How does demo software "time out" work.

[spthomas]

How does demo software know when to time out and quit working?

I downloaded a piece of demo software 3 years ago, and it was new and not really ready for prime time yet. So I deleted it, all of it I thought.

Today, I saw the new improved version, and thought I'd give it a try again. But it tells me my trial period is expired by 3 years!

I thought I had deleted all traces of it, but I guess not.

How does this work, and does anyone know a workaround?

=Steve=

 

[comtec17]

Have you checked your registry?

 

[linney]

The only ethical answer to be supplied is that you should find a freeware equivalent or pay the money for the program you wish to use.

If you give us some details of the program someone might be able to help you find an alternative.

I suspect (but don't really know) that programs may insert some coded check into a registry location unaccessible to users and not part of the programs functioning keys, just to prevent illegal use.

 

[wolluf]

would agree with linney - after trial period, buy it or lose it.

there are numerous methods of enforcing the time out - you could have hours of endless fun investigating!