Cleaning A Register Number

[xracertel]

Hi, I would like to know if anyone here knows of a software that can
clean completely a installed software. In other words I downloaded a
shareware program and it expires in 15 days, how do i erase the
key that knows i have 15 days left that way I can start over.

I would like to know if the same can be done to software like McAfee anti virus
that way I can start over as if new.


Thanks

[EsssBee]

search your registry for strings containing the name of the software. you should find the details hidden somewhere in the root of the registry delete them and reinstall. that way you will get full trial again.

Be sure to back up registry b4 hand. if you are not to confident working in the registry.

i have done this in the past with mcafee antivirus. each time getting a new license staring over again

[velcrom]

This is a lot more difficult than you might imagine - even the most powerful of program removers will not eradicate the coded registry entries left by dated software on trial - at least that is my understanding

there are programs that can snapshot your registry and make comparisions between snapshots - so you could compare before and after an install - but to be honest the easiest thing is to download a version of the software that has a keygen or a serial number B)

install that, validate the software, problem solved

[velcrom]

@Esssbee

Does that really work ? I tried it once ( pre P2P ) and got nowhere - I thought the registry keys that contained that sort of information were usually coded so that a search for the product name would not reveal them ?

However I am a know nothing technophobe so I could easily be wrong

[dgmortal]

Originally posted by velcrom@28 June 2003 - 08:44
Does that really work ? I tried it once ( pre P2P ) and got nowhere - I thought the registry keys that contained that sort of information were usually coded so that a search for the product name would not reveal them ?

no, that doesn't work (with maybe a few exceptions). they are usually hidden deep in the [HKLM\Software\Microsoft] section of the registry, and don't have the application's name anywhere in it. you can use Regmon to see what keys the program is accessing when you start it up, but the keys that contain the information on how long you've had the application installed are still usually coded so you can't change it manually. there are also a few programs that use a file (such as the stomp recordnow max trial, which uses the lockout.dll in your system32 folder) along with registry keys, making it twice as hard to get past the trial limitations. use velcrom's suggestion of finding a keygen or a full version of the software you want. that way you wont have to go through the trouble of digging through the registry every 30 days.

[EsssBee]

its actually worked on more than a few occasions for me. although the companies put the keys in non discript directories, which mean nothing whatsoever when you look at them the entries usually refer to the application itself. so it may take some time but even microsoft keys can be found this way.

I have used this on mcafee products eovideo microsoft products steinberg products and also cakewalk. some of the major software producers.
And it does work. or has at least in the above instances.

another kind of safe way of beating time trials is to ghost your system prior to installing the software. when the app expires restore the drive from the ghost image. obviously you will have to update any other software you have added in the time between. but when you reinstall you get the full trial.

to restore my drive from ghost takes me about 15 to 20 mins. including the format. so its not a major task at all

[Wolfmight]

Alot of shareware secretly writes the Trial Amount to your registry that is Extremely hard to be tracked even with very powerfull Software Removal Tools... Best way to go is edit the original .exe file for the shareware and make it full (that's called cracking... it's very hard to learn.. then it's still hard because u must use "Trial And Error" skills. )

[shn]

Originally posted by EsssBee@28 June 2003 - 06:41
search your registry for strings containing the name of the software. you should find the details hidden somewhere in the root of the registry delete them and reinstall. that way you will get full trial again.

Be sure to back up registry b4 hand. if you are not to confident working in the registry.

i have done this in the past with mcafee antivirus. each time getting a new license staring over again

Listening to people like this will cause you to have to reinstall your operating system because of stupidity. A word of advice: Dont go messing around in the registry if you dont know what your doing, or youll be sorry.

The first thing you should is make a backup of the registry in .reg format. And then the rest is up to you. But I wouldnt advise it. Best thing to do is to get a cracked version of the software or find a crack for it. :angry

[ultimatejester]

i agree with shn. which program are u talking about anyway?????????

we mite be able 2 help you