Secure system for activating personal computer software at remote locations
DCFirst Claim
1. A method of controlling the use of a program file, comprising the steps of:
- providing a program file including a loader segment and a registration shell portion to a remote computer having a display, said program file containing a first executive control program representing a limited version of said program file;
entering license transaction information in said registration shell portion;
transmitting said license transaction information from said registration shell to a separate registration program provided in a registration computer, said registration program merging license transaction data with a second executive control program representing a complete version of said program file to generate a unique overlay file;
transmitting said unique overlay file from said registration program to said registration shell, said overlay file containing said second executive control program; and
installing said overlay file in said main program file, thereby allowing complete operation of said program file only when said license transaction information is included in said overlay file.
3 Assignments
Litigations
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A process and system for activating various programs are provided in a personal computer. The computer is initially provided with a registration shell. A data link is established between the personal computer and a registration computer. By providing the registration computer with various information, a potential licensee can register to utilize the program. Once the registration process is complete, a tamperproof overlay program is constructed at the registration computer and transferred to the personal computer. The tamperproof overlay includes critical portions of the main program, without which the main program would not operate and also contains licensee identification and license control data.
848 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of controlling the use of a program file, comprising the steps of:
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providing a program file including a loader segment and a registration shell portion to a remote computer having a display, said program file containing a first executive control program representing a limited version of said program file; entering license transaction information in said registration shell portion; transmitting said license transaction information from said registration shell to a separate registration program provided in a registration computer, said registration program merging license transaction data with a second executive control program representing a complete version of said program file to generate a unique overlay file; transmitting said unique overlay file from said registration program to said registration shell, said overlay file containing said second executive control program; and installing said overlay file in said main program file, thereby allowing complete operation of said program file only when said license transaction information is included in said overlay file. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for upgrading a limited program file to a fully operational program file for a period of time comprising;
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at least one remote computer, initially provided with a first limited program file containing an overlay loader segment containing a first executive control program representing a limited version of said program file, said overlay loader segment only enabling activation of the fully operational program file when a unique overlay file is presently installed, said remote computer provided with a registration shell program, said registration shell program enabling a user to enter license transaction information, said remote computer provided with an operating system; a registration computer provided with a registration program, a means for receiving and processing said license transaction information, a means for creating said unique overlay file containing a second executive control program representing a complete version of said program file and at least a portion of said license transaction information, and a means for transmitting said overlay file to said remote computer; and means provided with said at least one remote computer for receiving said unique overlay file transmitted by said registration computer, for substituting said unique overlay file for said first limited program file and for allowing complete operation of said fully operational program file in said operating system only when said license transaction information is included in said unique overlay file. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification