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Method of and apparatus for protecting and upgrading software using a removable hardlock

  • US 6,023,763 A
  • Filed: 04/23/1997
  • Issued: 02/08/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/23/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A software protection system adapted to enable implementation of a software program on a computer having an external port, the software protection system comprising:

  • a removable hardlock adapted to be inserted into the external port of the computer, said removable hardlock including an access variable set to one of a plurality of values; and

    an installer that installs the software program on the computer when the removable hardlock is inserted into the external port of the computer, including;

    means for reading the access variable, andmeans for conditioning the software program to prevent the software program from being implemented on the computer when the access variable is set to a first value and the removable hardlock is removed from the external port and to allow the software program to be implemented on the computer when the access variable is set to a second value and the removable hardlock is removed from the external port.

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