FAQ

What is the compatibility of HexaLock protected EXE files on CD’s in the Vista Operating System?

The new Vista Operating System from Microsoft Corp. contains several operational parameters, which may create compatibility issues when running Hexalock protected CD’s on Vista enabled PC’s. Hexalock has been in close contact with Microsoft to resolve these issues, and with their help, have developed a tool that will allow CD’s containing HexaLock copy protected program EXE files to run in the Vista OS. Click on this link below to download the Vista update Utility for your AutoLock Wizard software:

What operating systems can be used to run the AutoLock Wizard?

The AutoLock Wizard and other HexaLock software are designed to run in Windows 2000 through XP, SP-2 operating systems.

Can already made discs be upgraded to run in the Vista operating system?

Yes, on CD’s containing protected EXE files only. HexaLock has developed a Utility, which allows HexaLock Protected program EXE files to work properly in the Microsoft Vista Operating System. Here is the link to our Vista compatibility Utility.

I cannot open a protected PDF

This problem is typically related to the ability of Adobe to save PDF files (the same ability we are protecting from)

What is the compatibility of HexaLock protected content files on CD’s in the Vista Operating System?

Currently protected content files are compatible with Microsoft operating systems from Windows ’98 through XP, SP-2. We are working on the remaining Vista OS compatibility issues with our content protection software modules and will update our Website with the latest Utilities and patches, as soon as they are available.

“Please insert original disk”

When this message appears it indicates that the copy protection is preventing you from accessing the data. This can happen for the following reasons:

How much storage space does HexaLock CD Copy Protection occupy?

Full implementation of HexaLock CD-ROM Copy Protection occupies less than 1Mb. HexaLock pxrotection on CD-R (CD-RX discs) occupies 30Mb due to industry standard lead in/ lead out requirements.

How strong is HexaLock Virtual Digital Hologram (VDH) copy protection technology?

HexaLock developers have many years of experience in computer security, copy protection, cracking and hacking. HexaLock VDH technology takes advantage of all this background and experience, which has resulted in a copy protection solution that has proven to be 100% resistant to all copying methods known to HexaLock.

What operating systems does HexaLock CD-ROM Copy Protection support?

HexaLock CD-ROM Copy Protection supports all the Windows family operating systems from Win 95 and above (Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP.)

What file types can be protected using the Content Copy Protection Software?

DOC, PPT, PPS, HTML, PDF, MPEG and JPEG are just some of the files that can be protected. Support for additional file types is added constantly. Please refer to the current AutoLock Wizard manual for a complete list of all file types that can be protected.

Can the content copy protection software also be used to protect CD-ROM discs?

Yes. The content copy protection features are supported on both the CD-ROM and CD-RX copy protection systems.

How does the content copy protection work? Can optional permissions be granted to selected functions?

The files are stored on the CD-ROM or CD-RX disc in encrypted format. The AutoLock Wizard adds a small autorun file that executes automatically when inserting the protected disc into your CD drive. This autorun is the HexaLock content manager that allows 3rd party applications to read the encrypted files properly. In addition, the content manager blocks any application that can read protected files from saving the files to another storage medium. Copy & pasting the files' content to another application is optionally permitted and even blocking printing and print screen operations can be prevented by the AutoLock Wizard. The publisher can optionally choose which selected features to block and/or allow when setting up his/her protected master.

My title already contains an autorun file; will it get overwritten with the HexaLock content manager?

No. The AutoLock Wizard will add the HexaLock content manager without interfering with the original autorun files of the protected title. The HexaLock content manager will start first. The original autorun process of the title will execute normally immediately afterwards. You can direct the HexaLock content manager to open any program exe file or data file automatically upon insertion of the protected CD with the HexaLock AutoLock Wizard.

What is the most common file type protected with HexaLock?

Program executable (.exe) files remain the most common file type protected. In many cases preventing the copying of the main program exe file prevents the use of copied CDs.

Some of the file types on my title do not show in the selection dialog of the AutoLock Wizard, how can I protect these files?

The file types shown in the AutoLock Wizard selection dialog are fully tested and supported. Other file types may also work, please send a file sample to support@hexalock.com together with instructions on how to play it, and HexaLock development team will investigate adding support for this file type in an upcoming release.

Is it possible to copy the content of a HexaLock copy protected file to a HD?

Every HexaLock copy protected file contains a unique set of elements that is required for the protected program to run properly. When copying the CD content to a HD this set of elements will be missing and the program will not run properly unless the original CD-ROM is in the CD-ROM drive. Program files can be copied to a HD for performance reasons, but the original CD must be in the CD-ROM drive to allow for proper authentication. Content protected files can only be read from an original CD.

Is it possible to copy a HexaLock copy protected CD using a CD recorder or a duplication machine?

No. The unique set of elements added to the protected product ensures that any illegal copy of the protected product will never be the same as the original and will lack essential information for the normal operation of the protected software.

Is it possible to use an illegitimate copy or a CD-ROM image of a HexaLock protected CD with CD emulation software?

No. Unlike other protection schemes, the HexaLock CD copy protection scheme has implemented sophisticated procedures designed to detect CD-ROM emulations and virtual CD software.

Can HexaLock Copy Protected CD-ROMs be copied by Clone CD?

No. Testing done at HexaLock's internal test laboratory shows that CD-ROMs protected with current HexaLock copy protection software are 100 percent resistant to the latest version of Clone CD software.

Is it possible to distribute the contents of a HexaLock protected CD over the Internet?

No. The distributed copy will not contain the unique set of elements added to the protected product during the mastering process and therefore will be useless.

