180 days to live (software that is)

[edwelly]

I have taken some of the MCSE courses and you get the training CD's when you take the course. BUT they say only 180 day evaluation copy on them. Now for my question: how does the PC KNOW in 180 days to stop the software?

Thanks for any advice...
---edwelly

p.s. Mod's, if this question is in any way out of line, then please delete this for me.

[Makaveli]

I guess it would work just like a trial version of anything.. When the software is installed it Keeps track of how long it has been used...

-MaK

[jaida]

yeah the software just keeps track on how long it has been installed and when the date hits that the 180 days is over it will deny you access.

The easy way around it is to just reinstall the software after it expires.

[TechDude]

Simply running its uninstall and then reinstalling it again will not work. Your going to have to edit the registry and take out every single trace of the software, and then some more maybe.

[edwelly]

I thought there might be an .ini file or somthing that is different. Any other ideas as to how this works...? Or better yet, why this works...
---edwelly

[samwichse]

Actually disabling this is a simple matter of changing one file. However, handing out advice on the illegal is not smiled upon here, so you'll have to search the internet the hard way.

Actually, I would suggest you check here (http://www.simtel.net/) (found by way of RobRich). You can get a non-CD, legal, licence only copy of Win2000 Pro for 80$ and use your trial version CD to install it. This is fine and legal because as I understand it, you're purchasing the license to use it anyway, so all you need is a new serial number. It even comes with that manual thing.

[edwelly]

Ok, before this gives me a bad rep, I ALREADY HAVE WINDOWS 2000 PROFESSIONAL AND SERVER WITH THE APROPRIATE LICENCES. I was just wondering how my Non-Eval disk is different that my Eval disk
Please, do not think I am a thief. I just find things like this intriguing.
- http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif-edwelly

[This message has been edited by edwelly (edited 09-06-2001).]

[n715dp]

the CD-Key that you have for your eval is one that tells the software to only last x number of days. While all CD-Keys are different, the OS is programmed to look at the KEY you entered and translate that into how long it will work. One you but in the store has a KEY that translates to FOREVER. Your eval KEY translates to 180 DAYS.

[edwelly]

OK, so based on what n715dp says, if I ever had an issue with my ORIGINAL cd, I could put in an evaluation cd and put in my ORIGINAL product key and it should work fine?
- http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif-edwelly

[Mr.Goodbytes]

Is there any way to go from the eval install to the full functionality without having to reinstall using my PID? I'd rather not lose my existing settings.

[cadetstimpy]

Eval disks run a service that keeps track of this. If the eval periods ends the service in question will stop and you will see an entry in the Event log stating the eavl time is up. Once the service has stopped you must go full verison. Turning the clock back, etc will not work once the service has been turned off.

I've noticed this mostly with the Exchange 2000 evals.

[nilknarf]

Microsoft's eval disc cannot be used for a non-eval install, regardless of the key. I know. I tried this with my eval and non-eval discs.

There are numerous ways to control an eval copy. Some completely stop after x-days. Others just lose certain functions. Some will allow you to reactivate with a non-eval key.

Tim

[edwelly]

^bump^

[camaro]

Register at Purdue University. Any student can buy any software product the school carries for $5. Thats $5 for win2k, $5 for office, etc. Nice and legal. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[superraton01]

turn your systems calendar back before the 180 days expires.

[prttybean]

camaro-

Usually software sold through a college has an academic license. There are restrictions, therefore on how this software can be used. Try explaining that to non-computer types though. I worked for an office once where the VP's husband would by one academic copy of software and install it on 5 commercially used PCs and 4 of there home PCs. Try as I might, I could not make them understand that essentially all there software was pirated. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif