Kartikey Sapra
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. *****s? Keygens? NFO? Huh??

We were all there at one point. Some learn by doing, others learn by being taught. This should help both types -
follow along if you're the "I need to do it" type, or read through it and learn. If you're not sure what to do
with RAR files (RAR, R00, R01, R02, etc), then take a quick peek here before continuing: WhyRAR.omfg.se!
(This site has a plethora of information as well about releases and such. It was written for a DirectConnect hub,
but the information is valuable for anyone that needs to learn it.)

Good to go? Excellent. Let's begin... There are four different types of ways to "fix" a software program that
you'll run into. "Fixing" a software program means bypassing the means it uses to keep it from being freely
copied and distributed. This can include anything from removing trial limitations or nag screens to allowing a
retail release to function. Those four means are: (somtimes referred to as simply a "release")

- *****
- Patch
- Serial
- Keygen

The order isn't random. You'll see more *****s and patches then you will keygens or serials. However, a keygen is
considered the best and a ***** the most crude. Something else to keep in mind - a number of people call every
release a "*****". I disagree with such a naming convention since each one serves a different purpose and is used
differently, but I digress. Here's what they all mean... (I'll explain how to use them later.)

***** - A ***** is a modified version of a file that has been "pre-hacked" by the *****er. Frequently this is the
actual EXE of the main program, but in modified form. It could also be a DLL or a key file that the program uses
to register itself or check an online activation server. A ******* file has such checks removed. A drawback of a
***** is it can be big (sometimes many MBs) since it's just a modified version of the original file. Frequently,
updating a program that has been ******* will overwrite the *****, causing the program to return to it's
"pre-*******" state (trial, non-functioning, etc). Not to mention it's one of the more difficult to use (along
with a patch); that is, for a n00b.

PATCH - A patch is a little nicer then a *****. It's rarely more then a few hundred KB at most and frequently
contains information on what it is (such as what it's for, how to use it, etc). A patch is a separate program
that is applied to an installed application to make a ******* file (EXE, DLL, etc). With a patch, you can make a
*****. When you start up a patch, frequently you'll be greeted with information such as the release group's name,
the *****er who made it, information on the "target file" (more on that later), and so on. In most cases, it has
all the same drawbacks as a ***** does (listed above), except for the file size issue.

SERIAL - Most people are aware what a serial is and how to use it. Frequently a provided serial will register the
software program, however it will register it with the name of the *****er or website that distributed it. (A
technique known as "serial fishing" is the cause of that.) Sometimes a serial can be used with any information
(such as your own name), and sometimes it is vital to use the information provided with it (name, email, company,
etc). The biggest drawback to serials is a term called "blacklisting", which will be discussed later.

KEYGEN - A keygen is a shorthand name for "Key Generator". A keygen, in most cases, is the "best" or most sought
after form of a fix. A keygen allows you to generate the correct registration data for a program using any
information you like (such as your name, email, company, etc) without modifying anything in the actual program
(similar to a serial, but always just for you). Sometimes a keygen will generate a serial for you that you can
use, other times it might generate a license file that needs to be imported into the program. Keygens can have
multiple uses as well. For software that requires activation (that is, it needs to contact the software author or
website to ensure the registration data is legit), frequently a keygen will provide the means to use the "Phone
Activation" method in a program. (Most every program that requires activation allows you to do so via the
Internet or over the phone. The keygen simply mimics what a person at the software company would do for you.) In
most cases, the pitfalls of *****s, patches and serials do not hold true with a keygen; hence why it is
considered the best! The only real drawback is the *****er could possibly be off a bit in the algorithm, causing
some generated keys to not work completely. (Some keygens will only run on Windows 2000/XP which is a drawback if
you're still using Windows 98/Me.)

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Before we continue...
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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 (Google) 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 *****s/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.)

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How to use the four fixes
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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.

* ***** *

To use a *****, 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 ***** file(s) into the installation directory of the program.
Be sure the program is not running anywhere before "*****ing" 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 ***** 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 ***** 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. *****s will usually remove any trial
limitations, nag screens, etc. A drawback of a ***** is that it is ONLY good for one version of a program. You
can't use a ***** to "*****" a newer version without downgrading that version after the ***** is used.

* PATCH *

To use a patch, you start out the same as a ***** (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 *******
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 "*****" or "Patch". (Or "***** 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 *****, 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 *****s 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 ***** 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).

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So now what? It didn't work!
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"Whadya dooo?" (Said like Chris Farley in Tommy Boy.) Actually... yeah, that will happen. Sometimes it's not your
fault, but frequently it is. =) Be sure you followed all instructions carefully. If it still doesn't work, it's
possible it was a "bad release" (aka nuked). That means that it may work for some people and not for others.
Sometimes it simply doesn't work at all! The *****ers and "scene releasers" aren't perfect. Sometimes you can
find another release from another *****er, or a fixed one from the original *****er. When in doubt, try searching
Google and see if any more information is available or go back to the original place you obtained the fix
(website, forum, etc) and hunt around for answers. If it's a forum, first search for an answer, but post up a
question if needed.

While this guide certainly isn't complete, hopefully it will help answer some of the general questions or provide
a starting point for your own exploration. Keep in mind that all information in this guide, as well as every
released *****/patch/serial/keygen is for educational purposes only. If you like a program, purchase a valid
license to help support the authors so they will continue to create.

P.S. This short guide has been posted to a number of forums. This will be the *only* copy kept up to date, so
feel free to link to it if posting it elsewhere. Of course feel free to post it wherever you like, though proper
credit is always appreciated. Spread the knowledge! And remember - "Just use it, don't abuse it."
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