Create an evaluation EXE?

[DinoVaught]

Does anyone know how to create an evaluation EXE in VB 6? An EXE that will only run for a set number of days.

I've already considered writing something to the registry but it seems to easy to determine what was written. One could keep resetting the registry setting or change their PC date. Are there ways to safeguard against this?

[phinds]

topic has been beaten to DEATH on many VB forums, so do a forum search

[Confucius]

One solution is to save the compiled date in an INI file or Registry in an encrypted format.

On form load, compare the date to the encrypted date last stored and if it is less than the encrypted date, you know the user has changed the date on their PC......Boot'em out!

On form unload or while exiting the program, overwrite the current date in an encrypted format. Start cycle all over again.

[DinoVaught]

Thanks Confucius. Some helpful suggestions. Other suggestions are certainly welcomed.

I can’t find much info on any searches. Phinds mentioned that it has been beat to death. Does anyone know a URL that describes how to make eval EXE’s?

[lsmeteor]

I tried to create my own demo control, but due to fast approaching deadlines, we decided to use a third party component that we add to our project.
It allows you to restrict how many times or how long your software can be used.

We are using VBOLock.
http://www.moonlight-software.com It works OK.
They came up with another product, with which no modification to your code is required.

Do a search on www.download.com for shareware, you'll find quite a few products for that purpose.

hth

[dtv]

Check out this link and download the file nslock15vb6.ocx, ONLY IF THE ZIPPED PACKET IS LEGAL.

I just found it after an internet search, the fact that the list includes some other common VB controls, maybe makes it freeware too.

Please, if it is some hacked version DO NOT USE IT.

I've already tested the version for VB5 (working version from a magazine's cd-rom), nslock15vb5.ocx, its incredibly friendly for making evaluation programs. Includes a function for checking if the user has turned back system date in purpose, among other usefull utility commands.

http://it.msnusers.com/zonehack/ampll.msnw