How can I prevent a user from changing the system date and time in Windows XP SP3?

[saraswathisrinath]

Hi,

I'm using Windows XP SP3.

It's running a third party(VC++) application that uses the system date and time.

It has no internet access.

It seems that some of the staff are changing the system date and time, and thereby affecting the date and time, The third party application will not run properly.

is there a way to prevent from changing the system date and time ? Pls help me.

[PeejAvery]

If it's a domain computer, then just edit the user's group policy.

If this is some sort of timeclock machine for calculating important things like work hours...then not having an internet connection is a very unintelligent setup! You should always be checking the time from a central server.

[saraswathisrinath]

Hi PeejAvery,

Actually I'm using a single computer, It has no internet connection & also don't have the local network connection.

My PC connect with a machine & run a VC++ Serial port application for communicate PC with Machine. Its working good.

But, i like to add the "software - Trial pack offer" for my clients.

If i written a logic using system time means the client must be change the system time.

so please tell me the procedure to prevent this problem.

B'cos i don't know about system's hardware process.

[S_M_A]

As long as the users run as admins you can't prevent them from doing anything.

You might use an alternative solution like:
- Refusing to run if the system clock has been set back since last run.
- Call GetTickCount now and then, accumulate and limiting the total time the app has been runned.

Remember though that all software protection schemes are breakable, no matter what effort you put into it.

[saraswathisrinath]

I have a small doubt, then how can Microsoft & other provider offers Trial pack to his clients?

what is the logic using for trial pack?

[S_M_A]

I haven't tried to tamper with any of MS trial packs so I don't know how hard it is to bypass. Anyway, most users tend to want to have a proper time in their machines. Pretty much everything gets awfully confusing when file time stamps can't be trusted anymore.

[PeejAvery]

The only solution to your setup is to put the keyboard and mouse under lock and key. Then use a USB barcode scanner for the user to check in/out.

The only professional method is to use a remote server for all timestamping and central logging.