PELock 1.06

PELock allows a user to protect an application from hackers. This is done by compressing the executable file, and by adding code that detects debuggers and doesn't allow reconstructing the original executable file. The program also can create an evaluation demo out of your application, by using a license key system.

First time I used the program I tried to compress a .NET application, but it didn't work. I later realized that the publisher had a completely different application for compressing managed applications. Anyway, the program successfully compresses any kind of PE EXE file (portable executable). The program has the following features: debugger detection (protects the program upon startup), active protection (protects the program continuously), password protection, anti-dump protection (protects application against in-memory cracks), and more.

When using a license key to protect your application you can add markers inside your code, in order to protect certain parts. These parts are the ones that shouldn't be available in the demo version. Documentation about these changes is available in the help file of the application. Please note that you can still use this licensing system without modifying the source code of your application.

Pluses: Advanced encryption makes it almost impossible to crack the protected application.

Drawbacks / flaws:

In conclusion: If you have an application to distribute, and you want to compress and protect it, PELock is the key.

version reviewed: 1.06