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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 don’t 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?
Don’t 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 don’t 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
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