shareware programs

[andreadebiase]

Does anyone know how a shareware program works and how keeps track of the time has been used?

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#!@$*%.....just format the damn C:

[Rick]

Depending on the program and the settings.
If it allows you to use it for a number of days it will record the install date and then check the clock for the date.

If it uses a preset number of uses then it records the starts somewhere.
Many will use the register and others use an INI file or Proprietary system files.


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To ERR is HUMAN
To REALLY screw things UP, YOU NEED a COMPUTER !

[iisbob]

Does anyone know how a shareware program works and how keeps track of the time has been used?

Umm, you wouldn't be trying to find out because you want to " reverse " engineer this app, now would you?! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif i would say that is highly unethical, and contrary to the rules of this post. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

However, forgive me if i get into too senstive an area Pete, for educational purposes, Rick is quite correect that the program will have embedded in its's code a line that will tell it to check itself against the systems clock; you can verify this by using a good hex editor. And tracking known Keys, looking for similar calls.

I won't go into details here, people spend a lot of time programming and if they choose to not offer it for free, that's their right-but if you're interested in learning how to create a program, there are freely available codes out there for you to download and practice on.




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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." --Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

[CLTEK]

Guys! Excellent responses to the question.

iisbob...

Duderama! Can you chill on the holier than thout thing? They just asked a question, Senor. Seems to me that, if andreadebiase had to ask a question like that, he/she is *NOT* reverse engineering anything. Know what I mean? If they posted a direct question like... "Anyone know where I can get a 'crack' for programs XYZ?" That's another story.

Ever so respectfully, Cory

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Age and Treachery will forever triumph over Youth and Skill.

[iisbob]

?

just pointing out the rules of this post, because this area is in a gray zone-this way no one get's the wrong idea and begins to post asking for cracks. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

Comphrende senor? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." --Albert Einstein (1879-1955)