Opinions on "SlimDrivers" Automated Driver Updater

[IoNGeNeRaL]

Hey guys.

Could I get some opinions on SlimDrivers v2.2 please? I'm not quite sure if I should be trusting it or not and so I need some opinions..

Thanks.

 

[LMiller7]

I don't have a very high opinion of driver update programs. They often include spyware, toolbars, or other unwanted programs. They may also suggest old or inappropriate drivers. I tried some of these programs years ago, had some bad experiences, and lost interest in them. There may be some good ones but I have no interest in them.

I have no knowledge of SlimDrivers.

Best to obtain drivesr from the manufacturers website.

 

[Callender]

If updating AMD graphics drivers it will download and install the whole package and install stuff that you don't need.

Best way to use it (if you are going to try it) is let it scan for updates but not download or install them. Then do your own research on the results and look for those drivers yourself.

Some stuff will not need updating:

Example: Realtek Audio Driver. It will detect a new version is available but the fact is that the Realtek Driver available to download from your computer manufacturer's website is the one needed and that will actually work with your computer model.

 

[IoNGeNeRaL]

This is what it's detected so far. It did initially suggest an update for my Radeon R9 280X, but as per my BSOD thread, axe told me to do a clean installation of my display drivers installing as little as possible. (so I removed them with DDU and installed the new ones as on the AMD website) It updated my Intel Gigabit Ethernet driver and an ACPI driver or something. I don't quite remember.

 

[Callender]

If you're going to update those three drivers - backup first:

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Also create a system restore point and ideally have a system image backup ready just in case. Personally I use Macruim Reflect and keep several old backups that I can restore if and when needed.

 

[IoNGeNeRaL]

Thanks for your informative suggestion, Callender!

 

[axe0]

I recommend against the use of such programs, they install more garbage than anyone is aware of. Many of the drivers they install should be installed from either the motherboard manufacturer or the laptop manufacturer, DU software are simply programs that are useless but used by many because they do not know where to get the drivers.

The last time I used it, some months ago on 1 of my VM's, I noticed that it replaced a driver that is from Windows itself. I had to reinstall the OS on the VM to get rid of it.

 

[Callender]

Agreed - personally I just use it to run a check but not to install drivers.

 

[Layback Bear]

I have used SlimDrive Updater in the past just for S&G.

Yes it tries to also install garbage.
Yes many of the suggested drivers were very poor suggestions. (Out Dated/Not for your system)

Now the hard part.
Removing SlimDriver Updater and all the fingers that it has through out your system.
Drivers; and their are many that are poked and prodded by SlimDriver Updater and you don't really know what was done in the process. It took me a very long time to clean up the mess.
Needless to say I will not use any such program again.

I seldom update drivers if I'm not having any problems. Now and again I will update the video card driver but I use the 3 or 4 newest driver. Many times the newest drivers will cause problems in my opinion.

Along the same principal I don't update bios or chip set unless their is a strong indication that it needs to be done.
My computers will go for years with out updating anything but a video driver every now and then.
Maybe I'm just lucky.

Note:
When Windows 7 is installed it could load many drivers that are not used, therefore don't need updated. A auto driver update program could be trying to update those unused drivers. I have no proof of this. Just my thoughts.

 

[HAVOC]

I never use any software to find drivers. I usually check manufacturers websites once a month for updated drivers/firmware and install them if I feel the need to (if they fix something for example).

I've been using nVidia driver 365.10 with no issues even though there is a new driver available. If it's not broke, don't fix it.

 

[Mellon Head]

I also don't use driver search programs. Like Layback Bear, my systems go many months or years with only an occasional video driver update, unless I get a new piece of hardware. I always get drivers directly from the manufacturer or motherboard vendor, or from Windows if necessary to get me going before I can find the manufacturer's driver.

There is no reason to use a driver update program with all of their potential for malware. Doing a little legwork yourself can save hours or days of unwanted hassle.