Fix NetSpeedMonitor Not Working In Windows 10

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Having trouble with NetSpeedMonitor on your Windows 10 machine? You're not alone! It's a super handy tool to keep an eye on your network speeds right from the taskbar, but sometimes it just decides to quit working. Don't worry, we're going to dive into some easy fixes to get it up and running again. Let's get started!

Why NetSpeedMonitor Might Be Acting Up

Before we jump into the solutions, let's quickly touch on why NetSpeedMonitor might be giving you headaches in Windows 10. Compatibility issues are often the culprit. This nifty tool was originally designed for older versions of Windows, and sometimes it doesn't play nicely with the newer operating system. Driver conflicts can also cause problems, especially if your network adapter drivers are outdated or corrupted. Additionally, Windows updates can sometimes interfere with NetSpeedMonitor, causing it to stop functioning correctly. Finally, incorrect settings or corrupted installation files could be the reason why NetSpeedMonitor isn't displaying your network speed. Understanding these potential issues can help you pinpoint the right solution more quickly.

Solution 1: Run in Compatibility Mode

One of the easiest ways to get NetSpeedMonitor working again is to run it in compatibility mode. This tells Windows to run the program as if it were running on an older version of the operating system. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Find the NetSpeedMonitor executable: Usually, it’s located in the installation directory, something like C:\Program Files\NetSpeedMonitor. Look for a file named NSM.exe or similar.
  2. Right-click on the executable: This will open the context menu.
  3. Select “Properties”: A new window will pop up.
  4. Go to the “Compatibility” tab: You'll see various compatibility settings here.
  5. Check the box labeled “Run this program in compatibility mode for”: This enables compatibility mode.
  6. Select an older version of Windows from the dropdown menu: Try “Windows 7” or “Windows XP (Service Pack 3)”. These versions often work well with NetSpeedMonitor.
  7. Check the box labeled “Run this program as an administrator”: This gives NetSpeedMonitor the necessary permissions to access network data.
  8. Click “Apply” and then “OK”: This saves your changes.
  9. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: See if it’s working now.

Running NetSpeedMonitor in compatibility mode can resolve many compatibility-related issues. By emulating an older operating system environment, you provide the application with the necessary conditions to function correctly. The “Run as administrator” option ensures that the program has sufficient privileges to access system resources, which is crucial for monitoring network activity. If this simple fix doesn't work, don't worry; there are more solutions to try. Compatibility mode is a foundational step, and it's always worth trying first because it addresses the most common cause of NetSpeedMonitor malfunctioning on Windows 10. Ensuring that the program has the correct permissions and is running in a compatible environment sets the stage for further troubleshooting if needed.

Solution 2: Reinstall NetSpeedMonitor

Sometimes, the installation files themselves can become corrupted, leading to NetSpeedMonitor malfunctioning. A clean reinstall can often fix this. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Uninstall NetSpeedMonitor: Go to “Control Panel” -> “Programs and Features”. Find NetSpeedMonitor in the list, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall”. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  2. Delete any remaining files: After uninstalling, check the installation directory (usually C:\Program Files\NetSpeedMonitor) and delete any leftover files or folders. Also, check the C:\ProgramData folder for any NetSpeedMonitor-related files and delete them as well. Make sure to show hidden files and folders in File Explorer to see the ProgramData folder.
  3. Download the latest version: Head over to a trusted source (like Softpedia or the original developer’s site, if available) and download the latest version of NetSpeedMonitor. Ensure the download is from a reputable source to avoid any malware.
  4. Install NetSpeedMonitor: Run the installer and follow the instructions. Make sure to install it with administrator privileges (right-click on the installer and select “Run as administrator”).
  5. Configure NetSpeedMonitor: After installation, you might need to configure the interface. Right-click on the taskbar, select “Toolbars,” and ensure that “NetSpeedMonitor” is checked.

Reinstalling NetSpeedMonitor ensures that you have a fresh, uncorrupted set of files. Deleting any remaining files after uninstalling is crucial because old, corrupted files can interfere with the new installation. Downloading the latest version from a trusted source guarantees that you're not introducing any malware or outdated components into your system. Running the installer as an administrator provides the necessary permissions for the program to install correctly and access system resources. This clean slate approach often resolves issues caused by file corruption or incomplete installations, giving NetSpeedMonitor a fresh start on your Windows 10 system. Furthermore, ensuring the toolbar is enabled after installation makes sure the monitor is visible and ready to use.

