Hi, I want to put my C++ windows app online so people can download it and try it out. I want to make this download a trial version, so that after 30 days the user will be forced to enter a code in order to proceed using it. How can I do this?, are there a number of ways? and what do they involve? Thanks.
I'm not sure how to EXACTLY do it as I never had to use such a method before.... But it would involve setting a timer (WM_TIMER) and/or just save something in registery or some file whatever suits you
A very simple way to include protection in your shareware: 1. During the installation of your application you may create the key in the Windows registry. This key may have a value like date of original installation. 2. While a user evaluates your software, during startup you compare the current date and the installation date. If their difference is more than 30 days - let the user see a message box like "evaluation period has expired, please register" and let him enter the unlocking code. 3. Once the unlocking code is entered, you may remove the key you had created on step 1 or set the evaluation period to, say, current date + 1 year. This is just a simple example of how to protect shareware, but there are many other more advanced techniques to make that.
