Stars regs have been running the Pokerstars.exe file as default for years. For one, it's good practice in case any new update breaks compatibility with third-party software. It's better to wait until the third-party software updates first and THEN run the PokerstarsUpdate.exe once, than to update Stars and have to wait on the third-party update. I may be mistaken, but I'm pretty sure Pokerstars reps have also suggested this to players in the past too.
EDIT:
Quote:
Originally Posted by PokerStars Steve
If you are having trouble connecting, try locating 'PokerStars.exe' directly in your Pokerstars folder and running that application instead of your normal shortcut to 'PokerStarsUpdate.exe'