Prom3th3uS       Posted at 2019-02-09 20:43:22(302Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| How to use "warez" releases - what do the files do and mean? Don't worry, you're not alone with such questions. Many newcomers (n00bs) get confused about some things the veterans take for granted. Cracks? Keygens? NFO? Huh?? -------------------------- Before we continue... -------------------------- Now that you have a better idea what you have to work with, allow me to touch on a few points before diving right in how to use the above. Frequently the fixes are provided along with an NFO. This is an information file that tells information about the release. For example, if you have a Patch and an NFO file, the NFO may tell you how to properly use the patch, as well as provide information on the program itself. It's VERY important to read any NFO files that come along with the fix/release. You may also see DIZ files - these usually just contain file version information. Though handy to have and informative, they rarely need to be used in the process of "fixing" a software application. NFO and DIZ files are simple text files, so you could simply view them in Notepad (or any other simple text editor) and get the info you needed. However, they were designed to be viewed with an NFO viewer. It makes them easier to read and look pretty. =D So where do you get an NFO viewer? Simple - GOOGLE IT! By far the best one out there is the "DAMN NFO Viewer". There are thousands of download locations, so I won't bother to list any here. Pop over to Google (http://www.google.com) and do a search for it. It's freeware. The last point I'd like to make - DON'T BE CLICK HAPPY. That means don't just double-click on everything you download hoping it will do what you want. That's a sure-fire way to get yourself into trouble. =) Many sites that allow you to freely/easily download the various fixes also include trojans or spyware bundled into the ZIP/RAR file that you download (or even as a popup before you're able to download it - ALWAYS say no to these; find the fix somewhere else if you have to, or use a different browser). Read the NFO files to be sure you know which files you actually need. It's also very important to use an up-to-date and competent antivirus program. Keep in mind that some antivirus programs detect cracks/patches/keygens as a "trojan.hacktool" or something similar. This is paranoid AV programs trying to deter you from using such tools. Follow what the NFO says in those cases. The discussion for what is the best AV/antispyware program(s) will be saved for another time, but I'll give you my quick opinion: Stay away from Norton, McAfee and Panda! Bloated messes is what they are. Stick to Kaspersky or NOD32 if you want stellar protection, or go with NOD32 if you're worried about resource hogging. (Kaspersky/KAV is starting to look more like the bloated messes with each new version.) ------------------------------ How to use the four fixes ------------------------------ Good, now that we are on the same page, here is how to use the previously mentioned fixes. Remember to follow the directions in the NFO files! This is only a general guide and could be incomplete in some cases. Always remember that, like Google, backups are your friend! Before modifying any files, it's a wise idea to have another copy. * CRACK * To use a crack, in most cases you need to first install the program from a trial setup or from a provided retail install. After installation, you need to copy the crack file(s) into the installation directory of the program. Be sure the program is not running anywhere before "cracking" it! (Check the System Tray by the clock and do a CTRL+ALT+DEL and look for the executables.) For example, if you install an MP3 ripping program into the directory "C: - Program Files - MP3 Ripper", you need to navigate to that directory through Windows Explorer (My Computer -> C: -> Program Files -> MP3 Ripper) until you see the files that program uses to run. Now copy the crack file(s) into this directory. You will usually be prompted with something to the effect of "This file already exists, do you want to continue and overwrite it?" Click on YES. A crack is designed to overwrite (replace) an existing file or files that the program installed. (Of course you've made a backup already, right?) After replacing these files, frequently the program will now be registered the next time you start it up, allow you to register it with any information you like, or simply make it not care if it's registered or not. Cracks will usually remove any trial limitations, nag screens, etc. A drawback of a crack is that it is ONLY good for one version of a program. You can't use a crack to "crack" a newer version without downgrading that version after the crack is used. * PATCH * To use a patch, you start out the same as a crack (in most cases - again, READ THE NFO). First install the program from a trial install or retail install. Once installed, again navigate to the installed program's directory like in the "MP3 Ripper" example above. Copy the patch into that directory, however this time you shouldn't be prompted to overwrite anything. A patch, as described previously, is used to create a cracked EXE/DLL/etc. Run the patch you just copied into the program's directory by simply double-clicking it. Frequently there will be a button that says something to the effect of "Crack" or "Patch". (Or "Crack it!" or "Patch it", etc.) Clicking this button will instruct the patch to locate the file(s) it needs to modify, double-check to make sure it's the correct file(s), then modify it however the patch was programed to do so. Some patches will perform multiple functions, such as patching a program and adding a Registry entry for licensing. After you have patched a program, you can delete the patch you copied into the folder. If given the option to make a backup before patching, it is wise to do so. You can restore this backup at any time if something goes wrong. Backups are usually stored as FILENAME.BAK - renaming the .BAK extension to EXE or DLL (whatever it was originally) will restore the backup - just be sure to delete the patched file(s) first or else you'll get an error from Windows for having two files with the same name in the same folder. Just like a crack, a patch is frequently only good for a certain version of a program. Some patches are "generic" and will work for a limited number of versions, such as all v3.x (v3.1, v3.2, v3.3, etc). Read the NFO to see if that's the case! * SERIAL * As I said before, most people know how to use a serial. When asked for registration details by the program, enter the information provided. A serial could be included in a simple TXT (text) file, or sometimes it's in the NFO/DIZ file. (Always read the NFO if it's included!) If the program doesn't prompt you for any registration information when it first starts up, look under the Help menu (or Help -> About). Frequently you'll see a "Registration" or "Activate" or "Unlock" (etc) option. If you still can't find where to do it, check the program's help file for how to register it or poke through the other Menus. (If all else fails, search Google!) Again, the NFO file, if included, will frequently tell you exactly how to use the serial. A drawback of a serial, sometimes, is that even though the program is registered, it may not be registered to you. Sometimes this can show up if the program creates output files of any type. Frequently it doesn't cause any problems. Another large problem when it comes to serials - blacklisting. A "blacklisted" serial is a serial that has been programmed specifically not to work by the program author because it is known to be public. (A number of cracks simply remove such blacklisted serials.) If a program needs to do online updates (such an an antivirus or antispyware program), frequently a blacklisted serial will cause such updates to not work anymore. Finally, like a crack and a patch, serials may only work for a single version, but frequently work for all minor versions of the same major version (like in the v3.x example described above). * KEYGEN * The Holy Grail of warez - the file that allows you to register a program without modifying it at all AND using any information you like. Using a keygen is a lot like using a serial, however it creates the information to type in when prompted for the registration information instead of simply having a specific set of details given to you. There is usually no need to move the keygen to anywhere special. Just double-click the keygen and you'll frequently see what to do. (Type in your name or any other requested information.) Sometimes you have to click a "Generate" button to create the licensing information you need. (Sometimes this button has a fancy name... read the NFO!) If the program requires activation, then the keygen will usually allow you to generate the information you need if you go through the program's "Phone Activation" method. Many programs will generate a hardware ID or some kind of reference number that you are supposed to read to the person on the other end of the phone at the software company. Instead, type the provided number or details into the appropriate spot in the keygen to generate the required "answer" to it. You then need to type the "answer" into the program where indicated. This will differ for each program, though it is usually documented in, yup... the NFO file! Have I mentioned that you should always read them? Just in case I didn't - always read the NFO files! =) Like the other three releases, keygens may only work for a certain version (or a series of version like the v3.x example). Regards, SaM | |
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| MafketelPosted at 2019-02-09 20:53:40(302Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| Thank you sam. This is very useful for not only noobs... Even us oldies can learn from this..... As we take it for granted and think we know it all. | |
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| Post liked by - eyez, Garthock, FrostyBolloX, Ange1, Prom3th3uS | ||
| Prom3th3uSPosted at 2019-02-10 17:04:26(302Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| Yeah, Indeed, it also helps to oldies and for anyone at any stage to get such basic knowledge. Thanks, Buddy for appreciation. :) | |
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| Post liked by - eyez, Garthock, Mafketel, FrostyBolloX, Ange1 | ||
| Ange1Posted at 2019-02-10 17:20:14(302Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| Awesome tutorial hunni thank you for posting :) it will be most helpful to so many peeps :) xx | |
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| Post liked by - OnyHash, eyez, Garthock, Mafketel, FrostyBolloX, Prom3th3uS | ||
