download manager for XP SP2

[NotHereToPlayGames]

7 hours ago, chermany4ever said:

Decided to stick with IDM 'cause I liked its speed when it was working properly.

I am unable to confirm this.

I downloaded six different sets of files and downloaded all via IDM in one VM and via FDM in another VM.

For *all six*, FDM made the downloaded files "available" *LONG* before IDM.

I haven't used IDM enough to know if this is "always" the case, but *after* 'downloading' a file, it went into an "appending all pieces into one file" routine.

FDM did not do this, the file was *available* immediately after the download 'completed', I didn't have to wait, and wait, and wait for the pieces to be "appended together".

 

I don't do a "ton" of downloading, but when I do, the files are LARGE and sourced from high-seed-count torrents.

So I just let my "portable" torrent program do the downloading.  I've not technically compared/contrasted my torrent program to IDM/FDM.

But from what I just witnessed with six different sets of files, I would lean toward FDM over IDM.

I didn't compare any other download managers, just compared these two.  Truth be told, for MY download needs, I don't like either one, I prefer my "portable" torrent client instead.

[chermany4ever]

On 3/11/2026 at 12:36 AM, NotHereToPlayGames said:

does IDM have an "uninstall TOOL"

(sorry it took me so long to reply but I was busy for many days; now I'll have plenty of rainy days here) 

They offer an uninstaller that's quite similar to the one that comes with the program. I ran it, and it did little more than create a mess on my system and nothing was fixed. I've attached a screenshot of the message the uninstaller displays when it finishes.

 

On 3/11/2026 at 6:20 AM, NotHereToPlayGames said:

The "official uninstallation instructions"

 

Thanks my friend. I'll look into this and see if I can figure something out. The problem is that at this point I'm feeling frustrated and I'd rather go back to the 2021 image or do a clean install of UE6. Music is the most important thing to me. I've always used separate sound cards 'cause I don't like the ones that come with motherboards. The one I have doesn't have drivers for Win11 aka X-Lite Micro 11. So for a while I went back to using the motherboard's integrated sound card but I could never fix some hiccups I get when playing audio. Going back to the 2021 image perhaps would solve the FDM issue and also allow me to listen to music properly again. I'll look into this and see if I can fix anything. Also tried a scan with IObit Uninstaller which removes remnants of old programs and checks for errors. Although it found many old crap it did not fix the FDM problem.

 

 

[chermany4ever]

On 3/11/2026 at 8:03 AM, NotHereToPlayGames said:

I haven't used IDM enough to know if this is "always" the case, but *after* 'downloading' a file, it went into an "appending all pieces into one file" routine.

FDM did not do this, the file was *available* immediately after the download 'completed', I didn't have to wait, and wait, and wait for the pieces to be "appended together".

 

Used FDM for a long time. It was my fav for a long time. But back then downloads sometimes failed and speeds were very slow compared to today. As I recall FDM sometimes failed to resume downloads. At the time it was said that IDM had a much more polished download resumming feature. That's why I also used IDM for a long time and although it is true that it takes its time to grab links and then assemble the file, it was much better at resuming downloads. It even allowed you to do it using completely different links IF they corresponded to the same file (impossible to do this with FDM back then). Of course now with all these problems I think IDM will be going on my blacklist.

 

On 3/11/2026 at 8:03 AM, NotHereToPlayGames said:

So I just let my "portable" torrent program do the downloading.  I've not technically compared/contrasted my torrent program to IDM/FDM.

But from what I just witnessed with six different sets of files, I would lean toward FDM over IDM.

 

I agree with you on this. On Windows 11 (aka X-Lite Micro 11) I use a portable version of FDM for everything. FDM has also worked as a torrent client for a long time. The newer versions do everything well.

[chermany4ever]

On 3/10/2026 at 11:51 PM, NotHereToPlayGames said:

In desperation, what happens if you *reinstall* IDM?  Does FDM come back to life?

 

 

Went back to the 2021 image to check... and IDM is installed. Guess I was so happy I made an image lol. So I don't have a clean system image. My system is messed up and can't be fixed. You're right again.

I've been trying all day with the ISO of Windows UE 6 SP3 hoping to at least take a step forward and customize my entire system from scratch. I think I remember how to do it but after struggling all day, realized my Maya audio card wasn't properly connected to the motherboard after several crashes and freezes. So I'll try again tomorrow.

 

As I recall, SP3 is "harder" to customize, although many have told me it's superior to SP2, including yourself.