Do I need to rebuild my EXE to change the license key?
Thinstall has the concept of one default key and an unlimited number of applied keys. The default key is compiled into your EXE and is automatically used on a new computer if no other key has been used (for the same master password). In many cases, you may wish the default key to expire immediately - this will force the user to enter a key when they start your application. You can expire the default key immediately by setting "days until expire" to zero. Additional keys may generated using the Generate Key tab and clicking "Generate key" after completing the required fields. Keys that have been generated in this fashion are issued to user in text format. Generated keys should be a string of text characters of a variable length, typically about 24 characters. When a user applies the new key, it will replace the default key as the "current active key" (for your master password).
Can I use Thinstall with other copy protection systems?
Thinstall can be using with some copy protection system and not others.
A list of protections known to work with Thinstall include:
- ASPPack (Apply Aspack first, then apply Thinstall)
- Macrovision SafeDisc (details found here)
Thinstall does not currently work with Armadillo.
If I release version 1.0 of my software, will the key I created for 2.0 work with the old software?
If you do not change the password for version 1.0 and version 2.0, then keys generated using that password will work with both versions. If the user has already entered their license key for version 1.0, then they will not need to do so again for 2.0.
I created a demo with a default key that expires in 30 days. One of my users needs more time to evaluate, can I give them a trial extension key without unlocking completely?
Yes. All you need to do is supply a new time limit when generating a key.
Menu -> Link -> License System Version 2 -> Generate Key
Enter a new number for "Days from first use when key expires", and click "Generate Key"
How can I provide central licensing for a set of programs?
This page explains 2 options for licensing multiple programs.