How to Use MIRC Chat Client Without Registering After Trial Ends

IRC chat has been around for over ten years, and is currently the most popular method for chatting with fellow users across the Internet. There are many apps that allow you to participate in Internet Relay Chats, including online Java chat rooms, but the most popular program is mIRC.

Though it doesn't appear this way at first, mIRC is a freeware program with a suggested donation registration system. The program comes with an initial trail period, much like pay-for software, and after a certain number of days, the program shows a popup saying that the trial is over and that you should register.

Fortunately for those who can't afford to register, you can still use the software, and it is legal-mIRC is an optional donationware program, meaning that you don't HAVE to pay and register. If you like the program and wish to continue to use it, it is highly recommended that you pay the $20 and register. This is a one-time fee that will give you lifetime access to the program, and it will ensure that the author of the software will be able to keep the project alive.

If you don't want to pay, simply start the program and wait for the initial registration screen to appear. This screen will show a scrolling red bar that flashes with a warning about an expired trial and the need to register. The registration button will be clickable initially, but if you wait about 15 seconds, the continue button will also become clickable.

Once you can, click the continue button. A new window will appear, and it will be blank initially, almost as if the program crashed. Wait for a little while-it could take up to a full minute-and the black window will then display how many days you have been using the mIRC application, as well as some other information. The registration button will be clickable once again, while the continue button is not. Wait for a short period of time and the continue button should become clickable.

When you can click the next button on the trial window, click it. The trial and warning windows will disappear and the mIRC client will start up and be useable like it was before the trial ended.

If you want to get rid of the trial warning window without paying...then you're out of luck. Paying $20 will get rid of the windows and, subsequently speedup your start time.