Question on software free trials

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Proprietary software often provides free trials for a limited period, typically a few days. Uninstalling and reinstalling the software shortly before the trial ends may not reset the trial period, as the software usually tracks installations through unique identifiers associated with the computer or by placing flags in the system registry. Most substantial software does not permit multiple installations of the trial version. Attempting to circumvent trial limitations is considered illegal and is discouraged in discussions about software usage.
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Hi

I have a question regarding software free trials. Lot of proprietary software give free trials for few days. Now if I uninstall the software just some days before the trial period ends, and I re install it, does it give me the original trial period again ? How does the software know
about this ?
 
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IssacNewton said:
Hi

I have a question regarding software free trials. Lot of proprietary software give free trials for few days. Now if I uninstall the software just some days before the trial period ends, and I re install it, does it give me the original trial period again ? How does the software know
about this ?
My guess: the supplier notes the ID of the computer when you download and keeps a record of the date. Presumably when you download a second time, the original entry can be referenced.
 
mathman that makes sense
 
It's also possible that the original installation puts a flag in the registry that will have the same effect as what mathman suggested.

EDIT: but in ANY case, I'd be very surprised if you can find any substantial software that allows multiple installations of the trial version.
 
IssacNewton said:
Hi

I have a question regarding software free trials. Lot of proprietary software give free trials for few days. Now if I uninstall the software just some days before the trial period ends, and I re install it, does it give me the original trial period again ? How does the software know
about this ?

What you are asking about is illegal. Please do not post like this again here on the PF.

Thread is closed.
 
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