Hacking Prodigy
by DeVillage Fool
Before I start, I would like to tell you a little story.
Not too long ago, I used to be a Prodigy subscriber. One day I had this idea of changing my real name to a better one, "F-ck Face". Well, the next day I received an E-mail from Prodigy saying that "-" is not allowed. So I figured, O.K., I'll change my name to "Fuck Face". No "-" there. The next day Prodigy forwards me another E-mail saying that this kind of language is "inappropriate in a family service" (whatever that's supposed to mean). Once again I changed my name. This time to "Fvck Face". English is not my first language but from what I can tell, "Fvck" is not even a word, right? No. Apparently, the Prodigy police have their own English version. They were quick to respond with a third threat.
Three days had passed and the "Fuck Face" gig was getting kind of old. I figured why mess around with that cursed ID when I had four other fresh IDs to play with. I registered a legitimate name on a new ID and put the entire "Fuck Face" controversy to rest. Or so I thought.
Not a week had passed before a fourth E-mail had arrived. This time from God himself - the Board Manager. He made it short and simple, "Change your name or get locked out of the service." I politely replied, "Kiss my f*cking ass!!!" and now whenever I log onto the service I get the following message: "There is a problem with your account. Please call customer service at 800-776-3449 for assistance."
I guess I can't change the world. But with a little help from 2600 I can sure write this article.
Prodigy is just like CompuServe, GEnie, etc. They all run off the same basic format. They have an account and a password which is the password of whatever chosen by the owner of the account.
A Prodigy ID consists of four letters plus two digits plus any letter between A and E (a letter for each member of the household - the main ID is always "A").
Example: DDVF69A
I would estimate that about 10 percent of the users will use some part of their name in the password.
Account: DDVF69A Owner: Jamie Wallis Password: J.W Or: Jamie Or: Wallis Or: JamThat is just an example.
And with about 10 percent of the people being dumb enough to do that you would think that you would have a real good chance, and in reality, you do. But consider this - there are usually about 300+ users who share any one name. Ten percent of 300 is 30. Thirty users out of 300 - that is still going to be a fun little job just to find one of those idiots. So don't just jump in thinking that you have it made.
I have never found any programs like PCP Code Hacker. So, most of the work that you have to do will have to be done manually, which will turn many people off. So if you are lazy and unlucky, the next one is for you:
First thing you'll need is the Prodigy software. If you don't have the software you can copy it from a friend or you may buy the Prodigy Start-Up Kit for $30.
Go to Sears, RadioShack, or any other store that provides an on-line demonstration of Prodigy (the system of a faithful friend will also do nicely). Ask for a demonstration. Memorize the ID and the password length as they are being entered ('*' will be displayed for each character of the password). When they log off, wait for them to leave and follow this simple three-step procedure (the whole deal should take you no longer than 15 seconds):
1.) From the DOS prompt type: DEBUG
2. Type S0 FFF0 plus the three characters of the ID, starting with the fourth column from the left.
Example: If the ID is DDVF69A you will type: S0 FFF0 "F69" (Remember to always capitalize!)
The computer will display all the locations of the disk sectors where "F69" was located (usually 1-4 locations will be displayed).
3.) Next, type D (Dump) plus the number after the : of the disk sector which you located in Step 2.
Example: If the disk sector is 12FF:1170 type: D1170
Repeat this step for each disk sector number you locate.
Each time you execute the Dump command, the computer will display the sector with the partial ID plus seven other sectors. If the password is displayed it will in most cases follow right after the ID. Most passwords chosen by stores are very stereotypical since they must appeal to the minds of their dim-witted employees and will be extremely easy to detect if placed between a line of "garbage." While the password may not be displayed in every hacking session, you should have a solid three out of five success rate!
Here is how a complete hacking session may look where: ID = DDVF69A and Password = ASSHOLE:
On Prodigy, you get unlimited hours and up to six people can be on the same ID at the same time. Still, it's a good idea to set up your own ID and password when you first log in (just don't use your real name!). This can only be done through the main ID, "A", as long as there are empty IDs left (there are a total of five IDs to every account). This will insure that you won't get locked out in case the password changes.
One way to prolong your visit is to order a brand new account through the hacked ID. This is a service provided by Prodigy. The entire transaction costs $2.
Once you receive the new account, simply register it on a fake name and a fake address. There is a downside: since the new account will be E-mailed to the hacked ID, you'll have to be the first to grab it. By the time the ID owner receives his unusual bill and Prodigy's brainless employees even begin to assess the situation, you should have a full month of worry-free service. Never repeat this step under a previously ordered account.