Since all a user needs to do is set macro protection to high to prevent all
code from running or spend a few dollars on a vb password cracker, there is
not a lot you can do.

Bob Flanagan
Macro Systems
Delaware, U.S. 302-234-9857
http://www.add-ins.com
Productivity add-ins and downloadable books on VB macros for Excel

"ysaneo " wrote in message
...
Hi,

I have to copy protect my engineering expert system somehow. It
consists of one folder with 5 huge Excel files within. Those are all
interrelated workbooks of around 20 MB in total. I am not talking about
either huge data base or so much data to process. I am talking about
heavy and complex algorithms, options, combinations, and
optimizations...and graphics. I am not much worried even if one wants
to possess the formulas. Anyway, formulas are too complicated for an
average user, and there are too many of them - literally several
thousands of formulas (most of cells have 7 IFs and in average 250
symbols). I am worrying about the end-user intention to copy entire
folder for a purpose of giving to someone else or making some not
insignificant money on it. The folder is encrypted, but the authorized
user with an open access to the application/files (with exemption to
the MS passwords, which is no protection at all) could do what he wants
to do.

So is there ANY protection from copying the files at the first place or
is there any way around for instance allowing the files to be copied,
but to become useless in a process because of some newly acquired
dis-functionality?

Could anyone come up with a functional code (the SOLUTION in my case)
that will 'import' actual computer ID (serial number or something)
into Excel, check if it is the same one as the one written in the macro
and IF NOT disable all workbooks opening functions and/or quit Excel
application - i.e. close Excel altogether? The idea behind is that my
XL files could run only on one computer - sort of soft-key. If files
are copied and user wants to run it on another computer to make him
feel sorry.

Many thanks in advance.
Daniel

Could anyone come up with a functional code (the SOLUTION in my case)
that will 'import' actual computer ID (serial number or something)
into Excel, check if it is the same one as the one written in the macro
and IF NOT disable all workbooks opening functions and/or quit Excel
application - i.e. close Excel altogether? The idea behind is that my
XL files could run only on one computer - sort of soft-key. If files
are copied and user wants to run it on another computer to make him
feel sorry.


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