry Value: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Data Stream: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folder: 2
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\PC HELPSOFT DRIVER UPDATER, Quarantined, 8364, 904412, 1.0.36615, , ame, , , 
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\USERS\{username}\APPDATA\ROAMING\PC HELPSOFT DRIVER UPDATER, Quarantined, 8364, 904413, 1.0.36615, , ame, , , 

File: 5
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\PC HELPSOFT DRIVER UPDATER\SQLITE3.DLL, Quarantined, 8364, 904412, 1.0.36615, , ame, , 14E1F7EBCE8EED6A8D1F49BCA82115AE, AB8C0780873291E65723DB4ACD0EB58476781A842087EFEE8770F825906D1332
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\TASKS\PC HelpSoft Driver Updater automatic scan and new device notifications, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, , , , , 1D5682B0D45BB3FA85F89E490D5CFF91, FA2F74AB7A60C2502FBB11AB636D6FE9D1DC020BC5CEDF8E0A933724A71CB478
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\PC HELPSOFT DRIVER UPDATER\HDMTRAY.EXE, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, 1.0.36615, , ame, , 6F8BDCE8BAC425744C04E9C717618D78, 6CE6B29927F89EE59473BE98359463653A01A3C62411F1208C746F4F62A1CD13
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\USERS\{username}\DOWNLOADS\DRIVER_UPDATER.EXE, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, 1.0.36615, , ame, , 84E00F0610420A42412108AE2ECDD19B, D0384A209CAA95497BDF58A0A56D8E3C21D12FC49A35B6DB2841DD6912186DA1
PUP.Optional.Avanquest, C:\USERS\{username}\DESKTOP\DRIVER_UPDATER.EXE, Quarantined, 8364, 904416, 1.0.36615, , ame, , 84E00F0610420A42412108AE2ECDD19B, D0384A209CAA95497BDF58A0A56D8E3C21D12FC49A35B6DB2841DD6912186DA1

Physical Sector: 0
(No malicious items detected)

WMI: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)
As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes could have protected your computer against this potentially unwanted program.
We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):
  • Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
  • Malware Execution Prevention
Save yourself the hassle and get protected.
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