Solution 3: Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can also cause NetSpeedMonitor to fail. Updating them can resolve compatibility issues. Here’s how:

  1. Open Device Manager: Press Windows Key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
  2. Expand “Network adapters”: You’ll see a list of your network adapters.
  3. Right-click on your network adapter: Select the one you’re currently using to connect to the internet (usually your Wi-Fi adapter or Ethernet adapter).
  4. Select “Update driver”: A new window will open.
  5. Choose “Search automatically for drivers”: Windows will search for the latest drivers online and install them.
  6. Restart your computer: After the update, restart your computer to apply the changes.

If Windows can't find an update, you can also try downloading the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website (e.g., Intel, Realtek, or the website of your computer's manufacturer). Download the drivers, run the installer, and follow the instructions. Keeping your network adapter drivers up to date ensures compatibility with Windows 10 and can resolve many network-related issues. Updated drivers often include bug fixes and performance improvements, which can directly benefit NetSpeedMonitor. Regularly updating your drivers is a good practice for maintaining the overall stability and performance of your computer. This ensures that all your hardware components are working optimally with the latest version of Windows.

Solution 4: Check for Conflicting Software

Sometimes, other software on your computer might be interfering with NetSpeedMonitor. Firewalls, antivirus programs, or other network monitoring tools can sometimes block or conflict with NetSpeedMonitor. Try temporarily disabling these programs to see if it resolves the issue.

  1. Disable your firewall: Go to “Control Panel” -> “Windows Defender Firewall” and turn off the firewall. Remember to turn it back on later!
  2. Disable your antivirus program: Right-click on the antivirus icon in the system tray and select “Disable” or “Turn off protection.” Again, remember to re-enable it later.
  3. Close other network monitoring tools: If you have any other programs that monitor network activity, close them temporarily.
  4. Restart NetSpeedMonitor: See if it’s working now.

If disabling these programs fixes the issue, you might need to configure them to allow NetSpeedMonitor to run properly. For example, you might need to add NetSpeedMonitor to the list of allowed programs in your firewall or antivirus software. Software conflicts are a common cause of various program malfunctions, and identifying and resolving these conflicts can often bring NetSpeedMonitor back to life. By systematically disabling potential conflicting applications, you can isolate the source of the problem and implement a more permanent solution by adjusting the settings of the conflicting software. This troubleshooting step is crucial for ensuring that NetSpeedMonitor can operate without interference, providing accurate and reliable network speed monitoring.

Solution 5: Re-register the DLL Files

NetSpeedMonitor relies on certain DLL (Dynamic Link Library) files to function correctly. If these files become unregistered or corrupted, it can cause problems. Re-registering them can sometimes fix the issue.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator: Type “cmd” in the Start Menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
  2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
    • regsvr32 nsm.dll (replace nsm.dll with the actual name of the DLL file if it’s different)
    • regsvr32 NetSpeedMonitor.dll (if this file exists in the NetSpeedMonitor directory)
  3. Restart your computer: After running the commands, restart your computer to apply the changes.

Re-registering DLL files ensures that the operating system correctly recognizes and loads these essential components. DLL files contain code and data that multiple programs can use simultaneously, and their proper registration is crucial for the stability and functionality of applications like NetSpeedMonitor. Running Command Prompt as an administrator is necessary because registering DLL files requires elevated privileges. The regsvr32 command is used to register (or re-register) DLL files, and after running these commands, a restart is typically required to ensure that the changes take effect. This process can resolve issues caused by missing or corrupted DLL entries, allowing NetSpeedMonitor to function as intended. DLL files registration ensures smooth operation.

Solution 6: Check Your Windows Version and Updates

Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date. Sometimes, older versions of Windows 10 have compatibility issues that are resolved in newer updates. To check for updates:

  1. Go to Settings: Click on the Start Menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
  2. Click on “Update & Security”: This will take you to the Windows Update settings.
  3. Click on “Check for updates”: Windows will scan for available updates and install them.
  4. Restart your computer: After the updates are installed, restart your computer.

Also, verify that you are running a compatible version of Windows 10. NetSpeedMonitor might not work correctly on very old or unsupported versions. Keeping your Windows 10 updated ensures that you have the latest bug fixes, security patches, and compatibility improvements. These updates often address issues that can cause programs like NetSpeedMonitor to malfunction. Regularly checking for and installing updates is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a stable and secure computing environment. Windows updates not only improve system performance but also enhance compatibility with various software applications, ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it! Hopefully, one of these solutions has helped you get NetSpeedMonitor working again on your Windows 10 system. It’s a great little tool to have, and with a bit of troubleshooting, you can usually get it back on track. Good luck, and happy monitoring!