Summary: Trial software packages use various techniques to enforce the trial period. There's one sure way to keep using software after the period has expired.
Where is it recorded that a program can be used only for 30 days and then must be purchased? Though I've uninstalled it, it remembers the previous installation and will not let me re-install it.
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Free trials are a great way to try-before-you-buy software, so that you can determine whether or not an application is in fact the right solution for you, before you put down your hard earned money.
Applications use different techniques to track the free trial period.
But using the application after the trial period is over, is often still very, very easy.
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Buy the software.
Seriously, by far the most effective, and I have to say ethical, way to keep using software past its trial period - however long that might be - would be to purchase it. The software is not free, and the provider has allowed you to try it out. If you've decided that you want to keep using it then the right thing to do is to spend the money and buy it.
Can't afford it? Well, you're not entitled to a free copy, so your choice is clear: don't use it, or use something else.
I know that's not the answer you were looking for, but it's the right answer.
To actually answer the question you asked...
Programs keep track of trial period in different ways. The most obvious is by using a registry entry, perhaps an obscure one, that as you've seen is left behind after the program is uninstalled. Where in the registry this might be kept is anyone's guess, and will vary from application to application.
That's the obvious way, and it's actually not that difficult for someone with a little technical expertise to reverse-engineer.
So, other applications might use other techniques. Hidden files, benign modifications to other files ... some have even been known to write to hidden parts of your hard disk.
So for the average user, it's a tough situation to overcome. You could install on another machine for another trial period, but I'm guessing you'll eventually run out of machines. (Though using Virtual Machines for this purpose, while a fair amount of work, could be used to "look like" a new machine each time.)
But, honestly, if it's worth that much effort, it's gotta be worth the purchase price.
Just buy the software.
Related:
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Where are the ethics? I whine a little about the lack of ethics in a large percentage of the questions I get.
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Why can't the poor just pirate software? Commercial software can be expensive. Does not being able to afford it justify stealing? You can guess my answer, but better: theft isn't necessary.
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How do I hack into someone's account? I cannot, and I will not, retrieve a password for you ... Hacking into someone else's account without their permission would be wrong.
Article C3677 - March 16, 2009
You are right Leo, surely the use of trial software past its use date is not only unethical but illegal. So using it or contemplating using it beyond its use date is taking a dangerous risk. Is it worth it?
Posted by: William Sithole at March 20, 2009 4:01 AMLeo, you keep asking "how is (stealing software versus stealing a car) any different?"
I'll tell you what I've found from many people who do steal software... They feel the price should be based on the fact that they can buy a blank CD-R for under 50 cents. "Why does this program cost $700 when the CD only costs 50 cents" is a not-uncommon question asked by many people. (And this is made an even bigger issue by these people when you can download the trial version for free, and "all you need" to make it a full version is enter a license key. Check out Yahoo Answers to see how many people are asking "where can I get a key for X".)
21-Mar-2009
The times I've tried to use trial software has been for games where I've already bought it but needed to reload it due to a crash or whatever. I've tried to keep records but a few times had no proof that I paid for the download. In trying to extend the free trial, I became fascinated on how they track this even though I've manually cleaned the registry. But beyond trying to recover what I've paid for, I agree that if it's worth using it's worth paying for. Which makes me angry when programs that I've paid good money for, like Acronis Image, fails to work when you need it.
Posted by: Steve Bukosky at March 20, 2009 12:54 PMit sounds very simple, but not for me. do you have any sugestions how to continu instal deep freeze (my son use my computer to play game and instal new game), so i must prevent it using freeze (trial version)
Posted by: emha irsani at March 21, 2009 4:45 AMYou will find that if you bide your time on a piece of software you like but don't like the price then wait as we all know in time the price does and will come down to what you can afford.
Posted by: Mike Hammond at March 22, 2009 7:18 PMIn any case there are thousands upon thousands of free programs that do just the right job you want it's a matter of taking time out and looking.
I use all free software from virus protectors to hard drive cleaners etc...JUST LOOK DON'T STEAL it does work out cheaper in the long run.
Good answer, Leo! Any other answer and I would seriously consider canceling my subscription to the Newsletter.
Posted by: Linda at March 24, 2009 7:24 AMIf you need to use the program for an extended period, buy it, or find a free/low cost version with similar capabilites. That said, the the trial periods exist for a reason - the company want to convince you to try and buy their product. There are instances where I have installed a program, but then not had time to Try it before it expired. An email or call to the company has usually resulted in an extended trial period.
Posted by: Chris at March 24, 2009 9:42 AMI think that if you are truely evaluating before purchase, registy hacks or setting the date back are in an ethical gray area, that I feel is within the intent of the trial offer.
The degraded performance and garbage left behind by incomplete removal of trial software is also a practicle and ethical problem.
I'll give you a perfect scenario why sometimes 30 days is not enough time, and it has nothing to do with being unethical, immoral or illegal.
Posted by: sirpaul1 at April 7, 2009 4:57 PMIf I have a need for software, and will have to pay for it, I want to be sure it meets my needs. Instead of downloading a new program every 30 days, I'll just download 5-6 at once. Then I'll start evaluating.
Since I have a life outside the computer, sometimes it's hard to evaluate them in 15-30 days. I'll check back on one I've started, to see if it has a certain feature, but my time is up.
I would much rather see the 'limit standard' based on number of uses rather than a time limit. Some software companies have seen the light and use this technique, but most do not.
I know! I know! If it's a program I really want to evaluate more, there are programs out there which may or may not help or come with unwanted 'surprises'. Or I can hack the registry, remove all traces, and download again. (Don't try this unless you know what you're doing - you might have to reformat your computer!)
A few companies have got my money from the last method, but it's a pain you know where. Long live shareware! But please consider the user!
Where the these residual files stored? i.e. the files which remember whether your trial has ended.
Ohh and there is a huge moral difference between stealing software (pirate) and stealing someone's car.
You have to remember most of these programs are simply updates from previous programs with minor changes, and/or the removal of bugs. To go on and charge customers another $500.00+ is a joke considering the work involved.
Posted by: Sean at May 21, 2009 10:05 AMthis article was so not helpful. Of course you can buy a program and keep using in after the trial period...but what people want to know is how do you use a program after the trial period for FREE..just because you cant afford the program doesnt mean you arent entitled to a free copy because if you font have the money for it, its not very easy to use the program...and downloading a program or software for free is NOT like stealing a car, unless those programs or softwares help you get from place to place...which they don't cuz they can't...so therefore they arent even similar!
Posted by: Nikki at September 10, 2009 7:51 AM