Re: Setting Trial Periods

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From: Oley (what-no_at_spam.com)
Date: 10/05/04 

Date: Tue, 05 Oct 2004 13:46:28 GMT

On Sun, 16 May 2004 22:38:21 +0100, "Aardvark"
<djurmann(at)hotmail.com> wrote:

>I was wondering if I design a database for example is it possible to make so
>that it disables after a trial period unless a key code is used?
>
>If so how?
>
>Many thanks,
>
> Danny
>

Not sure if your familiar with programing but my normal way for this
would be:

Create a "register" application buton with code, when correct key
entered store in the registry (encrypted i guess would be best)

Now..

Put some code that runs every time your application starts.

When application starts, get it to check the registry key that the
code should be stored at and make sure its valid, if its there great
then just run, if not then...

Run another piece of code, this code checks for a registry key that
your application has stored the "first run" date at....

If this key does not exist... create it and store todays date....
Coninue to run.... OR

If key does exists, then if Today - Date stored in registry is greater
than "Trial Period in days" then STOP

Else, if Key does exist, then if Today - Date stored in registry is
less than than "Trial Period in days" Display Nag Screen and then
continue to run...

Easy enough, not exactly massively secure for anyone who wants top
nosey around, but I guess your not looking for FortKnox style
security.

BTW, best to store in registry, if you stored in a database table then
people could just export the data day before trial ended, delete your
DB, re-install it and then re import the data. If the key is retained
in the registry then unless they are very thorough it will be more
hassle for them to work around.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Last details before the first release
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  • Re: Using the date to allow users to have a grace period
    ... I've used an obscure place in the registry but add to it... ... I encrypt the ... I disable to entire app. ... >> their PC after the 30 days to be within the 30 day trial period, ...
    (microsoft.public.dotnet.framework.windowsforms)
  • Re: free software download
    ... The trial period was 1 month but expired before I had a chance to try it out properly. ... I have tried to uninstall the program, then re-install, but it doesn't help. ... I guess something is left behind in the registry. ... takes a snapshot of your file system and registry before and after a program install. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)
  • Re: Prevent User from using the system after re-installing
    ... How about writing to the registry? ... installations. ... I am using a normal text file to register the system trial period ... continue to use the system even without re-installing. ...
    (microsoft.public.access.modulesdaovba)
  • Re: Final installation
    ... Saving the registry is part of the OS design. ... you might store it there. ... you'll need some form of a bootloader to handle loading the OS ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsce.embedded)