How to limit the use of only one computer per installation?

Question

I am going to release my application, which was built into C # VS2008 for my client, and I want to prevent the post-user deployment from being abused, since it is easy to copy the installation files to another machine and use the application. I want to limit the use to only one computer per installation.

Answer 1

See this question for some products that will help you with this ...

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/118031/best-activation-key-software-for-net-application

At the moment, my favorite IntelliLock . Decent price, supports ASP.Net, and exists for some time.

Locking onto a machine ID is not a trivial task performed manually. Therefore, I would like to receive a licensed software package. Even if you are just trying to restrain accidental copying, you have to consider changing the components of the machine, and people get new computers.

But if you really want to do this manually, look at the processor serial number and http://www.vcskicks.com/hardware_id.php . But note that even CPU Serial is not a method of proving a fool, since it is often turned off.

Answer 2

Use hashing to generate an unlock key. The idea is to collect some data that is captured on the target machine, but also unique. Examples are the machine name, network card ID, ... Create a hash from these values ​​and let the user send this data to you. Created a new hash from this value and a secret key (only known by you) and sent it to the user. Now the user must enter this key to unlock your software.

Answer 3

Use the “activation” scheme, as Microsoft does with Windows. Each installation must authenticate to the server somewhere with a key. If the key is used more than once, ask the user to call and talk with a real person.