How to disable SurfWatch
Recommended method (see also a list of
alternate methods):
Download SurfKey and run it on
any Windows machine where SurfWatch is installed. SurfKey
can permanently uninstall SurfWatch without knowing the
SurfWatch password.
Alternate method
Follow these instructions to permanently un-install SurfWatch
from your machine:
- Remove the shortcuts to "SurfWatch" (and possibly
"SurfWatch Updater") from the StartUp folder.
- Open the win.ini file and replace the line
load= C:\CO_RO_NT\surfctl.exe
with just
load=
- Run regedit.exe to edit the Windows 95 Registry and
delete the key "GraphicsFilter", which is a subkey of
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices\
The value of this key will be "C:\CO_RO_NT\surfctl.exe". Delete it before
continuing.
- Restart the computer in DOS mode. Move to the
c:\windows\system\ directory and type:
attrib -h -r -s system.drv
attrib -h -r -s net.drv
move system.drv system.bak
move net.drv system.drv
- Type "win" to start Windows again. If it tells you
"Windows is still running one or more MS-DOS based programs..."
try typing "exit".
SurfWatch will now be disabled on your computer. Reverse all
of the steps above to re-enable it.