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Trial Software Expiration?

Discussion in 'Software Apps' started by Davidlee48, Aug 23, 2008.

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  1. Davidlee48 Newcomer, in training

    How, or should I say what would be the typical methods used to control when a trial software program runs out? I have a device driver, that is supposed to stop functioning after Monday, next week. The driver is in the Windows/ System32/Drivers folder, and there is an entry in the registry under HKLM/System/ Current Control Set/ Services/ XXXXX.
    Where does it read the time from, the actual BIOS, or system clock?
    I am questioning, because I have this installed on a computer at my house, and the system clock is currently set at Wednesday, and everything is still working.
  2. kimsland Ex-TechSpotter

    It's strange, but changing the Windows time will change the CMOS time too (I think this is a mistake though, basically gives access to CMOS settings from Windows)

    Sometimes through Registry, sometimes through a file
  3. kimboy Newcomer, in training

    Never heard of drivers expiring, why don't you partition your drive and install the driver there and keep formatting it everytime yuor trial software almost expires.
  4. Davidlee48 Newcomer, in training

    I was told trial would stop working Monday. I have computer bios and system time (yes setting system time did change bios clock) up to Thursday and everything is still working, and I am wondering if I was told it expires, but it doesn't. It hasn't, so far.
  5. jobeard TechSpot Ambassador

    hum; not thrilled on the ethics of this :(

    If you need it, pay the fee else uninstall it. Life can be simple if you let be :)
  6. SNGX1275 TechSpot Special Forces

    We actually had a thread on similar topic. I agree that if you are modifying things (date, registry, ect) to continue to use a trial that specifically states when it expires then you are basically pirating it, and we frown on that around here.

    http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic11283.html
  7. plaitne Newcomer, in training

    reverse enginering :) or freeze clock more legal :)
  8. Tedster Techspot old timer.....

    reverse engineering is not legal in many areas. Basically you are stealing intellectual property.
    I think it is time for this thread to be closed.
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