Random Text and Numbers

[Mclaren]

I want to know if there is a way to create a random sequence of letters and numbers. In addition i want to encrypt the result or convert it to a number, so that i can perform a calculation on it and return a unique number that will be used as an unlock code.

In essence i want :

RH6766759NJCQ900W this must then be converted to a number i.e: 685126487562344785 which i can then do a calculation on to create another number.

this is to be used as an anti copy system to my DB.

[ajetrumpet]

there are better ways to prevent copying your work aside from this, I would think. But take a look at this for randomization: http://www.ajenterprisesonline.com/_...e=KeyGenerator

that might get you started with ideas of how to randomize a piece of data, numerical of not. I don't know much about the encryption side of it. maybe other software?

[Mclaren]

there are better ways to prevent copying your work aside from this, I would think.

Suggestions.....

My main aim is to prevent a person from installing on more than one machine on any given network.

My DB is very basic and if the company i am writing it for likes it, i want them to purchase additional copies, and not just use one accross several pc's

[ajetrumpet]

you might want to purchase a more advanced packager then. there are ways to authenticate software for one time use only, but I've only done it once, and through DOS only.

The method I used was not very good because compatibility issues were common. However, it did work and I was able to prevent unauthorized copies.

Another method I've used is the combination of vba code and internet webpages, along with an installation key to validate the installation. You can use a variety of methods to require the user to log on to a webpage, or direct them to it via some vba script and check the key in a server database, or if that is not possible, you can even check it against a text file log sitting on the server.

[Mclaren]

What will be happening is the random code, the unlock key etc will be stored in the users front end and in the back end by updating a module with the values.

Each time a PC fires up the application, the front end to checks the code and redoes the calculation ensuring the application is being launched from the same PC, it will then check the codes on the PC to the codes on the back end, so kind of like a double check, if the user manages to tamper with the front end, the back end will not match, and a warning of irregularity will be issued.

i have got everything working fine, its just the conversion of the random code to a number that i need to do so i can perform a calculation.

this step is required so that a new installation has to be confirmed by myself and i send the unlock code to them. right now i have managed to get the random code down to ASC, but i cannot seem to perform calculations on it, it is all numbers but it is in string format, so i need to convert it to numbers.

I have seen Peters Software version that does what i need, but its a bit pricey at $299. Just for one use.

[NoellaG]

Hi,

just a thought here: I'm rather a fan of open source software, so I really never protect my code. In most projects I even teach some power users how they can alter the software themselves. I found that people rather pay for expertise then for lines of code, and that they rather rehire me than some collegues who protect their applications.
For the few really closed apps I have written, I have chosen a different, not so widely known, platform than Access (Omnis Studio or so)

grNG