Through e-mail, gnu@toad.com writes: | | > Anyone have some ideas about how to implement such a beast? | | First you have to tell us what it's supposed to do. [ ... ] Sorry, I had assumed that people would know about registration schemes here. By the use of a (perhaps complex) algorithm, generate serial numbers that would be entered by the registering user which would effectively 'register' the program. There would be a routine in the executable that could detect a valid serial number and act accordingly. The algorithm to do this should be well-hidden into the code, as to discourage simple hacking and alteration... There are a wealth of schemes out there. For example, SCO UNIX uses a (albeit weird) scheme that involves a serial number and activation key which actually decrypts the executable (not what I want to do, really). INFORMIX uses a scheme that brands the executable with a serial number (very interesting). I thought of having an external program that would brand the executable with a serial number and perhaps some other hidden information in reserved spaces. Something like the program mentioned below would be effective in hiding the code. What else do you need to know? | > have run something like PKLITE on your executable) encapsulates the | > EXE file, encrypted, with CRC checks and debugger traps. | | Fine, it uses encryption and CRC and debug traps. Now, to what purpose? | What's the objective? What's the goal? Why? [ ... ] Here's a README from the distribution... Protect! EXE/COM 3.1 encrypt and still run .EXE's Registration $ 25.00 SDN_UTIL AUG93 PROTECT EXE COM CRC SECURE ENCRYPT SCRAMBLE FILES: PrExCm31.SDN Author: Jeremy Lilley Protect! EXE/COM is a powerful EXE/COM protection utility which thoroughly encrypts any EXE or COM file but still allows it to be run. And, files protected by it make a full CRC INTEGRITY CHECK every time they are run. This NEW version fixes many bugs found in previous versions of this program such as an infamous screen bug in v.3.0. Additions are made to make this program to prevent CRACKING, REVERSE ENGINEERING, and MODIFICATION even more. This program is one of the most powerful and cost-effecive solutions to problems with your programs' being modified by malicious hackers. With every other form of file security being nullified, Protect! has been renewed and can now secure your programs more than ever. What would you do if somebody were to add a TROJAN or 'MODIFY' a few screens to a program of yours ? Protect! can make this circumstance extremely unlikely for only $25. If a problem is detected, a message of your choice can be outputted to the user to tell the user exactly what to do. Instead of burying your head in the sand, get Protect! to protect your programming and software investment. Requirements: DOS 2.0 or higher, IBM or compatible PC, 256k RAM, & any executable file compression utility such as LZEXE, PKLite, Compack, Diet, or another program for compressing EXE files before they are scrambled and protected. [ .SDA Format is (c)Copyright 1993 The SDN Project ] [ SDN Authors-Only Info Line is 203-634-0370 USA ] -------- If you need more information, I can give you the author's email address...