When using Internet Download Manager (IDM), one problem that commonly arises is the fake serial number message. This message appears when IDM detects an unlicensed version of the software. To fix this issue, users can choose to disable the automatic update feature of IDM. In this article, we will discuss how to do just that using two methods: using the registry editor and file renaming.
Method 1: Turning off Automatic Updates using the Registry Editor
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor by clicking on the start menu and typing ‘regedit’
Step 2: Once you see the Registry Editor window, navigate to ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER’, then ‘Software’, then ‘DownloadManager’.
Step 3: Select ‘LastCheck’, then change the value of the year to a number that is higher than the current year (for example, change it to ‘9999’ or ’99’) and click ‘OK’.
Step 4: Logoff your computer and wait for a few minutes before logging back in.
Method 2: Turning off Automatic Updates by Renaming IDM Files
Step 1: Close IDM if it is currently running on your PC.
Step 2: Open the ‘Internet Download Manager’ installation folder. This folder can be found in the ‘C:\Program Files’ directory.
Step 3: Locate the ‘IDMGrHlp.exe’ file and rename it to ‘idmhelp-old.exe’.
Step 4: Restart your computer.
Step 5: Once your computer has restarted, open the ‘Internet Download Manager’ installation folder again, then locate and select the ‘idmBroker.exe’ file. Rename it to ‘IDMGrHlp.exe’.
Step 6: Restart your computer once again.
By following either of these methods, users can disable the automatic update feature of IDM, thereby preventing the fake serial number message from appearing again. To update IDM to its latest version, users can do so manually through the help menu.
It is important to note that these methods are applicable in all versions of Windows, including Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
In conclusion, disabling the automatic update feature of IDM can help users get rid of fake serial number messages. By using either the registry editor or file renaming method, users can easily turn off the automatic update feature and update IDM to its latest version manually.
