Summary
Windows® 10 and Windows® 11 feature updates may reinstall or modify kernel-mode drivers. In some cases, this can interfere with SmartSDR for Windows, DAX, and CAT operation.
Before performing a major Windows operating system upgrade, FlexRadio recommends optionally performing a complete removal of the SmartSDR software ecosystem from your PC. This prevents Windows from attempting to “upgrade” existing drivers and allows for a clean SmartSDR installation after the OS update is complete.
This procedure may also be used to fully remove SmartSDR from any Windows PC where it has been previously installed.
Applies To
- SmartSDR for Windows
- DAX
- SmartCAT
- FlexVSP
- FlexControl Driver
- Windows 10 and Windows 11
⚠️ Important
- This procedure removes all SmartSDR applications, drivers, and configuration files from the PC.
- Administrative privileges are required.
- Ensure your radio is powered off before uninstalling software.
- Back up any desired configuration data before proceeding.
Before You Begin – Save Your Configuration
Record Virtual Serial Port Configuration
ℹ️ Note: Virtual COM port assignments are not preserved during a full uninstall.
While SmartCAT is running:
- Open the Serial Ports tab.
- Record all virtual COM port pairs and their port types shown in the Available Flex Virtual Ports window.
Record DAX IQ Channel Configuration
While DAX is running:
- Open the DAX Control Panel.
- Record the sampling rates for all four (4) DAX IQ channels.
Export Profiles
ℹ️ Note: Profiles are normally stored on the radio; however, exporting them is recommended as a precaution.
- Open SmartSDR for Windows.
- Select Profiles → Import/Export.
- Export all options.
- Copy the exported file from the Desktop to external storage.
Log Out of SmartLink
⚠️ Important:
Failure to log out of SmartLink may leave sessions active during driver removal.
- Log out of SmartLink from SmartSDR, CAT, and DAX.
Power Down Hardware
- Shut down the radio.
- Disconnect any connected FlexControl devices.
Close All FlexRadio Applications
⚠️ Important:
If SmartSDR has ever been installed on another PC on the same network, ensure CAT and DAX are not running there.
- Close SmartSDR, CAT, and DAX on the local PC.
Procedure – Complete Removal of SmartSDR for Windows
1. Uninstall the FlexControl Driver
Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\FlexRadio Systems\SmartSDR vA.B.C\[32 or 64-bit] Drivers\FlexControl
(Select the most recent SmartSDR version installed.)
- Right-click FlexControlUninstall.bat
- Select Run as Administrator.
ℹ️ Note: A command window will briefly appear and close when the driver removal is complete.
2. Uninstall All SmartSDR Versions
Remove all installed SmartSDR versions via:
- Start Menu → FlexRadio Systems → SmartSDR vA.B.C → Uninstall, or
- Control Panel → Programs and Features
⚠️ Important:
- Uninstall versions starting with the oldest.
- Select NO when asked to keep the DAX drivers.
- Select NO when prompted to reboot.
3. Uninstall the FlexVSP (CAT) Driver
In Programs and Features, uninstall:
- FlexRadio Systems FlexVSP
ℹ️ Note: For additional details, refer to the SmartSDR CAT Software User’s Guide on the FlexRadio website.
4. Remove Hidden (“Ghosted”) COM Ports
Using the FlexRadio ghosted COM port removal procedure, delete any ports named:
- FlexRadio Virtual Serial Port
- FlexRadio FlexControl
✅ Tip: Removing unused virtual ports helps prevent COM port conflicts after reinstalling SmartSDR.
5. Remove Remaining SmartSDR Application Folders
Navigate to:
C:\Program Files\FlexRadio Systems\
Delete any remaining:
- SmartSDR vA.B.C
⚠️ Warning:
Do not delete any folders other than SmartSDR version folders.
6. Reboot the Computer
Restart the PC.
ℹ️ Note: The reboot ensures all kernel-mode drivers and services are fully removed from memory.
Completion
At this point, all SmartSDR for Windows applications and associated drivers have been removed from the system.
You may now:
- Proceed with the Windows 10 or Windows 11 feature update, or
- Install the latest version of SmartSDR for Windows after the OS upgrade is complete.