Copyright: (c) 1996,97 by MidStream, Inc.


Help on PrivateEXE for Win95/NT

Welcome and thanks for using PrivateEXE for Win95/NT - another great software package developed for you by MidStream, Inc. For more information on program features please click on highlighted items below.

General Overview

Protect Command

Change Commmand

Unprotect Command

Verify Command

Run Command

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Order PrivateEXE for Win95/NT

Other Software by MidStream, Inc.

Credits...


General Overview

	PrivateEXE for Win95/NT is an innovative software, which allows you to password protect Win32 programs.  It works on the program files that are native 32-bit Windows95 or Windows/NT executables. If you share your computer with others, you might have a few programs that you keep on your hard drive, but  you do not want other people be able to run them. For example, you probably do not want somebody else to run your tax preparation software, personal finance or email programs. PrivateEXE for Win95/NT is ideal in these situations, as it allows you to password protect executables, so that only those who know the password will be able to run the programs. When protecting a program, PrivateEXE for Win95/NT modifies the binary executable itself, so that it first asks for a password and runs the program only if a valid password has been entered. It does not change the Registry database, nor does it save the password in hidden files or disk sectors. Also, it does not matter whether you protect the program on your hard drive or a floppy disk. PrivateEXE for Win95/NT is safe and efficient. Unlike other protection software, it does not run in the background to provide its functionality. With the other software, which claims to be password protecting, an intruder can simply kill the protection program or remove it from startup group to disable the entire mechanism. Note, that PrivateEXE for Win95/NT protects programs, not icons so that it remains locked  even if you run it from plain command line. PrivateEXE for Win95/NT uses one-way encoding algorithm. Even the program authors can not retrieve the original password. One-way encoding means that once entered, the password is never decoded back and is always stored in the encoded format. The newly entered passwords are encoded using the same algorithm and matched in an encoded form with the original password. Prior to modifying an executable file, PrivateEXE for Win95/NT always saves the original unprotected file under a different name. It might be a good idea to move this file to a safe location once you verified that the protected program works as intended. When no longer needed, the password protection can be removed by PrivateEXE for Win95/NT, and the protected file can be restored to its original state provided that you know the password used for its protection.


Protect Command

	This command allows you to password protect specified Win32 executable file. Before using this command, please pick the file name you wish to protect. The file should not be marked as read only, because PrivateEXE for Win95/NT will not be able to modify it on disk. Also, please make sure the program you want to protect is not currently running. If that is the case, close the program first and then try Protect command again. Protect command makes a copy of original executable with .EXE_ORIGINAL filename extension. For example, when protecting NOTEPAD.EXE, the original file will be saved as NOTEPAD.EXE_ORIGINAL in the same directory. PrivateEXE for Win95/NT then prompts you to enter the password. It has to be up to 16 characters long and is case-sensitive. To avoid mistakes, you should enter the same password twice. If both passwords you have entered are identical, PrivateEXE for Win95/NT protects the original executable. Next time you run the program, a dialog box will appear asking for a password, and the program would come up only if the password match has been detected. Once you checked that the protected program accepts the valid password and runs as usual, you may consider copying .EXE_ORIGINAL file to a floppy disk and removing it from your hard drive.


Change Command

	This command serves two purposes. First, it allows you to change existing password. Second, it lets you make necessary changes when moving a protected executable to a different computer. You should pick the file name prior to using that command. It is a good idea to change password once in a while. The Change command allows you to do that, provided that you know the current password. When you move the protected program file to a machine running different version of the operating system (say, from Windows95 to Windows/NT) it might require to update the protection. The Verify command checks the protection status and shows whether the executable needs an update.


Unprotect Command

	The Unprotect command allows you to remove password protection from a selected file. It prompts the user to enter the password and if it matches, the file is restored to its original state. Next time you run the unprotected program, it will run as usual without asking for a password.


Verify Command

	The Verify command is useful for examining files you are about to protect. First it checks whether the selected file is a 32-bit Windows executable. If that is the case, the following information is displayed: - full path and file name; - file size and date of last modification; - file product information and version number (if any) - current protection status (protected or not by PrivateEXE) - whether the file protection needs to be updated; - protection date and time (if protected) The Verify command detects the need for an update if the protected executable has been moved to a different operating system or to a different version of the same OS. It can happen when you copy the program to another computer or install/upgrade your operating system software.


Run Command

	Run command allows you to run a program directly from PrivateEXE for Win95/NT. This is a quick and convenient way to test your program, either protected by PrivateEXE or not.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I protected one of my programs and it used to work fine. Now however, when I click on the program icon nothing happens...

A: The password protection functionality is highly dependent on the currently installed operating system. The situation you described occurs when you have either copied your program to a computer with a different version of operating system or upgraded the operating system software on yours. Please use Verify command to check the protection status and then apply Change command to update the protection. Alternatively, you can remove protection using Unprotect command and then protect the program again on that particular computer with the Protect  command.

Q: We are software developers and are considering to distribute our software in password protected form. How do we go about it?

A: When you purchase one copy of PrivateEXE for Win95/NT software you are entitled to install and run it on a single computer. To distribute your own programs, protected by PrivateEXE for Win95/NT you must purchase PrivateEXE for Win95/NT runtime redistribution license. It allows you to bundle PrivateEXE for Win95/NT runtime library with your own software. Please contact program authors directly for pricing information.

Q: How do I protect PrivateEXE for Win95/NT itself? I do not want anybody else to use it on my system...

A: You can not protect the executable while it is running. However you can always make a file copy, protect it and then rename executable back to its original name. Specifically, to protect PrivateEXE for Win95/NT do the following:

1. Copy PEXE32.EXE to the other file, say PEXE32_COPY.EXE

2. Run PrivateEXE for Win95/NT and protect PEXE32_COPY.EXE file.

3. Rename PEXE32_COPY.EXE back to PEXE32.EXE.

Q: Will the protection still work if I copy the protected executable file to a different machine?

A: As stated earlier, PrivateEXE for Win95/NT itself and every program it protects are dependent on the underlying operating system. When you move protected executable to different operating system (for example, from Windows95 to Windows/NT) or to a different version of the operating system (for example, from Windows/NT v3.5 to Windows/NT v4.0) it may be necessary to update protected file to reflect the change of the operating system. Please see Verify  command for more details.

Q: After I protected an executable, my antivirus software shows that it has been infected by a virus. What should I do about this?

A: Do not panic. PrivateEXE for Win95/NT is not a virus. Antivirus software is correct in detecting that the executable file has been changed. However, this change adds the password checking functionality of PrivateEXE for Win95/NT and does not spread as a virus would.

Q: Is PrivateEXE for Win95/NT software dependent on installed file system?

A: PrivateEXE for Win95/NT does not depend on underlying file system and supports both NTFS and FAT. It relies on file services provided by the operating system and does not use any other means to work with files.

Q: What about protecting 16-bit programs for Windows 3.1?

A: Yes, we are working on the ability to password protect 16-bit executables. All registered users will receive FREE UPGRADE when it becomes available.


How to order?

How to Order PrivateEXE for Win95/NT

This software is fully functional program with no time limiting. It is intended, however for evaluation purposes only. If it fits your needs, please order the licensed version, which entitles you for a number of additional benefits.

In the licensed version of PrivateEXE for Win95/NT an user can not bypass password protection and the valid password is required to activate the program. Also, when you purchase PrivateEXE for Win95/NT you are entitled for free unlimited technical support over email. Plus you will be offered a discount on all new major releases of PrivateEXE for Win95/NT (minor updates are free).

Note for Scandinavian users: you may place the order through our Scandinavian distributor, Pro Soft.

There are many ways to order PrivateEXE for Win95/NT software for personal use.

1) MONEY ORDER, CHECKS OR CASH

Please send your Money Order, Check or Cash to:

MidStream, Inc.

P.O. Box 862

San Bruno, CA

94066-0862 USA

For non-cash overseas orders I can accept personal checks in major hard currencies. This covers most of Western Europe, Japan and Australia - if you live there you can make the payment in your local currency. For the rest of the world non-cash orders must be accompanied by an International Money Order or a check in US Funds, drawn on an US banking institution. No Eurochecks please.

The fee for a single copy is $29.95. If you provide your email address (strongly recommended), we will send you complete registration instructions via email. There is shipping and handling charge ($3.00 - USA, $4.00 - Canada/Mexico, $5.00 - other International) if you want to receive original diskette via regular mail. For your convenience file you can print the Order Form directly from this help file.

2) CREDIT CARD ORDERS

You can order the program with MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover credit card from Public Software Library (PSL) by calling:

Toll-free: 1-800-242-4775

Phone: (713)524-6394

Fax: (713)524-6398

CompuServe email: 71355,470

Internet email: 71355.470@compuserve.com

Please mention the product number 14812 (PrivateEXE for Win95/NT). PSL office hours for placing your order are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST Monday - Thursday and 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM CST on Friday.

You can also mail credit card orders to PSL at P.O.Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705 USA. Please provide cardholders name exactly as it appears on your credit card and include billing address for the card.

