Internet Download Manager (IDM) is popular software that is used by millions of users around the world. It is a high-speed tool that helps users download a variety of files such as videos, movies, games, etc., from the internet.
Since IDM is a paid software, it requires a serial number to access the service after the 30-day trial period. But sometimes the IDM serial number won’t work and shows the error message “IDM has been registered with the fake serial number.” This is an annoying error that stops users from using the software.
Now the question is, how to get rid of this error? Luckily, there are a few ways you can fix this issue. If you are curious to learn how read the below post.
Easy Ways To Remove The Error
No one wants to deal with the “IDM has been registered with a fake serial number” because it is irritating and ruins the overall user experience. However, if you are currently stuck with this error, you must find the right solution to fix it. This section will cover the solutions you can try to remove this error. All you need to do is follow the instructions as given and you will be good to go.
Method 1: Tweak The IDM Files
Sometimes you don’t have to do much, but only tweak the IDM files. If you are not sure what to do, follow the steps below.
- Access Windows Explorer on your device.
- Go to the Internet Download Manager folder and open it. You will see a long list of files there.
- Look for the “IDMGrHIp.exe.” file and delete it.
- Now copy and paste “idmBroker.exe” in the same folder.
- After you are done with the above steps, change the name of the “idmBroker.exe” file to “IDMGrHIp.exe.”
- Now proceed to restart your PC, so your device can process the changes.
Method 2: Fix In IDM’s Installation File
If you choose this method, follow these steps:
- Start by closing the IDM completely. You can do this by right-clicking on the IDM icon and selecting the Exit button.
- Locate the folder containing the IDM installation file.
- Within the right window, you will see the “IDMGrHIp” or “IDMGrHIp.exe” files. Change the name of the file or delete it if you like.
- Once the above step is done, look for the “idmBroker” file and copy it.
- Change the name of the copied file and save the changes by selecting the Enter button.
- That’s all you need to do to remove the “IDM has been registered with the fake serial number” error.
Method 3: Change The Value In The Registry
- Launch the Start/Run dialog. Alternatively, you can press the Windows + R keys together.
- Type “Regedit” in the search box and hit the Enter or OK button.
- Once the Registry Editor window is open, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\DownloadManager
- In the right window, locate the entry: File “CheckUpdtVm”
- Double-click on the file and modify the default value in the “Value data” box from “10” to “0”.
- After making the changes, hit OK to apply the changes.
Method 4: Edit The Host File
To resolve the “IDM has been registered with a fake serial number,” error a widely used method involves editing the Windows host file. Before you start make sure that IDM is completely closed, and no processes are using it. Also, you should terminate IDM from the Task Manager.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.
- Locate the host file right-click on it and open it with Notepad.
If you encounter issues opening the host file with Notepad, follow these additional steps:
- Right-click on the host’s file and choose the option Properties.
- Hit the Security button and select Users.
- Now click Edit, followed by Users again.
- Check the “Full control” box.
- This should allow you to open and access the host file with Notepad.
- In the Notepad file, paste the following code: 127.0.0.1 www.internetdownloadmanager.com.
- After that select File and then Save.
- Go to the Properties of the host file and mark it as read-only.
- That concludes the process, and you are all set.
Why Do You Need A Serial Key For IDM?
IDM is not free software, but it does offer a 30-day free trial period. Once the trial run is over, users are required to pay for the software to continue to use it. So, you need the serial key to register your version of IDM.
- A serial key gives you full access to all the cool features of IDM.
- Without a key, IDM may limit your download speed, but with a serial key, you can enjoy faster downloads.
- Using a proper serial key helps you avoid annoying error messages during installation or use.
- Some advanced features are only available when you enter a valid serial key.
- Having a serial key ensures that you can get the latest updates and support from IDM.
- A serial key ensures that you can use IDM for a longer period without any interruptions.
To avoid any issues, you should use a genuine serial key. It will be provided to you at the time of purchase. The retailer should send the serial key to your email address. When registering IDM, make sure to enter the correct serial key, otherwise it won’t work.
If the serial key doesn’t work, you should contact the retailer you got the software from. They will either give you another serial key or do something to fix the issue.
If you encounter the “IDM has been registered with the fake serial number” error, try the solutions given in this post and it should solve the problem.
Final Words
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “IDM has been registered with the fake serial number” error. If you don’t succeed in the first attempt, give it another shot. If needed, use different methods to see which one works for you.
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