how to remove unused drivers?  

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  1. jmm
    Posts : 104
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professionnel 64 bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #1

    how to remove unused drivers?


    Hi, I posted the question in Autoruns forum but didnt get a satisfactory answer. Here's the thing:
    After running Autoruns, several issues (yellow items) appear in the Drivers tab, which are related to sys files that cannot be found on startup. As these apparently are remnants of old apps that were not uninstalled properly, it would seem logical to try to remove them. The problem is that the sys file doesnt tell you which inf driver package it belongs to. There exists software that will tell you the match between inf and sys files present in your machine, but... since the sys files are actually missing, there is not much that software can help you with...
    I was therefore wondering if anybody knows how to get rid of these old drivers running on startup (which incidentally generate astronomical numbers of errors in event viewer). As seen in another post in this forum, unchecking the item in Autoruns wont do anything as the sys file is absent anyway, so that the proper thing to do would be to uninstall the whole driver package...
    Looking forward to hearing your suggestions...
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #2

    Do you have any reason to believe these unused drivers are affecting performance?
      My Computer


  3. jmm
    Posts : 104
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professionnel 64 bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    not really, except intuitively the fact that the system attempts to load/run something that doesnt exist, the error buildup in events viewer, and also some popups that occasionally tell me for instance that an unknown usb device (several of these old drivers ARE USB-related) is trying (and failing) to connect...
    am i to understand that it's best to leave those drivers alone as there is no way to remove them?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 880
    Windows 7 Professional 64bit
       #4

    Have you set-up Device Manager to "Show hidden devices"? That's where I'd start, and then Uninstall anything there that you can ID for sure as "missing" on your system. Here is just one link among many that discusses this technique. There's probably a tutorial here somewhere about this too.

    http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windo...-new-hardware/

    I am running an old (now obsolete, but it still works) program called Comodo Programs Manager and it will uninstall drivers too, though honestly I have not used that feature much. If you do look for it, get the "latest stable" version 1.3 and not the newer 2.0beta. CPM tells me I'm running 448 Drivers and Services right now and then I can sort the list by Type and see just the Drivers listed. Right-click on any and CPM will Uninstall or "Open install location" might have some clues about it. I will edit the registry too if I have to but this is not for the uninitiated or faint-of-heart; you'd better have made a backup of your PC before fiddling with the registry in earnest.

    I have no "file not found" items in Autoruns or Event Log errors of any kind and understand your concern--I root junk out at every opportunity myself. One argument for getting rid of stuff is that when you DO have a nasty REAL problem, all this junk can otherwise get in your way...
      My Computer


  5. jmm
    Posts : 104
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professionnel 64 bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #5

    how to remove lavasoft ad-aware's DriverStore folder?


    thanks much max - am pretty sure i already checked hidden devices in devmgr (right now my machine is busy downloading a huge file taking hours and i dont want to 'disturb') - i'll check the options you mentioned and and will post results...
    meanwhile, i have another question that's somewhat related:
    has anyone ever installed then uninstalled lavasoft's ad-aware 11? apparently this software creates a huge (~1.6 gb) folder called DriverStore in system32 that stays there after uninstall and cannot be removed due to lack of permission - does anyone know a way of getting rid of that? i think it also contains drivers, so even taking ownership to delete with explorer may not be a good idea... again, i dont think this alters performance but i hate to waste that much mem...
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 725
    Desk 1: Win 7 Pro x32; Desk 2: Windows 10 x64
       #6

    Yikes!

    STOP! And step away from your computer.... (j/k)

    But, really, do NOT attempt to delete DriverStore. It's part of Windows (not Lavasoft). As name implies, it contains a "staged" copy of all the drivers on your machine. (Drivers are first "staged" then installed as needed). Driverstore contains all the Windows drivers that came with your OS plus all the drivers added after. You can see a list of all the drivers in the DriverStore that didn't come with your OS by opening an admin command prompt and typing pnputil -e. (see example output below). Check the params of the pnputil command to see how to delete individual driver packages.