Please note, that the above numbers are for orders only. Any questions about status of the shipment, registration options, distribution possibilities, product details, technical support, volume discounts, dealer pricing, site licenses, etc. must be directed to MidStream, Inc.

3) COMPUSERVE ONLINE REGISTRATION

Go service: SWREG (Shareware registration forum)

Registration ID: 12824

Product title: PrivateEXE for Win'95/NT

CompuServe provides on-line registration, which is a part of basic services and requires no additional connection charges. Electronic orders may be placed with CompuServe Information Services and billed directly to your CompuServe statements for your convenience. Just GO SWREG forum and request PrivateEXE registration.

4) INTERNET ONLINE REGISTRATION

Please visit MidStream, Inc. home page follow the link for online registration:

http://www.midstream.com

5) SITE LICENSES

A site license for PrivateEXE for Win95/NT software entitles an organisation to receive one copy of the distribution package and duplicate the distribution disk for the specified number of copies. The current price schedule is as follows:

first 2 to 10 users:	$24.95 each
next 11 to 25 users:	$19.95 each
next 26 to 50 users:	$14.95 each
next 51 to 100 users:	$9.95 each
over 100 users:	$1500.00 total

6) PURCHASE ORDERS

Due to the extra work involved in processing purchase orders we do not accept them if the total amount is less than $250.00. You are encouraged to use a check, petty cash, credit card or CompuServe's SWREG registration service when possible for small orders.

Purchase orders for the amount of $250.00 or more (net 30 days) are accepted only from government and accredited educational institutions and major corporations, provided that they are submitted on purchase order forms with a purchase order number. Please make sure to include the standard PrivateEXE order form with a purchase order.

7) PRIVATEEXE RUNTIME REDISTRIBUTION LICENSE

If you are software developers and/or are interesting in redistributing your software, password protected by PrivateEXE, you must purchase PrivateEXE for Win95/NT runtime redistribution license. The redistribution license allows you to bundle PrivateEXE runtime library with your own software. Please contact MidStream, Inc. directly for pricing information.


Other Software

Other Software...

MidStream, Inc. develops award winning BusinessCards for Windows - a perfect Cardfile replacement - software title. It has been distributed as shareware since January 1994 and now includes 16-bit version for Windows 3.1 and 32-bit version for Windows95/NT.  BusinessCards software has been reviewed and featured on cover disks in more than 15 major computer publications and online services.

We also develop and distribute as shareware exiting 5-Or-More! title for Windows 3.1, 95 and NT.

You can find full featured evaluation copies of BusinessCards and 5-Or-More! by visiting MidStream, Inc. main and mirror sites on WWW at:

http://www.midstream.com

Public Software Library (1-800-242-4775) accepts credit card orders for both BusinessCards and 5-Or-More! software. You can order both titles directly from MidStream, Inc. for $19.95 each.


Credits

Credits...

PrivateEXE for Win95/NT Version v1.1

Copyright © 1996,1997 by MidStream, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Our special thanks goes to Matt Pietrek for his excellent Windows 95 System Programming Secrets book plus a fine group of beta testers, including (in alphabetical order) Byron Callas, Horst Dries, Paul Duvall, Jeff Karasik, Craig Menefee, Ton Salari and Cardell Stevenson.

Please send your suggestions, comments, bug reports to the following addresses:

MidStream, Inc.

P.O. Box 862

San Bruno, CA

94066-0862 USA

Internet: exe@midstream.com

CompuServe: 73773, 2527

AmericaOnline: MiD

Internet WWW Site

http://www.midstream.com


Order Form

PrivateEXE for Win95/NT Order Form

For personal checks, cash, postal money orders, or purchase

orders (sorry, no Eurocheques!) please provide the following

information below:

____________________________________________________________

Your name                                               Date

_________________________________   ________________________

Street                                City     State/Pr  Zip

______________   ___________________ _______________________

Country          Phone               E-mail address (if any)

____________________________________________________________

Where did you hear about PrivateEXE?

============================================================

#  Descrpition                       Qty     Price     Total

============================================================

1. PrivateEXE full licensed version: ___  x  $29.95   $_____

2. BONUS BrainCubes Game:            ___      FREE     FREE

3. BusinessCards (with PrivateEXE    ___     $19.95   $_____

   only, when ordering directly

   from MidStream, Inc.)

4. 5-Or-More! (with PrivateEXE       ___     $19.95   $_____

   only, when ordering directly

   from MidStream, Inc.)

