Is this Dell update message legit or a malicious popup?

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

I've owned Dell computers for 14 years. I've never seen an update message from them, so I keep ignoring this one. Anyone know?

gardenman · ‎03-09-2010

It's likely an invitation to install malware. That said, some companies do update their proprietary bloatware/software, so it could be real. When in doubt, don't click on it. You might find a better answer by calling Dell or checking their tech support.

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shopperqvc · ‎03-10-2010

I bought my first Dell in 2003, and I have never gotten any sort of update email from them. The phone calls supposedly from them are fake as well.

The only things I have ever gotten from Dell are the junk mail I've gotten in my real mail box wanting me to buy a new computer from time to time. And they have even stopped sending those so often.

Don't click on a link or try to answer their emails.

2blonde · ‎03-10-2010

Dell computers are, and always have been, standard issue where I work (we have thousands of them), and I've never heard of or seen such an email from Dell.

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appm · ‎04-17-2010

I recently got that too. It's a pop-up on the bottom right of the screen. I haven't said "OK do it" because, like you, wondering if it's legit. Let me know if you find out. Thanks.

Venezia · ‎03-09-2010

@depglass- We don't own Dells (strictly HP here), but I'd never respond to anything based on an email or pop-up that asked me to update my system. Absolutely don't click on any links.

Go to the Dell website and check there to see if any updates are recommended. Also, most websites have a way to forward any suspicious emails to them for verification. Usually, it's something like spoof@(website email address). The Dell website should provide information on it.

Also, hover your cursor over the name of the sender (without opening the email) and look at the address it's actually from. That will give you more info.

"" A little learning is a dangerous thing."-Alexander Pope

Caffeina · ‎03-09-2010

I'd ask in the Dell forums. I think they'd know for sure, they have employee moderators.

Nuttmeg · ‎03-09-2010

@Caffeina wrote:
I'd ask in the Dell forums. I think they'd know for sure, they have employee moderators.

Great idea!!. The mods and regulars are knowledgable. It may be called Dell Community forum.

OT, HP also has a helpful forum.

GingerPeach · ‎03-12-2010

@depglass

This is one message I found on the Dell community site. I've actually updated before with one of those Dell popups and nothing bad happened, but they are annoying:

Hi fatpossum;

You describe typical behaviour of Dell's Autoupdate program. It is not a virus, it is legitimate. And a legitimate nuisance. It thinks its function (to keep Dell drivers and software updated) is so important that it must insert itself in your startup list. Your friend's security was right to flag it, and he made no error in blocking it. It will probably try to bother him again.

Dell Update is a usefull program to check that your drivers, BIOS etc are current. It should be available to run a check on demand, but really has no need to load at startup or to run in real-time.

If it bothers him enough, he can uninstall it from "Programs and Features" in Control Panel. There are about a dozen Dell programs listed, and I'm not sure exactly which one to uninstall. Likely candidates are "Dell SupportAssist Remediation" and/or "SupportAssist" and/or "SupportAssistAgent".

Interestingly, on my Dell laptop with Win 10, Autoupdate does load at startup, yet is not listed in my WinPatrol Plus list of startup programs.

It was in response to this question:

Jump to solution

Forgive me for not being any more specific, but I am posting this for someone who drives for a living and doesn't have time to post it themselves..aside from the fact they are not real computer-term literate..
Last night they had a square white box in the lower right corner pop up and say: "Dell update", and offered 2 choices.... Allow or Remind me later.

They did "Allow", thinking it was legit...then their antivirus popped up with a message saying (more or less):
"something is trying to install itself that will turn on every time you sign on..."

So, they told their antivirus to block it...

Was this pop up posing as a Dell Update legit....or some type of virus?

They are using a desktop....and WiFi...

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