How does a program know that I've installed it before?

Scenario: I download software

Software is for 7 day trial
i uninstall when im done
4 months later i re download it
now it says my trial has expired

I thought i installed that piece of ****? i even use registry cleaner.

so how to i bypass this now?

 

Might have not uninstalled some files stored under:
C:\Documents and Settings\(User name)\Application Data
or
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data

Are you sure there is nothing left in the registry?

 

it obviously leaves a file behind somewhere that the trial software checks while installing. the file could be anywhere really, maybe in the windows folder or documents and settings.

the developers know you can get a registry cleaner for free or whatever and delete their registry entry so they're gonna find another way

and besides im not sure if the rules allow you to make a post whereby you are asking for help to use trial software indefinitely

 

It's usually a registry value. Registry cleaners don't clean out your registry completely, because there's not always a way to tell whether or not a value is obsolete.

 

Trial software would be pointless if you could simply uninstall it and reinstall it definitely and never have to pay for it.

 

Keep this legit, guys. If you want to use that program, you should buy it. That's how the developer set it up and wants to protect their software. Personally, that's why I use open source applications for everything I can... they don't pull that kind of crap.

 

Pitabred is right on. But as the other post have it written all applications leave files behind when you uninstall them usually in the windows system files folder or desktop settings folder. Removing all registry entries for a program is nearly impossible. As there are thousands of registry entries and finding 1 entry and deleting it would take hours. Also the software developers are smart and finding the files and registry entries won't be "as easy as cake", since these entries or files may not have the same name as the program you are trying to reinstall. Bottom line don't waste your time for some cheap utility your lost time will be worth the purchase many times over. Also as with most apps. there are free and shareware out there waiting for you to download them.

 

I agree it might not be ethical but here is one way that sometimes used to work, It is so simple I suspect it should not work too well anymore but? Roll the date back on your computer. Also when you install advance a couple of years some only count one way. I first read about this because some print cartridges expire and that is frustrating. Or wipe your drive and reinstall OS. So like someone said maybe just buy it if you like it that is the fair thing to do.

 

It's buried deep within the registry and is very difficult to find. I think it's a protection issue, can't totally uninstall/install just to beat the time limit. Like someone said, if you like the program buy it.

 

It is usually in the registry, and there are way too many registry levels. Besides some are so well coded in hexadecimal that you really need to be a cracker to spot it.

Alternately, if you want to know if the trial program installs any spot files or where it alters the on registry, then give this a try (though not practical but you may find your answer):

1) Install a program which can change the timestamp of when the file was last modified, onto a second computer.
2) Connect a spare hard drive with equal or greater capacity to your first computer.
3) Mirror copy the entire hard drive onto the connected second hard drive.
4) Export your registry. Copy it onto a USB drive.
*Remember not to run anything else, especially your favourite songs when doing this and hereafter*
5) Connect the mirrored hard drive onto the second computer.
6) As on the second computer, run the program to date change all files in the mirrored hard drive to your last birthday and have the time to as say 12:00 (midday).
7) Install the trial program onto your first computer.
7) Run the trial program once.
8) Quit the trial program.
9) Reconnect the mirrored hard drive onto your first computer (where the trial program is installed on)
10) Copy everything on your current hard drive onto the mirrored hard drive
11) Select overwrite option for all files.
12) Once all files are copied, run a search of all files on the mirrored hard drive of anything not modified on your last birthday
13) Check all files in the search outcome. Make sure none of them fits the 12:00 time too, in case something happen to be modified on your last birthday.
14) Voila! Those could well be what you are after.
15) Finally, for the registry, export the current registry. Compare this and the one you previously saved.

And if anyone is happy to go the extreme, then I hope you have fun.

But one important thing is, buying the programs you use (unless legally available for free) is the proper way to go.

 

Pita has already warned you guys, and you are starting to ignore it. Trial software = purchase when trial is over or get rid of it. Circumvention = piracy/theft.

Case closed.