Samsung Printer driver/software changing IE11 Trsuted Sites  

Hi all - hoping someone can help with this unusual problem. I have looked all day, but found nothing on this forum or any other web sites/forums about this problem.

I have a Samsung ML1860 Laser printer via USB. Windows 7 64bit Ultimate. IE11. I was adding a site to my trusted sites list, when I noticed that for some reason www.samsungsetup.com was included in my trusted sites list. I also noticed that the trusted sites settings were changed - the security level setting was changed to 'LOW', and the 'Enable Protected Mode' was deleted, and the 'require server verification' (HTTPS) setting was also deleted.

I removed samsungsetup.com from the trusted sites list and changed all the settings back to normal. But a few days later when I next checked the trusted sites, it had all been changed back.

I again removed samsungsetup.com from the list and changed all the settings back to normal. I then removed the Samsung printer software and drivers (that Windows update had installed) and disabled and removed the printer. I then used the computer as normal and checked again a few times each day - the trusted settings remained as I had set them at the normal/default levels.

After a few re-installs and removals and tests and checks, I have established that once the Samsung printer software or drivers are installed - whether by windows at startup or by downloading from Samsung - as soon as I print anything on the printer, the software changes the IE settings in the trusted sites listing. Obviously Samsung has decided to send information back to itself - and I am sure it will also automaticaly download any software 'updates and enhancements'. Bloatware at its worst for sure. This was definitely not the case previously when I first got the printer - but I recall a Windows update some time ago including an update to the Samsung printer and ever since then I assume the 'enhancement' has been installed. The only thing that I found that fixes this, is to remove the Samsung software and drivers. I have tried downloading just the basic printer driver - but that still includes whatever it is that changes the IE settings so that the 'Samsung ET can call home'.

Does anyone have any ideas how to either get just the basic Samsing ML1860 printer driver, or to disable the software from being able to change the IE11 trusted sites settings? Any other advice or suggestions - I am open to giving most things a try. Good printer and cheap to use - I use it for all my basic B&W printing - but maybe I will just have to change it to another brand - and severely 'publish with malice' my views on Samsung.

Cheers - Bob.

Hi again - I have resolved the matter - not solved but is has been fixed.

Last night I got the idea that maybe the problem was that because I am currently holidaying in Thailand (retired) as the 'consumer protection' laws here are at best described as 'slack'. So I sent some emails to Samsung and downloaded the latest drivers from the Samsung AUS and UK sites. This morning I re-installed the printer using the AUS/UK driver software. I have used the printer several times now and the problem is gone - both versions.

I then did a registry scan/check and the previous Samsung installation driver was 'invalid application path'. And it was set as a recurring 'persistent' entry - I think that means it would re-install itself when the application was run. I also noted that the AUS/UK installation programs both offered me the option to send/receive information from Samsung - this was not offered as an option when I previously upgraded the software.

Seems to me that either the local Samsung site in Thailand was/is using a version of the software that had not been fully developed (or was changed), or that the version obtained initially by Windows Update was not valid (or included a bug). Either way, the issue has been resolved.

I should also note that Samsung sent me a very helpful response (from Samsung AUS not Thailand) and they gave me some ideas that lead to the resolution.