forum.vdsworld.com

PGWARE · **Web Host** Joined: 29 Dec 2001 Posts: 1567

Yup it's a hassle to change registration systems mid-way. I just did that recently and customers email all the time for new serials. I auto mailed out all customers their new serial numbers but alot of them no longer use those email addresses. With around 20,000 customers there will be alot of tech support issues relating with needing new serials for the next few months. I usually get about 20-30 emails a day in regard to this.

I had to change registration systems partially due to piracy and because the old KEYFILE system was difficult for most people to understand as well as use. The new system also validates serials online if the user connects online, if they don't have a connection or don't connect the software doesn't force them to. There are already cracks for my software however they have to keep doing this for every version I release which makes them frustrated. Keygens aren't a problem because of the online validation, if the username/order number doesn't exist then the serial is flagged as pirated and the computer gets rebooted. They can of course just distribute old versions of my .exe file however that eats up their server bandwidth.

I recommend doing it right the first time. Do online checking but make it optional, make your software check to see if it can pull one of your web pages from your site if it can then make it check an online database of orders. This will prevent keygens from working unless they crack your exe and distribute a keygen as well. You should also weekly patch your exe and upload a new version just incase a crack was made.

You'll never stop them completely but you sure can make them frustrated and focus their small minds on other software. Another thing to do is monitor your stats on your webserver, see where you are getting referals, if they are from cracking sites then ban them with the .htaccess file. You can easily do this by checking the referer and making a list of domains to block from downloading your files. I have soemthing setup liek this and it shows them a nasty message about pirating, it also sends them an html bomb.

FreezingFire · **Admin Team** Joined: 23 Jun 2002 Posts: 3508

Yeah but can't they get you in trouble or sue you if you do things like
HTML bombs or even check for legitimate serials without their consent?

I am rather careful since I don't want to be sued about things like that.

PGWARE · **Web Host** Joined: 29 Dec 2001 Posts: 1567

The license agreement specifically authorizes me to check such data, if the user doesn't agree with this they can simply not install the software. No harm comes from the online check, if the serial is found to have been generated/pirated the computer is rebooted. No other information is sent over the internet other then the order/serial number and the license agreement states this.

As for the html bomb, this does nothing but causes IE to use up all memory available on the computer and may crash the computer. The 'bomb' informs them not to pirate and spawns multiple windows with the same message. A simple reboot solves this. They can try to sue but it's simply a matter of fact what they were doing was completely illegal in the first place, trying to come into court justifying their piracy would be laughed at.

FreezingFire · **Admin Team** Joined: 23 Jun 2002 Posts: 3508

True. Both points are entirely correct. Smile

PGWARE · **Web Host** Joined: 29 Dec 2001 Posts: 1567

There are new laws being passed within the US which may allow developers to corrupt data on computers if those computers are found to have pirated software - requiring a computer reformat. Such laws the record industry can't wait for, this they think will help curb mp3 and problems with kazaa; napster; etc.

I wouldn't condone this even if it was legal, my software simply requires a reboot/will reboot if piracy is detected. This is just a nuisance rather then causes real damage to the pc. Afterall most people pirating are probably younger kids/teenagers and the pc's belong to their parents.

FreezingFire · **Admin Team** Joined: 23 Jun 2002 Posts: 3508

Right. I don't think that those laws should be passed. While I don't
pirate software/files, I don't think that punishment should be that
extreme.

vdsalchemist · Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 1:41 pm Post subject:

PGWARE · **Web Host** Joined: 29 Dec 2001 Posts: 1567

Old article but explains some of the issues raised:

http://news.com.com/2100-1023_3-945923.html?tag=rn

I don't condone hacking anyone's PC nor what is said in the above article but such laws may eventually be passed.

What I am doing on the other hand is not hacking or causing anything other then protecting my software. Rebooting a computer or making it so a computer requires a reboot does not damage a computer in anyway. More of a inconvenience then anything malicious.

vdsalchemist · Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 7:17 pm Post subject: