Synaptics Pointing Device Driver Virus/Malware, Fake Defender Control

[cloud9atom]

Since we use cr@cked software that most of the times requires to disable Windows Defender, we (including me) tend to use software that automates this process, the most popular one is Defender Control by sordum.

Problem is, a fake defender control circulates on the internet that has virus/malware included. It infects other executables on your system, it goes under the name "Synaptics Pointing Device Driver" meaning that it is trying to look legitimate (like the real Synaptics driver).

Here are the instructions to remove it, they doesn't require you to re-enable Windows Defender. Attached some pictures for help, only one screenshot is mine, credits go to the owner for the other ones.

1. Open Task Manager, the windows automatically opens to "Processes", search for "Synaptics Pointing Device Driver", if you find it, select it and click on End Task.
2. Search in taskbar "File Explorer Options", open it, go to "View", uncheck/untick "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)", a window will pop up, click on yes, then apply.
3. Open File explorer, go to "C:\ProgramData", look for "Synaptics" folder and delete it.
4. Search in taskbar "File Explorer Options," open it, go to "View", check/tick "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)".
5. Search in taskbar "Registry Editor", go to "Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run", search for "Synaptics Pointing Device Driver", delete the registry key.
6. Restart.

 

[cloud9atom]

Synaptics Killer has recovered/cleaned a bunch of files for me, so it is tested and working.
It is a waste of time to clean them manually.

 

[hafsa]

I face the "synaptics.exe" virus while installing Renolink on the CD I received with the cable. It destroys all my EXE on my PC, I have to clean them manually by hex editor. Below I made a video of what I face and what I did to clean most of my programs.

Finally I format the computer and install the programs.
Problem. I can't install my Swiftec subscription which is 14 months expired so I need to pay for help with a new installation.
Next time, better use the original Windows Defender.

 

[lötkis]

That's why I use a VM, it is slow, but I am just tired of cleaning and formatting the computer 5 times a year.
The other day I installed VXmanager and Windows Defender immediately started sending me spam that it contains a Trojan.

 

[itevolution]

Thank you very much for sharing the information about the problem with the Synaptics Pointing Device Driver. Your detailed explanation was incredibly helpful and cleared many of my doubts. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into helping the community. Thanks again!