| HB11Posted at 2019-02-10 20:15:13(302Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| Great work as always sam Cheers m8 :) | |
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| Post liked by - Ange1, eyez, Garthock, ROBBREDD, Mafketel, Prom3th3uS | ||
| mikeeybhoyPosted at 2022-01-28 17:11:51(147Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| Thank you so much Sam for this great tutorial! Can you tell me when it is a patch, it asks for Admin rights on the torrents patch and sometimes Admin is not there! Can you keep me right on this? my kindest regards to you Sam. mikeeybhoy. | |
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| Post liked by - Ange1, eyez, Garthock, ROBBREDD | ||
| MafketelPosted at 2022-01-29 13:09:07(147Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| Thought a "patch" is basically the same as a crack. It works different but with the same end result. But correct me if I'm wrong Prom3th3uS | |
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| Post liked by - Ange1, ExGamer, ROBBREDD, DarkAngie, Garthock | ||
| GarthockPosted at 2022-01-29 13:22:01(147Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| This is a great thread. I learned a lot from it. TX.  | |
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| Post liked by - Ange1, eyez, ROBBREDD, Mafketel | ||
| DarkAngiePosted at 2022-01-29 14:28:51(147Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| i am not Prom3th3uS but crack and patch are almost the same...😊👽 | |
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| Post liked by - Ange1, ExGamer, Garthock, eyez, ROBBREDD, Mafketel | ||
| OneApiPosted at 2022-01-29 16:05:06(147Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| a patch is to fix something a crack is to break something   Last edited by OneApi on 2022-01-29 16:05:26 | |
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| Post liked by - Ange1, ROBBREDD, Mafketel, DarkAngie, ExGamer, Garthock, eyez | ||
| eyezPosted at 2022-01-29 16:15:48(147Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| Think I still have serial2k somewhere lolz, no Windows 95 to ME was safe lolz mind you neither was Windows anywhy lol... | |
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| Post liked by - Thomaskhan, Ange1, ROBBREDD, Garthock | ||
| mikeeybhoyPosted at 2022-07-11 21:28:58(123Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| Prom3th3uS, thank you my good friend for what you explained to us.Could you come on my pc when you have time with Teamviewer to help me with some complicated apps to install them for me? my kindest regards mikeeybhoy | |
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| Post liked by - ROBBREDD | ||
| realityshowPosted at 2022-07-15 07:34:56(123Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||||
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| Ok i have a question whilst i usually get stuff to work ok, i like to take extra measure with my firewall and block the program from internet access to me makes sense but maybe i`m wrong? I only ask ask as i tried this one:
i followed intructions to get it to work, used the crack correctly (i think) then i put a madeup e-mail address as instruction and registered fine offline and was working till i decided to go online so i blocked it with firewall as a precaution now i cant use it as from within the program it says "no network access" and wont let me use the program functions; when it is not a program that relies on internet. As it is cracked; do i really want this to connect to internet possibily contacting its real home? or is it a dummy home? maybe the crack suxs as it didnt account for this why wouldnt the crack stop it from having net access. Of course i can unblock and have it work again but raises a few questions. Should we block these and other apps from trying to connect to internet? or not? Last edited by realityshow on 2022-07-15 07:51:20 | |||
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| realityshowPosted at 2022-07-29 16:38:02(121Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| It seems i am out of date on cracked software, in the old days it was recommended to block the software from connecting to the internet. I have paid for software in the past also, so only just starting to try cracked software again, i so much prefer the stuff that doesnt rely on internet connection, but it seems to be OK to flaunt your cracked app online. A few of the cracked items i wanted to try in fact insist that particular software relies on an internet connection, i really hope people are using VPN +there is a chance you may forget to use VPN, perhaps it ok, but i am out of date on this knowledge. Ideally what i prefer to do is switch out my hardrive using a drive caddy hot swap with another backup of windows and install all the cracked stuff on that one and not have it connect to net, perhaps i dont need to do this... | |
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| appdozePosted at 2023-10-13 17:06:10(58Wks ago) Report Permalink URL | ||
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| I would like to mention one other kind of fix that is loader Loader: Loader files are similar to cracked ones. You have to copy the loader file to the installation directory. You can always run the application from loader. Also you can remove the software's original shortcut from desktop and make a desktop shortcut for loader | |
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