Driver Cleaning Process

Retro_Burn · May 3, 2009, 10:54 AM

Hello,

I apologise if there's a post already answering my query. To clarify, the steps I should take when cleaning drivers (with Driver Cleaner of course) involves :-

1. Uninstalling the drivers through device manager
2. Reboot and use Driver Cleaner to delete driver(s)/Reboot in safe mode and delete driver(s)
3. Reboot once more.

Is that correct?

Regarding point number two, I'm not sure whether I should always reboot in safe mode, in case there may be a problem?

Thank you,

Retro.

Tipstaff · May 3, 2009, 11:39 AM

Yep. You got the (not so) "official" procedure right.

Even if you aren't using the device in normal mode, or it's not installed, Windows can sometimes still load files that when you try to clean won't be cleaned out since they would be "in use" technically. That's why the second part is important as in Safe Mode a lot of the device drivers normally loaded in normal mode are not loaded.

**Spike** · May 3, 2009, 12:24 PM

Best is to open the help file and follow the steps by the instructions, because there it is explained with more details about each step.

Flanker · May 4, 2009, 06:02 PM

As I recall, after you've used the "add and remove programs" funtion in the control panel to remove your old drivers; you always boot into safe mode to use the driver cleaner. The reason being is safe mode renders driver remnants and/or registry entries unlocked (whatever that means) so they can be removed by DC. Though I've been wrong before..........good luck!

larissa · May 5, 2009, 11:40 AM

I might give it a try, maybe will boost my windows speed a bit...

May 3, 2009, 10:54 AM	#1
Retro_Burn DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Driver Cleaning Process Hello, I apologise if there's a post already answering my query. To clarify, the steps I should take when cleaning drivers (with Driver Cleaner of course) involves :- 1. Uninstalling the drivers through device manager 2. Reboot and use Driver Cleaner to delete driver(s)/Reboot in safe mode and delete driver(s) 3. Reboot once more. Is that correct? Regarding point number two, I'm not sure whether I should always reboot in safe mode, in case there may be a problem? Thank you, Retro.

May 3, 2009, 11:39 AM	#2
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,658 Rep Power: 187 System Specs	Re: Driver Cleaning Process Yep. You got the (not so) "official" procedure right. Even if you aren't using the device in normal mode, or it's not installed, Windows can sometimes still load files that when you try to clean won't be cleaned out since they would be "in use" technically. That's why the second part is important as in Safe Mode a lot of the device drivers normally loaded in normal mode are not loaded. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. Last edited by Tipstaff; May 3, 2009 at 11:45 AM.

May 3, 2009, 12:24 PM	#3
Spike Driver Cleaner Maker Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Netherlands Posts: 2,085 Rep Power: 69 System Specs	Re: Driver Cleaning Process Best is to open the help file and follow the steps by the instructions, because there it is explained with more details about each step. __________________

May 4, 2009, 06:02 PM	#4
Flanker DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Sandbox Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	Re: Driver Cleaning Process As I recall, after you've used the "add and remove programs" funtion in the control panel to remove your old drivers; you always boot into safe mode to use the driver cleaner. The reason being is safe mode renders driver remnants and/or registry entries unlocked (whatever that means) so they can be removed by DC. Though I've been wrong before..........good luck! __________________

May 5, 2009, 11:40 AM	#5
larissa HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 113 Rep Power: 0	Re: Driver Cleaning Process I might give it a try, maybe will boost my windows speed a bit...