windows Installer that is restricted to X times

I need a windows installer that can install my program only X number of times. S开发者_如何学JAVAay 10 or 20 or a defined number I set. Then the installer ceases to operate or can give a message to contact my company. Ed

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There are several solutions.

• One solution that is quite common is to require online authentication for the program for each new install.

Solutions that may be viable in some situation:

• Self modifying executable. Just let the installer modify itself and reduce some counter. But it is easily defeatable by making multiple copies of the executable.
• If you want to limit the installer only on one computer add some registry key and check that. Also easily defeatable

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1. In my opinion the best way to doing this is using a hardware block/dongle. They're awful for the user, but they work in limiting access. The other advantage to these blocks, is that you can install the software on numerous pcs, but the software can only run on the pcs with plugged in usb keys.
2. Another solution to have some form of an encrypted file/db, that whenever an installation is flagged as complete, it adds a value. When the number of values reaches X, then setup won't work anymore

EDIT the real issue is that most applications are installed using a dvd/cd, in order to limit the number of installations, you need to be able to write back to the dvd. I don't think this is feasible in most cases.