Hi, I'm just starting out and would like to know a couple things to get me going.

1. Is Ollydbg the software to use for reversing or is there a better (easier) app?

2. I have a program that runs about 50 lines of code (obviously there are many more after the initial pause for the serial number entry) before it starts then brings up a challenge/response screen which requires 16 characters input (4 x 4 characters). I believe the challenge is derived from calculating a serial number (or something) from the motherboard and the response is calculated inside the program (not sent out to a server). The problem I have is that there are no error messages to reference when a wrong code is input. When the code has been input, the greyed out register button becomes active. When the register button is clicked, the incorrect code is wiped out and there are no error messages at all. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

ollydbg is one of the tool and is very good at what it does easier or harder is a perception and can vary very much between two opinionates some one else may chime in and reply back ollydbg sucks!!!!!!!! SUCKS GREAT TIME so create your own perception.

why should one acknowledge and assist you how to crack his program ?

if you are cracking it then you have to work towards it!



can some apis exist that takes the inputs ?
can some functions exist that transfers the input from order stage to process stage ?
any thoughts about who might process the input ?
would there be common functions that are independent of the program but are a must for operation of the said program
can these common entries and exits be monitored to isolate the culprit ?
have you thought about the napkin that is used to wipe clean the slate ?
some where in there must exist a diversion that knows when to flush
can you propose how you would go about finding the keymaker to the matrix ?
it takes a neo to become one and an eon with an oracle may not be sufficient if you haven't chosen the path

It's not that I'm not willing to try. I'm just trying to build up some understanding in a bid to progress the task logically. As I said, I am a noob and I have watched a lot of videos about Ollydbg and most of them show how to reference error messages (which I can sort of grasp) but I am struggling how to recognise other routines.