Registration system

[ShALLaX]

I dont want to cause trouble, but I wanted to see what other peoples thoughts on this are. The current registration system means that if you hard reset you have to email for another registration executable (Unless you back up your Pocket PC). However, the usual reason for performing a hard reset is for starting from a fresh windows installation - no hiding registry entries, no small unwanted files hanging around etc, much like the reason people format their desktops. Doing this usually increases system performance which is why I do it regularly.

Please take the time to answer the poll.
If you have any other suggestions for the registration system, post them here. My hope is that demand for a new system will be so high that Dan introduces it. Although if hes anything like me, this will only make him stick with his idea even more

Once again, I love this product, I'm not trying to cause problems - I just find the current registration system a big problem for the way I use my Pocket PC.

Thanks

[Matt Keys]

If Dan thinks this is the most secure way to help prevent warez, then I say go for it.

[RwGast]

Ya but its a pain in the ass if you get a new ipaq on warranty like everyday you have to get a new key.

[ShALLaX]

Essentially, requiring the ID isnt neccessary as if someone wanted to crack it, they would make a key generator program that based the registration on the ID provided - much like Dan does. Basically, if someone can figure out how to translate the ID into a registration code (which they are most likely able to do) then they can crack it.

[Dan East]

Owners of iPaqs (which account for more than 50% of all Pocket PCs sold), receive "permanent" keys, because their ID is based off of the device's Electronic Serial Number. It will not change after a hard reset.

Dan East

[suchiaruzu]

and hey - you can always ask dan for a new key!

[ShALLaX]

Yeah but both Dan and I are busy men. I cant always wait on an email to receive a new key and I'm sure its annoying for Dan.

It really is a shame, because if I had known that registration was handled in this way I definately would not have bought the product. Theres always the fear in the back of my mind - what happens if I lose this product and cant get it back. What happens when this product is discontinued etc...

Owners of iPaqs (which account for more than 50% of all Pocket PCs)

So that leaves what, 49% of people buying this without permanent keys. What if Microsoft decided to do this with windows. People would definately become unhappy. There isn't a scene for Pocket PC warez and I doubt there ever will be simply because the platform isnt popular enough. So having people steal it shouldnt be a great concern.

When I come round to reviewing this product it will lose a large amount of marks simply because of this shambles of a registration system. Could you not even make a login system on your website that allows us to obtain a new key but only works once a month and is password protected. I.e. Username and password required. Once you log in, you enter the ID line and it emails you the registation number or program automatically. This operation can only be done once a month and the email address cannot be changed without asking you or maybe only let the email address be changed once a month.

I really dont want to hate this product, I love it but the registration system is damaging it.

Sorry

[suchiaruzu]

oh yes there is a pocketpc warez scene!
at least 3 chans on efnet!

[ShALLaX]

You seem to know a little too much about this Hehehe.. well 3 chans versus 1000000000 chans,
websites and ftps etc of desktop warez

[suchiaruzu]

btw, with the system you suggested a single person could register and generate keys every month for other people he knows

[ShALLaX]

Yes thanks, im aware of that. There has to be a compromise somewhere along the line. This method is better than releasing a key that will work universally on every pocket pc, at least if someone is going to deal out keys, they can only do 12 a year. Also, why not make the generated keys processor specific? That way it adds even more security to it...

[Freddo]

Be changed so a registration code can be used as and when required

[Pam]

Hmmmm. Well, I have an E-125, which means that I would have to get a new registration key. But how often do you really do a hard reset? I have a friend who's had his E-125 since April 2001 and has never hard reset.

Your case sounds like the exception, not the rule, and it seems unfair to form a negative opinion of a product because you don't like they way something is done that has no impact on the functionality of the product.

I think this is one of the best applications available for PocketPCs and Dan's market is certainly the masses, who are unlikely to do a hard reset unless it is absolutely necessary, and rarely even then.

No security scheme is perfect, but if this system works for Dan and his product, and it seems to, then as the owner it is his decision how to handle it.

Pam

[ShALLaX]

Im an exception because i appreciate the values of hard resetting there arent many people who understand how to format pcs, or why it is necessary every so often.

Until people realise that doing so can vastly improve performance, then this argument is wasted on such people.

More to the point, i expect to be able to reinstall products which i legally buy whenever i like without hinderance. I'll never buy a product that handles registration in the same way again and ill use my influence to warn other people.

[randall]

I've been a beta tester for DEX for quite a while (long before it was released). I helped Dan figure out this protection scheme on Mips, by installing debug version after debug version and reporting the results back to him. (I really didn't DO anything)

This really isn't a problem of the developer, or his application. How about if the bank eliminates your bank account number and just uses your name instead, just so its easier to remember?

How about credit card transactions are simplified by just sayin "Hi, I'm Randall Schleufer. Charge it to my account" without any verification?

You may be wondering why I am citing all these financial security issues- I mean DEX can hardly be compared to the importance of a bank account, right?

WRONG. This is Dans financial means, this is his income and his money. He has every right to protect it with any means necessary.

Considering it is only a minor inconvenience for a selected few, it is hardly worth eliminating the security he currently has. As far as using your influence, I guess you have every right to state what you want in your review. If I was Dan, I wouldn't even fight it or discuss it with you- it's a non-issue and non-negotiable. Reviewers shouldn't be discussing stuff with the developers anyway.

I haven't reset my device in 8 months. I am a developer with assloads of betas, half-builds, alphas and whatever else. Yeah, my registery can be a friggin mess at times, but I have DEX and use its reg editor to clean it up the best I can.

Its time for you to take responsibility that YOU are hard resetting your device, and YOU must deal with whatever comes from that. Not Dan.