    Also
    1) I'd view non-present devices in Device Manager BUT be aware: Some non-plug and play devices also appear as "ghost" devices (with semi-transparent icons). So, i wouldn't uninstall a device unless you know what it is and know it's plug and play
    2) As to the "left overs" in autoruns, they may also sometimes be caused by malware not fully removed. In any case, if there's no matching file found, i'd use autoruns to just delete the entry

    An example of DriverStore output from my machine (note only drivers that didn't come with the OS get listed)
    Code:
    Published name :            oem11.inf
    Driver package provider :   Logitech
    Class :                     Human Interface Devices
    Driver date and version :   03/18/2014 5.80.3
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem20.inf
    Driver package provider :   NVIDIA
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   11/11/2013 6.14.13.3182
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem12.inf
    Driver package provider :   Logitech
    Class :                     Human Interface Devices
    Driver date and version :   03/18/2014 5.80.3
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem21.inf
    Driver package provider :   NVIDIA
    Class :                     Sound, video and game controllers
    Driver date and version :   09/30/2013 1.2.9
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem30.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Network adapters
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem13.inf
    Driver package provider :   Logitech
    Class :                     Human Interface Devices
    Driver date and version :   03/18/2014 5.80.3
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem22.inf
    Driver package provider :   EPSON
    Class :                     Imaging devices
    Driver date and version :   07/12/2012 3.9.2.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem31.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Ports (COM & LPT)
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem40.inf
    Driver package provider :   Oracle Corporation
    Class :                     Network adapters
    Driver date and version :   05/16/2014 4.3.12
    Signer name :
    
    Published name :            oem14.inf
    Driver package provider :   Logitech
    Class :                     Keyboards
    Driver date and version :   03/18/2014 5.80.3
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem23.inf
    Driver package provider :   Adobe
    Class :                     Printers
    Driver date and version :   03/20/2008 8.5.0000.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem32.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Network adapters
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem41.inf
    Driver package provider :   Oracle Corporation
    Class :                     Network Service
    Driver date and version :   05/16/2014 4.3.12
    Signer name :
    
    Published name :            oem50.inf
    Driver package provider :   Microsoft
    Class :                     Printers
    Driver date and version :   05/28/2012 15.0.4128.4000
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem15.inf
    Driver package provider :   Logitech
    Class :                     DriverInterface
    Driver date and version :   03/18/2014 5.80.3
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem24.inf
    Driver package provider :   Adobe
    Class :                     Printers
    Driver date and version :   07/22/2009 8.6.0000.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem33.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Ports (COM & LPT)
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem42.inf
    Driver package provider :   Oracle Corporation
    Class :                     Network adapters
    Driver date and version :   02/25/2014 4.3.8
    Signer name :
    
    Published name :            oem51.inf
    Driver package provider :   Oracle Corporation
    Class :                     Network adapters
    Driver date and version :   03/26/2014 4.3.10
    Signer name :
    
    Published name :            oem16.inf
    Driver package provider :   Logitech
    Class :                     Mice and other pointing devices
    Driver date and version :   03/18/2014 5.80.3
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem25.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Unknown driver class
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem34.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Unknown driver class
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem43.inf
    Driver package provider :   Oracle Corporation
    Class :                     Network adapters
    Driver date and version :   03/13/2014 4.2.24
    Signer name :
    
    Published name :            oem52.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   01/02/2014 2.11.7.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem17.inf
    Driver package provider :   Logitech
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   12/14/2011 13.40.840.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem26.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem35.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem44.inf
    Driver package provider :   NVIDIA
    Class :                     Display adapters
    Driver date and version :   03/04/2014 9.18.13.3523
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem53.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Modems
    Driver date and version :   01/02/2014 2.11.7.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem18.inf
    Driver package provider :   Logitech
    Class :                     Sound, video and game controllers
    Driver date and version :   01/17/2012 13.31.1044.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem27.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Ports (COM & LPT)
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem36.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Network adapters
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem45.inf
    Driver package provider :   NVIDIA
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   03/02/2014 6.14.13.3521
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem54.inf
    Driver package provider :   Oracle Corporation
    Class :                     Network adapters
    Driver date and version :   05/16/2014 4.3.12
    Signer name :
    
