Shareware protection...

[oVeRRiDe]

I have just made a software with a serial number protection: it pops a menu up every minute until the user do not insert a code. The protection works this way:
The program gets some parameters from the registy like username, license nr. etc.
Then it converts these strings in numbers and put them togheter; it does some math operations and gives back a numeric code (that is, this way, machine-dependent).
Then the user has to send me this code, i apply some math operations on this and give it back to the user who has to insert it in a special field. It will be then stored in the registry. The key is veryfied every time the program starts.
Is this a good protection, in your opinion?
Thanks

[NeilAvent]

There are several ways to get through a code like that:

1) register 2 or 3 copies and then work out how you are calculating the pass key.

2) keep trying different numbers/letter until the code is found.

3) Hook the program and find out what strings are being passed between the exe and the vb5/6 runtime files.

4)Use some spyware to see how to bypass the code.

No matter what code you use, there's always ways to crack it (some are just a little more difficult). If you would like to try a different approach and make a 30-trial type App, you can go to http://www.activelock.com and download thier free component.

[oVeRRiDe]

That's me again! ;-)
Ok, so I'll not get worry about that... If someone wants really to crack my program, he'll certainly find a way! I'll go on using a "simple" protection!
Thank for your support!