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Removal instructions for Driver Maximizer

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Started by Metallica , May 30 2016 01:50 AM

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#1
Metallica
Posted 30 May 2016 - 01:50 AM

Metallica

    Spyware Veteran

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

What is Driver Maximizer?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that Driver Maximizer is a fake system optimizer. These so-called "system optimizers" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have problems. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these problems.
More information can be found on our Malwarebytes Unpacked blog.

How do I know if I am infected with Driver Maximizer?

This is how the main screen of the driver updating application looks:

warning3.png

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

icons.png

And see these warnings during install:

main.png

warning1.png

and these screens during "operations":

warning2.png

warning5.png

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

warning4.png

and this task in your Task Scheduler:

warning6.png

How did Driver Maximizer get on my computer?

These so-called registry cleaners use different methods of getting installed. This particular one was bundled by other software.

How do I remove Driver Maximizer?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this potentially unwanted application.
  • Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.
  • Double-click mbam-setup-version.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:
    • Enable free trial of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium
    • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • Then click Finish.
  • If an update is found, you will be prompted to download and install the latest version.
  • Once the program has loaded, select Scan Now. Or select the Threat Scan from the Scan menu.
  • When the scan is complete, make sure that all Threats are selected, and click Remove Selected.
  • Restart your computer when prompted to do so.
Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of Driver Maximizer?
  • No, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware removes Driver Maximizer completely.
  • This PUP creates some scheduled tasks. You can read here how to check for and, if necessary, remove Scheduled Tasks.
How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application and this guide have helped you eradicate this registry cleaner.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware would have protected you against the Driver Maximizer installer. It would have warned you before the application could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.

protection1.png


Technical details for experts

You may see these entries in FRST logs:

 (Solid Tech) C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\DMTray.exe
 (Solid Tech) C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\DriverMaximizer.exe
 C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer
 C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\Driver Maximizer Schedule
 C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\Driver Maximizer.lnk
 C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Driver Maximizer
 C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer

Driver Maximizer v4.0 (HKLM-x32\...\Driver Maximizer_is1) (Version: 4.0 - Solid Tech)
Task: {9F8D2266-9261-4F3D-AD45-D87FBA82E605} - System32\Tasks\Driver Maximizer Schedule => C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\DMTray.exe [2016-04-05] (Solid Tech)
Alterations made by the installer:

File system details [View: All details] (Selection)
---------------------------------------------------
    Adds the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer
       Adds the file 7z.bak"="6/14/2015 4:39 PM, 1010176 bytes, A
       Adds the file 7z.dll"="6/14/2015 4:39 PM, 1010176 bytes, A
       Adds the file DMTray.exe"="4/5/2016 10:10 PM, 1050112 bytes, A
       Adds the file DriverMaximizer.chm"="11/7/2014 12:56 PM, 17115 bytes, A
       Adds the file DriverMaximizer.exe"="4/5/2016 10:10 PM, 4403712 bytes, A
       Adds the file English.ini"="3/21/2016 2:57 PM, 25802 bytes, A
       Adds the file file_id.diz"="11/7/2014 12:56 PM, 568 bytes, A
       Adds the file HomePage.url"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 135 bytes, A
       Adds the file scan.gif"="9/7/2015 3:31 PM, 799 bytes, A
       Adds the file sqlite3.dll"="12/25/2013 1:15 PM, 642016 bytes, A
       Adds the file stub64.exe"="4/5/2016 10:10 PM, 78848 bytes, A
       Adds the file unins000.dat"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 20031 bytes, A
       Adds the file unins000.exe"="5/30/2016 8:51 AM, 1182208 bytes, A
       Adds the file unins000.msg"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 22701 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Driver Maximizer
       Adds the file Driver Maximizer on the Web.lnk"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 1195 bytes, A
       Adds the file Driver Maximizer.lnk"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 1116 bytes, A
       Adds the file Help.lnk"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 1116 bytes, A
       Adds the file Uninstall Driver Maximizer.lnk"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 1081 bytes, A
    Adds the folder C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer
       Adds the file Devices.ini"="5/30/2016 9:02 AM, 105511 bytes, A
       Adds the file DevicesPlus.ini"="5/30/2016 9:02 AM, 9395 bytes, A
       Adds the file Drivers64.db"="5/30/2016 9:01 AM, 25096192 bytes, A
       Adds the file n678a41ea22ad.exe.pre"="5/30/2016 9:02 AM, 7042 bytes, A
       Adds the file n678a41ea22ad.exe.status"="5/30/2016 9:02 AM, 38 bytes, A
       Adds the file program.log"="5/30/2016 9:02 AM, 2928 bytes, A
       Adds the file Scan.ini"="5/30/2016 9:02 AM, 1028 bytes, A
       Adds the file settings.ini"="5/30/2016 9:01 AM, 35 bytes, A
       Adds the file snapshot_send"="5/30/2016 9:02 AM, 0 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Users\{username}\Desktop
       Adds the file Driver Maximizer.lnk"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 1098 bytes, A
    In the existing folder C:\Windows\System32\Tasks
       Adds the file Driver Maximizer Schedule"="5/30/2016 9:00 AM, 3258 bytes, A