    Published name :            oem19.inf
    Driver package provider :   NVIDIA Corporation
    Class :                     Sound, video and game controllers
    Driver date and version :   06/16/2013 1.3.26.4
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem28.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Modems
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem37.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem46.inf
    Driver package provider :   NVIDIA Corporation
    Class :                     Sound, video and game controllers
    Driver date and version :   11/28/2013 1.3.30.1
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem55.inf
    Driver package provider :   HP
    Class :                     Printers
    Driver date and version :   12/16/2012 11.21.00.1607
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem29.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Portable Devices
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem38.inf
    Driver package provider :   SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   03/25/2013 2.9.508.0
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem47.inf
    Driver package provider :   Hewlett-Packard
    Class :                     Imaging devices
    Driver date and version :   11/10/2006 08.00.00.01
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem56.inf
    Driver package provider :   Hewlett-Packard
    Class :                     Imaging devices
    Driver date and version :   12/16/2012 30.0.1044.40289
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem39.inf
    Driver package provider :   Oracle Corporation
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   05/16/2014 4.3.12
    Signer name :
    
    Published name :            oem48.inf
    Driver package provider :   Hewlett-Packard
    Class :                     IEEE 1284.4 compatible printer
    Driver date and version :   11/10/2006 050.000.145.000
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem57.inf
    Driver package provider :   Hewlett-Packard
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   12/16/2012 30.0.1044.40289
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem49.inf
    Driver package provider :   Microsoft
    Class :                     Printers
    Driver date and version :   05/28/2012 15.0.4128.4000
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem58.inf
    Driver package provider :    BASIS Science, Inc.
    Class :                     Universal Serial Bus controllers
    Driver date and version :   04/13/2012 2.08.24
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
    
    Published name :            oem59.inf
    Driver package provider :    BASIS Science, Inc.
    Class :                     Ports (COM & LPT)
    Driver date and version :   04/13/2012 2.08.24
    Signer name :               Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher
      My Computer


  7. jmm
    Posts : 104
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professionnel 64 bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #7

    i guess i'm confused - i was sure that before installing adaware 11 i only had a "drivers" and a "DRVSTORE" (blue caps as compressed) folders in sys32, and that the DriverStore folder only appeared after adaware 11 install - pure paranoia?... (but i'm sure the DRVSTORE folder is from an old (2009?) adaware install that didnt get removed)
    wow, thanks!!
    next, i'll look into that old drivers bizness and will let you know...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 725
    Desk 1: Win 7 Pro x32; Desk 2: Windows 10 x64
       #8

    Hmmm... i see I have a DRVSTORE folder as well, though mine only seems to contain drivers for Virtual Box (i also run a virtual machine under Win 7).

    System32/DriverStore contains a copy of each "driver package". (This is the full set of files needed to do an install)

    System32/Drivers contains run-time driver files. (The driver installation would place copies of the driver files in "DriverStore" to their run-time location. could be system32/drivers and / or other locations.

    I can have a look at what ya got if you like. Run Autoruns, then Files->Save as a .arn file. Zip it up to attach to next post
      My Computer


  9. jmm
    Posts : 104
    Microsoft Windows 7 Professionnel 64 bits 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
    Thread Starter
       #9

    ok thanks -> here it is...
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 43
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit
       #10

    Could you install Nir Sofer's DriverView and run it? You can hide ALL Microsoft's drivers,using the appropriate check box and the programme allows you to find out about all the other drivers via the Internet,before deleting or not.It really is an excellent and safe utility because it leaves the registry well alone.
      My Computer


 
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