5. Shipping and Handling (optional,

   your e-mail address is REQUIRED

   if you prefer Internet delivery)

      USA:                           ___      $3.00   $_____

      Canada/Mexico:                 ___      $4.00   $_____

      International (all other):     ___      $5.00   $_____

                         GRAND TOTAL:                 $_____

============================================================

Please mail completed order form along with your payment to:

         MidStream, Inc.

         P.O.Box 862

         San Bruno, CA

         94066-0862 USA

Thank you for your business!


Scandinavian Order Form
PrivateEXE for Win95/NT Order

Form for Scandinavian Users

Pro Soft - receives registrations from Denmark, Norway,

Sweden and Finland.

Name: ______________________________________________________

Evt. company: ______________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

Zipcode: ___________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________ Fax: ________________________

Email: _______________________

*)   Customers in Sweden and Finland with a local VAT

Number, will not have  to add VAT (MOMS) 25%, but please add

your VAT-number then in line 13 below.

**)  Norwegian customers will have to pay local MOMS (23 %)

at the import plus a handling-fee to norwegian customs-

authorities.

WHAT WE SEND TO YOU:

The registered package of PrivateEXE for Win95/NT consists of:

1) Licensed version on 3.5" 1.44 MB disk;

2) Description of the program;

3) Registration card.

Item / Valuta: ____________________________________________DKR.

[ ] 1.0   PrivateEXE for Win95/NT                          200,00

Site-Lisenses, Business   __               ________________DKR.

[ ] 2.1   2-10 copies: 200,00 + (no.)        ____ * 150,00 _______

[ ] 2.2   11-25 copies: 1550,00 + (no. - 10) ____ * 120,00 _______

[ ] 2.3   26-50 copies: 3350,00 + (no. - 25) ____ *  90,00 _______

[ ] 2.4   51-100 copies: 5600,00 + (no - 50) ____ *  60,00 _______

[ ] 2.5   Over 100 copies:                                 9000,00

Examples:

  8 copies is:

  200,00 + (8) * 150,00 = 200,00 + 1200,00 = 1400,00

  20 copies is:

  1550,00 + (20-10) * 120,00 = 1550,00 + 1200,00 = 2750,00

  30 copies is:

  3350,00 + (30-25) * 90,00 = 3350,00 + 450,00 = 3800,00

  70 copies is:

  5600,00 + (70-50) * 60,00 = 5600,00 + 1200,00 = 6800,00

Site-Lisenses, Schools_   __               ________________DKR.

[ ] 3.1   2-10 copies                                      600,00

[ ] 3.1   11-25 copies                                    1200,00

[ ] 3.1   26-50 copies                                    1800,00

[ ] 3.1   51-100 copies                                   3000,00

Shipping and handling fee for site-licenses varies for each

order, please call for prices.

[ ] 4.    Denmark, Shipping & Handling                      28,00

[ ] 5.    Norway, Sweden & Finland Shipping & Handling      60,00

[ ] 6.    If not prepaid, COD (Postopkrav, Postforskott)    20,00

[ ] 7.    If you add a check with your order from

          Norway, Sweden & Finland add Check exchange      100,00

8. Total dkr. before VAT (MOMS)                            ______

9. MOMS (25%) of the above, Denmark, Sweden & Finland      ______

    ** For Norway, see the comment above.

10. Grand total dkr.                                       ______

We will pay the above as:

11. [ ]   Prepaid to danish Postgiro account 406 2140,

          date:  ___/___ 199

12. [ ]   Ship the program(s) with "postforskott" / postopkrav.

          (Add line 6 above in total).

13. [ ]   Swedish or finnish VAT-no.:____________________________

          (No VAT / MOMS in line 9 above).

14. [ ]   Check. If you are from Norway, Sweden or Finland and

prefer payment by check, please also add dkr. 100,00 in line 7

above, that is what the bank charges us for handling the check.

CALL, MAIL, UPLOAD, FAX OR E-MAIL TO:

Pro Soft, Benloese Skel 4 G, DK-4100 Ringsted, Denmark.

Tlf.: (+45) 53 61 90 42

Monday-friday 10:00 - 16:30. Call for information you

might need.

Fax.: (+45) 53 61 93 91

24 hours.

BBS: (+45) 57 67 17 47

24 hours, free access, (28.800, 8,N,1)

WEB: http://www.prosoft.dk

This is your fastest connection in Scandinavia from our

WEB hotel to your PC.

Internet: support@prosoft.dk

Compuserve: 100065,1744

All prices above are in danish kroner. All orders are sent

the same day as the payment is received or the same day as

the order is received if sent by "postforskott"/postopkrav.