Registry details [View: All details] (Selection)
------------------------------------------------
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Driver Maximizer_is1]
       "DisplayName"="REG_SZ", "Driver Maximizer v4.0"
       "DisplayVersion"="REG_SZ", "4.0"
       "EstimatedSize"="REG_DWORD", 9200
       "HelpLink"="REG_SZ", "http://solidtechies.com/"
       "Inno Setup: App Path"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer"
       "Inno Setup: Deselected Tasks"="REG_SZ", ""
       "Inno Setup: Icon Group"="REG_SZ", "Driver Maximizer"
       "Inno Setup: Language"="REG_SZ", "en"
       "Inno Setup: Selected Tasks"="REG_SZ", "desktopicon"
       "Inno Setup: Setup Version"="REG_SZ", "5.5.6 (u)"
       "Inno Setup: User"="REG_SZ", "{username}"
       "InstallDate"="REG_SZ", "20160530"
       "InstallLocation"="REG_SZ", "C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\"
       "MajorVersion"="REG_DWORD", 4
       "MinorVersion"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "NoModify"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "NoRepair"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Publisher"="REG_SZ", "Solid Tech"
       "QuietUninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\unins000.exe" /SILENT"
       "UninstallString"="REG_SZ", ""C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\unins000.exe""
       "URLInfoAbout"="REG_SZ", "http://solidtechies.com/"
       "URLUpdateInfo"="REG_SZ", "http://solidtechies.com/"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Driver Maximizer]
       "AppStart"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "BackupPath"="REG_SZ", "C:\Users\{username}\Documents\Driver Maximizer\Backup\"
       "DatabaseDate"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "DelayedStart"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "DownloadPath"="REG_SZ", "C:\Users\{username}\Documents\Driver Maximizer\Drivers\"
       "ForceUpdate"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "InstallationDate"="REG_SZ", "05-30-2016"
       "InstallStat"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "Language"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "LastDatabaseCheck"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "LastScan"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "LastUpdate"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "nDownloads"="REG_DWORD", 3
       "OutdatedDrivers"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "ProxyAddress"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ProxyLogin"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ProxyPassword"="REG_SZ", ""
       "ProxyPort"="REG_SZ", ""
       "s_Enable"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "s_Exec"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "s_Mode"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "s_SmartDate"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "s_SmartExec"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "s_SmartMode"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "s_SmartScan"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "s_Time"="REG_BINARY, ....
       "ScanExecuted"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "SetupName"="REG_SZ", "C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\DriverMaximizer2.exe"
       "ShowAlertMessages"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "ShowRebootMessage"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "ShowSRPMessage"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "ShowUpdateWindow"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "StartWithWindows"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "TotalDrivers"="REG_DWORD", 60
       "TrayNotification"="REG_DWORD", 1
       "UpdateWindowShown"="REG_DWORD", 0
       "UseProxy"="REG_DWORD", 0
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 5/30/2016
Scan Time: 9:14 AM
Logfile: mbamDriverMaximizer.txt
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.1.1043
Malware Database: v2016.05.30.03
Rootkit Database: v2016.05.27.01
License: Premium
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Enabled
Self-protection: Enabled

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

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 312104
Time Elapsed: 8 min, 27 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Enabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

Processes: 2
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\DMTray.exe, 4040, Delete-on-Reboot, [0dfe5a8204955fd73e0aa927b44da55b]
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\DriverMaximizer.exe, 2000, Delete-on-Reboot, [3dce1dbfcecb56e092b69838cc354ab6]

Modules: 1
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\sqlite3.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 

Registry Keys: 3
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\SCHEDULE\TASKCACHE\TREE\Driver Maximizer Schedule, Delete-on-Reboot, [33d8b824a4f5f83e39fb4d96d62d56aa], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\Driver Maximizer_is1, Quarantined, [729931ab1b7eda5caa8bd31070932fd1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, HKCU\SOFTWARE\Driver Maximizer, Quarantined, [3fcc5e7e0891fc3ac073f2f1b94a9c64], 

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 3
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer, Delete-on-Reboot, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Driver Maximizer, Quarantined, [ae5db22a792055e1a21158582ad82fd1], 

Files: 30
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\DMTray.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [0dfe5a8204955fd73e0aa927b44da55b], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\DriverMaximizer.exe, Delete-on-Reboot, [3dce1dbfcecb56e092b69838cc354ab6], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\DriverMaximizer2.exe, Quarantined, [d23901dbd5c40f27b98fc808af5237c9], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\Desktop\Driver Maximizer.lnk, Quarantined, [b8530ece05941b1bee42855e7291a759], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\Driver Maximizer Schedule, Quarantined, [11fa39a38316aa8ca38e8b58659ea65a], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\Devices.ini, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\DevicesPlus.ini, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\Drivers64.db, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\n678a41ea22ad.exe.pre, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\n678a41ea22ad.exe.status, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\program.log, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\Scan.ini, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\settings.ini, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Driver Maximizer\snapshot_send, Quarantined, [e922bb21bbde3600ad04e6ca71913fc1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\7z.bak, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\7z.dll, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\DriverMaximizer.chm, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\English.ini, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\file_id.diz, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\HomePage.url, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\scan.gif, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\sqlite3.dll, Delete-on-Reboot, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\stub64.exe, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\unins000.dat, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\unins000.exe, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\Program Files (x86)\Driver Maximizer\unins000.msg, Quarantined, [3fcceaf29702e74fb5fde4ccea189e62], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Driver Maximizer\Driver Maximizer on the Web.lnk, Quarantined, [ae5db22a792055e1a21158582ad82fd1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Driver Maximizer\Driver Maximizer.lnk, Quarantined, [ae5db22a792055e1a21158582ad82fd1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Driver Maximizer\Help.lnk, Quarantined, [ae5db22a792055e1a21158582ad82fd1], 
PUP.Optional.DriverMaximizer, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Driver Maximizer\Uninstall Driver Maximizer.lnk, Quarantined, [ae5db22a792055e1a21158582ad82fd1], 

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)
As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware could have protected your computer against this threat.
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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