Safe bandwidth monitoring program?

On my previous computer, I used a bandwidth monitoring program called Networx. However, that computer later developed a crippling problem (the main hard drive locking up at random, unpredictable intervals). I had the computer tested, and the problem couldn't be identified, except that the hard drive was apparently not the issue. To this day, the issue still hasn't been identified.

I can't rule out Networx as a possible cause, as it apparently installs a driver during installation, and I have read posts here on TenForums that state that this driver may have caused computer crashes. But I need a good bandwidth monitoring program for my new computer that allows me to tell how much bandwidth I have used in a particular time period (my ISP takes three days to update my bandwidth usage information).

It turns out that there is also a portable version of Networx, which I downloaded and ran (on my new computer), before deciding that this was an unwise decision. Now, I'm afraid that even running it might have installed a dangerous driver, even though the program itself didn't have to install. I quickly deleted it, but the damage may have already been done. Is it possible that it did install a driver without my knowledge?

Does anyone know a good, safe bandwidth monitoring program, especially one that doesn't install drivers and hasn't been associated with computer crashes?

I've been using Networx on two Win10 PC's with no issues whatsoever, however the latest version is no longer free, when updating it converts to a 30 day trial, bit of a sneaky way of doing it IMO, cost $29 per year for a 5PC licence.
Haven't decided on or if any replacement yet as can monitor usage through router anyway.

clam1952 said:

I've been using Networx on two Win10 PC's with no issues whatsoever, however the latest version is no longer free, when updating it converts to a 30 day trial, bit of a sneaky way of doing it IMO, cost $29 per year for a 5PC licence.
Haven't decided on or if any replacement yet as can monitor usage through router anyway.

Do you know if the portable version installs any drivers?

hbenthow said:

Do you know if the portable version installs any drivers?

Depends on how you use it but from here, bit behind on builds but still applies. NetWorx with built-in traffic filttering driver - NetWorx Help

Versions 4.9.9 to 5.1.6: Used a network driver from Microolap LLC. It's no longer supported or updated.
Versions 5.1.7 to 5.2.0: Used a network driver from NetFilterSDK.
Versions 5.2.1 to 5.2.6: Used WinPCap installed separately.
Version 5.2.7 (latest): Uses a network driver from NetFilterSDK or WinPCap.

Ignoring local traffic in the portable build is only possible in versions 4.9.9 to 5.1.6 and from 5.2.1 onwards provided WinPCap is installed.

Not the Portable version but curiously on My Win10 pro install which was an upgrade, it carried the WinPcap driver over on my other Win10 PC which came with Win10, it isn't installed both are ignoring local traffic.
From what I remember if you are not ignoring local lan traffic it doesn't need any driver.
Pretty much explained here what drivers are used NetWorx with built-in traffic filttering driver - NetWorx Help

TairikuOkami said:

NetTraffic - bandwidth monitoring tool | Official Website

Thank you for the recommendation. I'll look into that.

clam1952 said:

Depends on how you use it but from here, bit behind on builds but still applies. NetWorx with built-in traffic filttering driver - NetWorx Help



Not the Portable version but curiously on My Win10 pro install which was an upgrade, it carried the WinPcap driver over on my other Win10 PC which came with Win10, it isn't installed both are ignoring local traffic.
From what I remember if you are not ignoring local lan traffic it doesn't need any driver.
Pretty much explained here what drivers are used NetWorx with built-in traffic filttering driver - NetWorx Help

So, based on what I've read in that thread, it appears the portable version apparently can work with drivers that you install yourself, but doesn't install any itself? Am I interpreting it correctly?

hbenthow said:

So, based on what I've read in that thread, it appears the portable version apparently can work with drivers that you install yourself, but doesn't install any itself? Am I interpreting it correctly?

Yes the portable version require WinPcap from here WinPcap - Home

Thank you for the information.