Thread: copy protection for 16 bit DOS app

  1. #1
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    copy protection for 16 bit DOS app

    Hi all, I need to implement a copy protection for a DOS based application. I prefer not to use any Dongle stuff as this requires too much mem. I know that there are possibilities to read/write into harddisk sectors that are not regular partitions..
    Anybody familiar with this ?

  2. #2
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    Relax, no one wants to copy your program because the OS is obsolete

    > I know that there are possibilities to read/write into harddisk sectors that are not regular partitions.
    True, but you can't know that they're unused for something - who knows, you could trash the whole disk.
    I'm sure that your users would appreciate that.

    How much effort are you going to put into protecting it, as opposed to improving the product?
    I've seen some wonderfully protected crap in the past, where the focus has obviously been lost.

    Also, who are you protecting against?
    - average noob who knows the copy command exists
    - hard core hacker armed with lots of skill, time and tools to crack software
    If you dance barefoot on the broken glass of undefined behaviour, you've got to expect the occasional cut.
    If at first you don't succeed, try writing your phone number on the exam paper.

  3. #3
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    Unhappy

    I am selling a complete system, including the DOS PC. That is why i am allowed to read/write into "nowhere". I just want to avoid that customers can easily clone the HD.

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