Tech Tips

How to Disable an Internet Speed Monitor

by Candace Benson, Demand Media

Internet Speed Monitor is an adware program that will slow your computer and barrage your screen with a variety of pop-up ads. Accordingly, Internet Speed Monitor fits within the software category known as "malware" and should be disabled by removing the program. Removing the software requires multiple steps and may take several hours. Back up any critical files before proceeding with the disabling process.

Items you will need

  • Internet connection
  • Windows Defender, AdAware or other malware-detection software

Uninstalling the Internet Speed Monitor

Step 1

Click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel."

Step 2

Set the Control Panel to "Classic View." Open "Programs & Features" in the Control Panel.

Step 3

Find "Internet Speed Monitor" in the list of installed programs.

Step 4

After Windows has uninstalled the program, close the Control Panel.

Manually Removing Files

Step 1

Click on "Start." In the text field, enter "ISM."

Step 2

Right-click on the "ISM" folder. Select "Delete" and confirm the deletion.

Step 3

Remove "ISM" from the text field. Type "temp."

Step 4

Left-click on the "Temp" folder.

Step 5

Click "Edit" in the temp folder's tool bar. Choose "Select All."

Step 6

Select "File," then "Delete." Confirm the deletion.

Run Adware Scan Software

Step 1

Click "Start," and enter "defender" in the text field. Left-click once on "Windows Defender."

Step 2

Click "Tools." Select "Options."

Step 3

Tick the check box next to "Apply default actions to items detected during a scan."

Step 4

Click the "Save" button.

Step 5

Find "Scan." Click the arrow to the right of "Scan." Click "Full Scan."

Step 6

Follow any on-screen prompts that recommend quarantining or removing malicious files by confirming.

Tips

  • Make sure your version of Windows is always up-to-date with the latest security patches and Service Packs. Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software updated with the latest definitions.
  • There are several excellent-quality, free spyware detectors available, including AdAware and HijackThis. These applications can help to prevent infection and to detect and remove malware.
  • If you already have copies of critical files, it may be easier to simply reinstall Windows. You will need a Windows installation disc or system recovery disc.

Warnings

  • Back up critical files before modifying your system. Spyware can be very difficult to remove, and several users have reported issues with fully ridding their systems from Internet Speed Monitor.

About the Author

Candace Benson has nearly five years of experience as a volunteer coordinator and has worked for non-profits and state agencies. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Benson wrote for a number of video game websites and blogs and worked as a technical support agent. Benson currently writes for eHow.

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