Pirated Software Question

[Keebler Elf]

I have a program I downloaded a while ago and installed on my computer. It's a 30-day evaluation version. It's a rar file that contains two files: an .exe file and an .nfo file. The .exe file installs the program.

Each time you use the program, a day of use is added. Once you reach 30, presumably you can no longer use the program (for free).

If I uninstall the program and reinstall, it still shows me as being on Day 27 out of 30 (I've used it 27 times). This occurs even if I uninstall and reinstall without an internet connection (so it's not validating via the web).

Two questions:

1) How is it recognizing that I've previously used 27 out of the 30 days if I uninstall and reinstall? (I rebooted after uninstalling)

2) What is the .nfo file and does it have something to do with it?

 

[ShawnBoy]

1) Generally software writes information in the Windows Registry file, and leaves it there during an uninstall for the very purpose of tracking things like that. You *could* delete it from the registry, but unless you know exactly what you're doing, I'd highly recommend against it.

2) The .nfo file is usually a simple text file put in there by whomever cracked the program, giving you information on how to falsely register it, or just taking credit for the work.. Open the file with Windows Notepad and see what it says.

 

[Mack Bolan]

Keebler

Why not just change the calander settings. You got use a reg edit or clean up program. The other option you have is create a roll back set point and then install the temp software. You can always restore your PC system to the point before you did the install

 

[Radio_Shack]

If you wanna run the program still just do a search on google for hack key for it.. If it's at all popular program then you will no doubt find the key if thats how the program functions. ie Office 2003 works like that.

 

[xarir]

Or, heaven forbid, you could buy the software?

Hey don't get me wrong - I'm not above a little software piracy myself from time to time. But if it's a program that I actually use and like / find productive, I buy it. What's so wrong with that?

Clearly this is a program you actually use. Why not just buy it?

 

[Horney_Senior]

Agree. You can also use Torrents to download a key generator, hacked version or fix.

I've seen several references to Torrents, but apparently it also comes in many versions. Tried download.com and all I can find is stuff to download music and games. Where do I get something (and what version should I get) that will unlock software?

 

[Keebler Elf]

Clearly this is a program you actually use. Why not just buy it?

Because it's overpriced for what I use it for.

Back to the topic at hand...

 

[thirdtime]

I've seen several references to Torrents, but apparently it also comes in many versions. Tried download.com and all I can find is stuff to download music and games. Where do I get something (and what version should I get) that will unlock software?

There's no generic software that will 'unlock' a program. Even key gens (that generate serial numbers) are specific to an application and usually a particular version. Hacks are usually .dll or .exe files that replace original files in an application to unlock it.

 

[thirdtime]

Or, heaven forbid, you could buy the software?

Hey don't get me wrong - I'm not above a little software piracy myself from time to time. But if it's a program that I actually use and like / find productive, I buy it. What's so wrong with that?

Clearly this is a program you actually use. Why not just buy it?

I enjoy doing goofy things in Photoshop CS3 periodically.
Adobe pricing is unreal unless you're a graphics professional that makes a living using it.
If it was $60 to $100, I'd buy it.
If I used it to generate income, I'd probably buy it.
To replace a head in a photo or do other stupid things to amuse my friends, I can't justify spending almost $800 on it.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Fwiw

Agree. You can also use Torrents to download a key generator, hacked version or fix.

Torrents are great but you have to be careful......
Couple months ago I got Registry Mechanic off Torrents with the key gen. It worked great, still have it. Then read about a better rated `Registry Mechanic` app. D/L the free trial version then went to Torrents to get the key gen for it and it farked up my PC bigtime with repeating popups I couldn`t track down or eliminate.
Ended up having to reformat and reinstall XP, along with all the XP updates and programs I was using, to get rid of it! That took me all of 20 minutes using this technique (first time I did it took 90 minutes) I discovered and posted in another thread [post #17 on this thread].
Then all was OK with the PC. So be careful what you download on Torrents.

 

[Anynym]

I enjoy doing goofy things in Photoshop CS3 periodically.
Adobe pricing is unreal unless you're a graphics professional that makes a living using it.
If it was $60 to $100, I'd buy it.
If I used it to generate income, I'd probably buy it.
To replace a head in a photo or do other stupid things to amuse my friends, I can't justify spending almost $800 on it.

Well, you would seem to have several options:

(1) Use GIMP, which is free, and can do extensive photo editing (but can be a pain to learn).
(2) Use Microsoft PictureIt!, which can do basic cutout and paste photo editing for a reasonable price.
(3) Spend the big bucks for a high-quality, popular photo editing package.
(4) Use software in violation of its license and the law.

As for KE's issue with trial software: another possibility (not recommended, but possible) would be to buy another machine (e.g. refurbished, with the OS) and install the trial software on it. At the end of the trial period, re-install both the OS and the software. This still violates the spirit of the license you would have agreed to, but the software would still function.

 

[Keebler Elf]

Thanks folks! Got it working.

 

[mulletman66]

I enjoy doing goofy things in Photoshop CS3 periodically.
Adobe pricing is unreal unless you're a graphics professional that makes a living using it.
If it was $60 to $100, I'd buy it.
If I used it to generate income, I'd probably buy it.
To replace a head in a photo or do other stupid things to amuse my friends, I can't justify spending almost $800 on it.

You could try a program called Gimp 2.0. It is a free, open source program that operates just like photoshop but it is totally free. use the address below to access the download.

http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/

 

[kwguy]

i dont promote the use of warez ,but lol some software is over priced for the average person who uses it once in a while ,, if anyone needs a progam shoot me a pm and i will grab it for ya or send you a link to it .most links are on rapishare or i can direct you to some forums or warez sites where you can grab it .all are virus free and tested

 

[Papi Chulo]

a "friend" downloaded Adobe Creative Suite 3 CS3 Design Premium!!!

What a score!! sells for $1799 US

Design Premium Contains the following applications:
Photoshop CS3 Extended
Illustrator CS3
InDesign CS3
Acrobat 8 Professional
Flash CS3 Professional
Dreamweaver CS3
Bridge CS3
Version Cue CS3
Device Central CS3
Acrobat Connect
Stock Photos



a "friend" also got a WORKING copy of MS Office Enterprise 2007

Office Word 2007, Office Excel 2007, Office PowerPoint 2007, Office Outlook 2007, Office Publisher 2007, Office Access 2007, Office InfoPath 2007, Office Groove 2007, Office OneNote 2007, Office Communicator 2007, Integrated Enterprise Content Management, Integrated Electronic Forms, and Advanced Information Rights Management and Policy Capabilities & etc.

Rapidshare is great!!!

Fuck the software companies... the programs are overpriced!!


Also, if anyone needs any program... shoot me a PM.. my "friend" may have a link to it on Rapidshare as well