Trial Software Expiration?

[Davidlee48]

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.

 

[kimsland]

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

 

[kimboy]

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.

 

[Davidlee48]

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.

 

[DelJo63]

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

 

[SNGX1275]

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.

https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic11283.html

 

[plaitne]

reverse enginering or freeze clock more legal

 

[Tedster]

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.