Copy protection dongles

From: Mark Gregory <gregorym_at_cadvision.com>
Date: Tue May 1 23:46:34 2001

Why oh why is it that software that uses dongles for copy protection never,
ever, includes the dongle in thrift or used software stores? Is there a
classiccmp approved solution to keeping older software running, even if the
dongle is long gone? For example, through buying old systems I've now
acquired three original versions of an Amiga DB package called Superbase
(two Superbase Personals, one Superbase Professional). I have original
disks, manuals, etc., but no dongles. Short of finding "broken" copies of
the software, is there any way to defeat the hardware check that's looking
for the dongle? What are the ethics of finding a way to defeat copy
protection on old software? Any suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers,
Mark Gregory
Received on Tue May 01 2001 - 23:46:34 BST