Another protection type which I'm sure you'll be all to familiar with is the time-trial or 30 days protection. Sadly, most software authors implement their protection after they've spent considerable time on the full version, the concept of producing a specific trial version that permanently disables itself or prevents re-installation / BIOS cheating continues to elude them. Of course very little time-protected software is actually worth using past its evaluation period anyhow.
Sourcing time-trialled software is usually a pretty simple task. Magazine cover CD's bought at "kilo" prices are usually jam packed with suitable targets (although less so today than a few years back). Just flicking through one of my magazines (PC Direct November 1999), I've got some rather enticing Omniquad applications, PictureWorks HotShots (discontinued) & WinDelete 5 all for around £1.20 ($1.75 if you are American), these are good places to start your trials - and you'll probably be able to enjoy some worthwhile software in the process.
CompareFileTime, GetLocalTime, GetSystemTime, GetTimeZoneInformation, msvcrt.diffTime(), msvcrt.Time().
| Target Name | Description | Date |
| 123 ZIP! v2.0 & DropConvert v2.2 | Cracking limited time runs with W32Dasm and your HEX editor. | June 1998 |
| Borland C++ Builder v4.0 | InstallShield and time-trial removing courtesy of +Tsehp. | 17/01/00 |
| CuteFTP v2.6 & HEdit v2.1.14 | Elementary time-trial reversing by Sixx. | 14/11/98 |
| Extensis PhotoFrame v1.0 | Following a serial number scheme to beat the 30 days. | 30/12/98 |
| FileNotes v3.2 | Elegantly patching a 45 day trial and nag strings. | 19/08/98 |
| Fortres 101 v4.0 | InstallShield PFTW password cracking and time-trial function exports. | 11/01/99 |
| HexDecOctBin Conv. v1.0 | Kro_baR's first tutorial, nag and time-trial removing. | 07/02/00 |
| HVS ColorGIF v2.008 | Lots of flags in this time trial and crippled plug-in. | 29/12/98 |
| HyperChem v5.02 | A fairly tough time-trial/run-time & license protection. | 19/07/98 |
| Paint Shop Pro v5.0 | "Its in the registry" by Santa Clawz. | 10/02/99 |
| Personal Inventory 98 | Time-trial and nag screen/string removing with Borland Resource Workshop. | 05/12/98 |
| Premia Codewright v5.1b | Beating a time-trial and changing the contents of the About Box. | 29/07/98 |
| Revelation ViP Designer v2.5 | Flag setting and 1Eh in another 30-day trial. | 10/10/98 |
| Ulead PhotoImpact v4.2 | Simple time-trial and nag busting by Mr WhiTe. | 30/07/99 |
| Virtus OpenSpace 3D Author | Profiling a time-trial scheme before reversing it. | 20/05/99 |
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