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[Donzer]

Hi all

I have had a request from a colleague who would like to install a demo version of our software but limit the time for 3 or 6 months once installed. i.e. we want the system to report that the license is out of date and not permit access to the software.

I am sure you should be able to do this in installshield (I have seen it on games etc.,). I have Installshield 8 (service pack 2).

I am unsure where to start looking for this so if anyone can give me any pointers ....

OH also - the CD KEY that you can request as part of the install .... Can this be linked to a particular installation eg ...

cd key 1 : install project 1
cd key 2 : install software 2
cd key 3 : install demo version...

I think it would be helpful for our company as then we can have 3 demo styles on the one cd and depending on the cd key issued to the user will depend on what they can install.

Please help ....

thanks

[Glytzhkof]

The demo installation protection would probably involve writing the installation date to "somewhere hidden" in the registry (usually HKCR) in some sort of encrypted format. Then you would read back the value the next time the setup is run and check if the previous installation date is "out of scope". Then you would just pop up a message box if installation is not allowed.

As to the CD-KEY stuff... I would create a small EXE (either a custom EXE or a small setup) which will invoke the correct setup depending on the CD-key entered. The alternative would be to use a single setup and set the feature state depending on the key. This should be possible to do, but would be more work.