Introduction:
Internet Download Manager (IDM) is a popular software for managing downloads, offering a trial version that eventually expires. Many users look for ways to reset the IDM trial to continue using it without purchasing a license. This article will walk you through the steps for resetting the IDM trial. However, be mindful that resetting software trials without purchasing a license is illegal and unethical, and this guide is provided for educational purposes only.
Step 1: Backup Your Windows Registry
Before making any changes to the registry, it is crucial to create a backup to avoid any unintended consequences.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type regedit and press Enter.
- In the Registry Editor, click on File and select Export.
- Save the backup to a location of your choice for future recovery.
Step 2: Deleting Specific Registry Keys
To reset IDM, specific registry keys need to be deleted. Follow these steps carefully:
Open Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Run dialog.
Navigate to the following registry path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\DownloadManager\ConfigTime
- Right-click on the folder and select Delete.
Now, navigate to this second path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\WOW6432Node\CLSID\{07999AC3-058B-40BF-984F-69EB1E554CA7}- Right-click on the folder and delete it.
Step 3: Create a .reg File to Reset Registry Settings
This method involves creating a .reg file to reset IDM-related registry entries.
Open Notepad.
Copy and paste the following code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\DownloadManager\ConfigTime] @=- [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\WOW6432Node\CLSID\{07999AC3-058B-40BF-984F-69EB1E554CA7}] "Model"=dword:00000068 "Therad"=dword:00000001 "MData"=-
Save the file as trial_reset.reg, and in the "Save as type" option, select All Files.
Run this file by double-clicking it to apply the registry changes.
Step 4: Delete the IDM Settings Folder
To fully reset IDM, you also need to delete its settings folder:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type %appdata%\IDM and press Enter.
- Delete the entire IDM folder.
Step 5: Create a CMD Script for Automatic Deletion
This method automates the deletion process using a CMD script.
Open Notepad.
Copy and paste the following CMD commands:
:: Deleting the registry keys reg delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\DownloadManager\ConfigTime /VA /F reg delete HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\WOW6432Node\CLSID\{07999AC3-058B-40BF-984F-69EB1E554CA7} /VA /F :: Deleting the IDM setting folder rmdir /S /Q %appdata%\IDM
Save this file as reset_trial.cmd, selecting All Files in the "Save as type" option.
Right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator to execute the commands.
Step 6: Reinstall IDM
Now that you’ve reset the trial settings:
- Uninstall IDM from your system.
- Reinstall the latest version from the official website.
- You should now have a fresh trial period.
Conclusion:
While resetting IDM’s trial period is technically possible, it is important to note that using such methods can be illegal and unethical. To support developers and enjoy the full range of IDM features without interruption, purchasing a genuine license is highly recommended.
