If I write two different applications, will this cause
a problem with unlock codes? No problem, Shareware Lock
can work with as many programs as you like all on the
same computer they will not have any conflicts.
Will the same unlock code work for all versions of
my program? This
is up to you. If you decide to allow this, then set
the Secret Code property the same in all versions of
your programs. If you want separate unlock codes, then
give each version it's own secrete code.
Can my users cheat by changing their computer time
settings? No.
We check for user changing the clock. When this happens
we raise an exception that you can either handle or
allow the program to terminate.
What does "Lock to Disk" mean?
When you lock to disk, then Shareware Lock will issue
unlock code that only allows the program to run on one
computer. The unlocked program cannot be copied to another
machine.
Can my users copy the unlocked program to another computer?
No, if the user moves your unlocked
program to another machine, it will go back into trial
mode. What a great way to distribute your software!
What does "Lock to User" Mean?
Locking to user means that Shareware
Lock's unlock code will only unlock a for a given user
name. E.g.: The unlock code for "Tim" will
be different from the unlock code for "Jane".
Shareware user dialogs are not exactly what I want
my users to see, can I show my own dialogs?
Yes! We know that the standard
dialogs are not not always appropriate. You may need
different languages or different messages. You can either
change the standard dialog text or set the the UseStandardDialogs
to FALSE and use the events to show your own forms.
Does Shareware Lock use registry entries?
Yes. But we don't want to talk
too much about exactly how things work. At least not
on the Internet!
How do I make Unlock Codes?
Shareware Lock comes with a program
call UnlockGen.exe in a folder called Unlock Code Generator.
Use this program to generate unlock codes. We even have
worked with Regsoft.com so that they can automatically
generate unlock codes for you is you use thier service.
Shareware Lock keeps shutting down my program, is there
any way to prevent this?
By default Shareware Lock will stop your program
when it encounters problems and violations, however
if you want to handle this yourself set the AutoTerminate
property to FALSE.
I in my form OnCreate event, I check Shareware lock
properties, they do not seem to be right, what is happening?
The problem is that there is a slight delay (0.5
seconds) between when sharewarelock lock component
is created runtime and when it reads the registration
information. Simply call the LockNow method before
you access any of the properties in your code. The
LockNow method will override the delayed read behavior.
Can't my users just find the registry entry and change
the status to registered?
No, even if some evil person was to hunt down
your registry entry, they cannot modify the settings,
since data is encrypted they would have to type in encrypted
values.
Can my users cheat by moving the program to a new directory?
Nope!
Are there any security holes in Shareware Lock?
No copy protection scheme is perfect. Did
you know that within 24 hours of release of Windows
XP, hackers had cracked that program security? The point
is, we do not claim to be hack proof. Shareware lock
is designed to be easy to use and to keep your average
user paying for the software you have worked so hard
to develop.
Can I generate series of codes? No.
We don't do that yet.
Can I input the unlock codes before the trial period
is over? Sure,
just call the AskForPassword method or code you own
form and call the Unlock Method.
What is the difference between the IsInTrial and IsRegistered
properties? On
the surface, it would look that this is an either /
or situation right, but when your software trial period
expires that does not always mean that the user has
registered. We allow you to tell difference with these
properties.
What is minimum coding I must do to get shareware lock
to work? Drop
it on your form. That's it, that's all.
...but we recommend that you set the Secret Code property
and verify that the default property setting are right
for you.
I want to show how many days are left in the trial
period in my program, is that possible? That's
easy, just use the property DaysLeft to determine how
many days are left in the trial period.
Can I use Shareware Lock on a server intalled application?
Yes, but each client will need
to enter the unlock code in order to run the application.
Who is Regsoft? Regsoft.com is a
service for shareware authors that lists your shareware
and will accept on-line and phone payments (for a commission).
They will also send unlock codes to the user, basically
all you need to do is link your "Buy Now"
button on your site to their service, and then just
collect a cheque (or wire transfer) monthly. With Shareware
Lock and Regsoft you do not have to check for new sales
and issue unlock codes, it is all automated, 24 x 7.
How does Regsoft know my unlock codes?
They don't. You must fill in our on-line form ShawareLock.com/RegSoftSetup.html.
Telling us about your Sharewarelock configuration and
we then generate a request to RegSoft's system with
the necessary information to automate the unlock code
generation.
What are the licence/distribution restrictions?
Just register your version and you can use
it in as many programs as your like, there are no royalties
or usage fees. The licence is a single developer licence,
that means we would ask that you register one copy per
programmer using Shareware Lock. The unregistered version
will not work outside the IDE.
What compilers does Shareware Lock work with?
We currently distribute packages for: Delphi
5, Delphi 6, C Builder 5 and C builder 6. If you have
other request please let us know.
Do I get source code when I register?
No, we dont distribute source code
for a number of reasons including preventing a hacker
from paying $29 and having all the information needed
to unlock all your shareware applications. We do have
a policy that if for any reason, Shareware Lock is discontinued,
all registered users will receive source code in order
to maintain their applications.
Can I write my own unlock code generator?
Sure. We have provided a method in the component
that contains the unlock code. In fact, this is how
we write our unlock code generator, just by putting
the component into a form that sets the properties then
displays the GeneratedUnlockCode property.
Do I get a CD and Manuals when I register?
No, you get a new component package to install.
Our help file is the best manual we can think of, and
keeping it all electronic, keeps the cost down.
I cannot find my %$#$ download install package, what
do I do?
Dont worry just drop us a note. We keep a database
of all registered users, our support team will send
an new install package to you right away.
What is Subscribeware?
This is a term we coined. It means shareware that runs
for a limited time, then requires the user to renew
by entering a new unlock code. This allows you a whole
new way to market your product, selling users the right
to use it for a blocks of time. If you set your program
to run for 30 days, then the users can pay monthly for
the right to use your program.
Why do I need the Diagnostic Report feature for?
Using this feature, you can see exactly what
the execution environment of your shareware is, the
OS, Machine Name, User Name and all of Shareware Lock
settings. It is next to impossible to test in every
configuration, when things are not going quite right
with your registration or your program having this report
can save hours of support time and dozens of e-mails.
Besides, solving problems quickly means happy customers.
My user wants more time to test, what can I do?
Easy, with version 2.4 you can generate special
unlock codes that will extend the trail period by any
number of days you want.
I use the subscribeware feature, how do I control
the RenewalCount Property?
You dont need to set this property
at all. Every time the user enters a valid renewal unlock
code, the RenewalCount is automatically incremented.
You may want to show this count in your about
box so that if you loose track, the user can provide
you this number. You need it to generate the next renewal
unlock code.
Can I use Shareware Lock to control Lite / Pro versions
of my shareware?
Yes, we do this in our own shareware programs
we have a single exe, which supports two unlock codes.
If you unlock Lite code then some features
are disabled. If you unlock with a Pro code
then all features are enabled. If you want some sample
code, our support teams can provide examples.
Your (English) dialogs do not suite my application,
can I change them?
No worries! You can customize all the dialog
text of Shareware Lock by simply replacing the default
text of each string property to your own text, or language.
Alternatively you can turn off automatic dialogs and
design your own forms to appears exactly as you want |