PUP.Optional.DriverBooster is Malwarebytes' detection name for a "driver updater" called Driver Booster which is published by Energizer Softech Pvt ltd for Windows systems.
Users may have seen this warning during install when Driver Booster is bundled with other software:
And these warnings when "outdated drivers" are found:
They may see this entry in their list of installed Programs and Features:
and this Scheduled Task:
PUP.Optional.DriverBooster is a so-called driver updater”. Driver updaters are considered a special kind of system optimizers. These so-called “system optimizers” use exaggerated scan results or sometimes even 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. Energizers' Driver Booster is usually installed by users themselves as part of a bundler.
Malwarebytes protects users from PUP.Optional.DriverBooster by using real-time protection.
Malwarebytes can detect and remove PUP.Optional.DriverBooster without further user interaction.
A Malwarebytes log of removal will look similar to this:
Malwarebytes www.malwarebytes.com-Log Details- Scan Date: 3/14/19 Scan Time: 12:44 PM Log File: 7fa9d2b6-464e-11e9-919c-00ffdcc6fdfc.json
-Software Information- Version: 3.7.1.2839 Components Version: 1.0.538 Update Package Version: 1.0.9682 License: Premium
-System Information- OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 CPU: x64 File System: NTFS User: {computername}\{username}
-Scan Summary- Scan Type: Threat Scan Scan Initiated By: Manual Result: Completed Objects Scanned: 235715 Threats Detected: 106 Threats Quarantined: 106 Time Elapsed: 6 min, 52 sec
-Scan Options- Memory: Enabled Startup: Enabled Filesystem: Enabled Archives: Enabled Rootkits: Enabled Heuristics: Enabled PUP: Detect PUM: Detect
-Scan Details- Process: 1 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\DriverUpdater.exe, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682
Module: 2 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\DriverHiveEngine.dll, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\DriverUpdater.exe, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682
Registry Key: 11 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\SCHEDULE\TASKCACHE\TREE\Driver Booster Autostart, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\SCHEDULE\TASKCACHE\TASKS\{BD82BB68-E05B-4F6E-B967-D1900F14B2E2}, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS NT\CURRENTVERSION\SCHEDULE\TASKCACHE\LOGON\{BD82BB68-E05B-4F6E-B967-D1900F14B2E2}, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\DUSOLUTION, Quarantined, [4511], [257007],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\CURRENTVERSION\UNINSTALL\{C40DAF9B-D897-4D66-8F7B-B404FFC4033E}, Quarantined, [4511], [361389],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\INSTALLER\PRODUCTS\B9FAD04C798D66D4F8B74B40FF4C30E3, Quarantined, [4511], [361390],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKCU\SOFTWARE\DRIVER BOOSTER, Quarantined, [4511], [257006],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\*\SHELLEX\CONTEXTMENUHANDLERS\PCBoosterCMenu, Quarantined, [1328], [257026],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\ENERGIZERSOFT TECH\Driver Booster, Quarantined, [4511], [257008],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKCU\SOFTWARE\ENERGIZERSOFT TECH\Driver Booster, Quarantined, [4511], [358443],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, HKCU\SOFTWARE\PC BOOSTER, Quarantined, [1328], [257025],1.0.9682
Registry Value: 3 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432NODE\DUSOLUTION|PATH, Quarantined, [4511], [257007],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, HKCU\SOFTWARE\DRIVER BOOSTER|LANGUAGE, Quarantined, [4511], [257006],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, HKCU\SOFTWARE\PC BOOSTER|LNID, Quarantined, [1328], [257025],1.0.9682
Registry Data: 0 (No malicious items detected)
Data Stream: 0 (No malicious items detected)
Folder: 6 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\DRIVERBOOSTER, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\PROGRAMDATA\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\START MENU\PROGRAMS\DRIVERBOOSTER, Quarantined, [4511], [257003],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, C:\ProgramData\PC Booster\LOGS, Quarantined, [1328], [181919],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, C:\PROGRAMDATA\PC BOOSTER, Quarantined, [1328], [181919],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, C:\PROGRAMDATA\CLP, Quarantined, [1328], [302415],1.0.9682
File: 83 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\PROGRAM FILES (X86)\DRIVERBOOSTER\RESOURCES\alert_popup.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\account_icon.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\account_logo.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\actions_icon.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\action_btn.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\action_btn_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\action_btn_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\activate_icon.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\arrow_down.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\arrow_right.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\buy_now.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\cancel_button_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\cancel_button_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\default.theme, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\home_icon.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\indicator.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\indicator_arrow.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\languages.lst, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\left_tab_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\left_tab_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\license1.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\license2.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\line_brush.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\logo.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\main.ico, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\main_background_f.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\main_background_p.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\main_button_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\main_button_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\middle_tab_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\middle_tab_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\minor_button_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\minor_button_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\notification_popup.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\promo_en_GB.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\right_tab_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\right_tab_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\scan1.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\scan2.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\scan3.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\scan_btn.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\scan_btn_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\scan_btn_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\scan_icon.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\scan_result.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\settings_icon.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\settings_rollup_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\settings_rollup_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\sub_tab_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\sub_tab_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\tiny_button_selected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\tiny_button_unselected.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\tiny_notification_popup.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\ui_en_GB.ts, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\ui_ru.ts, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\ui_sv.ts, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\ui_uk.ts, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\update1.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\update2.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\update3.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\update4.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\default.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\resources\selection.png, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\DPInst64.exe, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\DriverHiveEngine.dll, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\DriverUpdater.exe, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\main.ico, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\updater.exe, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\TASKS\Driver Booster Autostart, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\PUBLIC\Desktop\Driver Booster.lnk, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\USERS\PUBLIC\Desktop\Driver Booster.lnk, Quarantined, [4511], [257002],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\PROGRAMDATA\MICROSOFT\WINDOWS\START MENU\PROGRAMS\DRIVERBOOSTER\DRIVER BOOSTER.LNK, Quarantined, [4511], [257003],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\DriverBooster\End User Licence Agreement.url, Quarantined, [4511], [257003],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\DriverBooster\Privacy Policy.url, Quarantined, [4511], [257003],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\DriverBooster\Uninstall Driver Booster.lnk, Quarantined, [4511], [257003],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, C:\ProgramData\PC Booster\LOGS\PCB_LOGS_03_14_2019_12_30_06_PM.log, Quarantined, [1328], [181919],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, C:\PROGRAMDATA\CLP\PB_DU-001.LIC, Quarantined, [1328], [302415],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.PCBooster, C:\ProgramData\clp\clp.cid, Quarantined, [1328], [302415],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\USERS\{username}\APPDATA\LOCAL\TEMP\DRIVERBOOSTER.MSI, Quarantined, [4511], [104318],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\USERS\{username}\APPDATA\LOCAL\TEMP\DRIVERBOOSTERINSTALLER.EXE, Quarantined, [4511], [104318],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.Energizer, C:\USERS\{username}\DESKTOP\PCBOOSTERSETUP.EXE, Quarantined, [12970], [361696],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.Energizer, C:\USERS\{username}\APPDATA\LOCAL\TEMP\INSTALL.EXE, Quarantined, [12970], [361696],1.0.9682 PUP.Optional.DriverBooster, C:\WINDOWS\INSTALLER\CB0AC.MSI, Quarantined, [4511], [104318],1.0.9682
Physical Sector: 0 (No malicious items detected)
WMI: 0 (No malicious items detected)
(end)
Should users wish to keep this program and exclude it from being detected in future scans, they can add the program to the exclusions list. Here’s how to do it.
You may see these entries in FRST logs:
(Energizer Softech Pvt ltd -> ) C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\DriverUpdater.exe C:\ProgramData\BSD C:\ProgramData\DriverBooster C:\ProgramData\clp C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster C:\Windows\System32\Tasks\Driver Booster Autostart C:\Users\Public\Desktop\Driver Booster.lnk C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\DriverBooster C:\Windows\win.ini () C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\DriverBoosterInstaller.exe () C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Temp\Install.exeDriver Booster (HKLM-x32\...\{C40DAF9B-D897-4D66-8F7B-B404FFC4033E}) (Version: 1.0.41 - Energizersoft Tech) Task: {BD82BB68-E05B-4F6E-B967-D1900F14B2E2} - System32\Tasks\Driver Booster Autostart => C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\DriverUpdater.exe (Energizer Softech Pvt ltd -> ) (Bootstrap Development, LLC) [File not signed] C:\Program Files (x86)\DriverBooster\driverhiveengine.dll
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