Is it possible to distribute a HexaLock protected Patch of a protected CD over the Internet?

Yes. A HexaLock protected Patch, of a HexaLock protected CD, created with the HexaLock Patch Engine can be distributed over the Internet. The .exe files on the protected Patch are protected in the same way as the protected CD, which means that it will only work with the original protected CD in the drive.

For large production runs, is it possible to create multiple masters? Does this offer the potential of additional protection vs one mastering run?

Yes. HexaLock mastering software allows for multiple masters of the same title to be made. Further, the HexaLock mastering software assures that two different masters of the same title will never have the same set of elements and implementation. This means that a crack generated for a title using a CD-ROM that originates from one master cannot be used to create a working copy of the same title using a CD-ROM that originates from a different master. This adds additional protection to large title runs and further complicates the efforts of any potential hackers or crackers.

Can HexaLock handle multiple programs on one CD?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of programs that can be protected on the same CD and there is no need for additional storage space for the copy protection scheme for every program file.

How does HexaLock protect multi-disc titles?

Depending on the title, the publisher can protect all the discs of the title or only those that are used for the initial execution of the program.

Is it possible to implement HexaLock CD Copy Protection on titles that support multi user applications and network games?

Yes. HexaLock doesn't restrict the protected software in any way as long as every user that uses it has an original CD on his local machine. In future implementations HexaLock will provide Digital Rights Management solutions that will allow using only one original copy of a protected title over a network for several users.

How is a HexaLock copy protected CD authenticated?

HexaLock authentication process reads information from the unique set of elements added to every HexaLock copy protected CD and uses it to unlock the protected file(s). If the user attempts to use an illegal copy, the unique set of elements will not be found, and the protected file(s) will not be unlocked.

What is the AutoLock Wizard?

The AutoLock Wizard is an easy to use toolset that helps you protect your digital information. It includes a set of menu-driven screens that guide you in the preparation of your protected CD; an integrated Patch Engine and Recording Software that are used for creating HexaLock Flagged Gold Masters, copy protected CD-R's using CD-RX media and Patches.

What are the advantages of the AutoLock Wizard?

The AutoLock Wizard is used to automatically apply HexaLock CD Copy Protection onto program files without changing source code. The Auto Locking of all protected files is performed via the use of a dedicated copy protection software program. The AutoLock solution is very easy to implement and is designed for publishers, distributors, replicators and service providers that do not have access to the CD source code and wish to protect it without changing its program source codes, or any other protected files.

Does the AutoLock Utility offer secure copy protection?

Yes. The basic copy protection offered in the AutoLock Utility is the same as the SDK and uses the some of the same strong essential elements for disc authentication. The versatility of the SDK additionally offers program developers the ability to implement an unlimited number of authentication test at any stage of the application. The SDK also contains powerful flow control functions to allow the developer to change the application's behavior according to the authenticity of the CD. In this way the SDK offers more possibilities to the developer, but the basic copy protection of the AutoLock Utility is the same as the SDK implementation.

Is the AutoLock Wizard easy to implement?

Yes. The publisher simply selects the files to be protected from drop down menus. The Wizard contains all the necessary tools for the user to create HexaLock Flagged Gold Masters to send to his Authorized Replicator, or duplicate HexaLock protected CD-RX discs.

Are there any additional steps required by my Authorized Replicator to use Flagged Gold Masters?

No. The software supplied by HexaLock is designed to enable the easy use of HexaLock prepared Flagged Gold Masters at an Authorized Replicator. The software automatically detects which version of HexaLock CD-ROM Copy protection is being used and processes the gold master accordingly.

Can HexaLock copy protected programs be patched via a Patch Engine?

Yes, the HexaLock provides licensed publishers with an AutoLock Wizard, which includes a Patch Engine that is used to lock patches and additional program files to previously released and protected CD's.

How much development effort is required from the software developers in order to incorporate HexaLock CD-ROM Copy Protection into their software?

HexaLock copy protection software is very simple and easy to implement. Once a developer learns how to use it he can implement a basic copy protection system into his programs in minutes.

Is it possible to implement more sophisticated authentication processes?

Yes. By using the HexaLock SDK the software developer can implement several authentication processes in any place inside his software and use the results of the authentication processes to cause the software to run in a limited manner if the CD is not original. For example a game developer can implement an authentication process at any stage of the game and if the CD is not original he can stop the game or disable functions in it to allow the user to play only a demo version of the game. Several authentication processes will also provide better protection level. Contact your HexaLock representative for further details on the use of the HexaLock SDK.

Is it possible to protect program files that are stored in .CAB archives of an InstallShield setup wizard?

Yes. HexaLock supports InstallShield versions 5.x and 6.x. The InstallShield package must be built in such a way that the CRC of the protected files is not checked during the installation.

How can I protect my CD if I use an unsupported setup engine?

Although the current version of the AutoLock Wizard supports only InstallShield versions 5.x and 6.x, it is still possible to use other setup engines. When using setup engines other than InstallShield, make sure the files to be protected are visible on the CD and are not packed in any archive. Also make sure the setup engine does not check the CRC of the protected files during the installation, since they are changed due to the encryption that is applied to them during the mastering/replication process.

Is it possible to protect CD-ROMs containing both data and audio tracks?

Yes. The AutoLock Wizard can be used to protect files on specific Enhanced CD-ROM structures (Session 1 data; Session 2 audio.) CD-RX discs cannot be constructed in the Enhanced CD format. Refer to the Manual for complete directions on how to create such discs.

Is it possible to test my protected files on CD-RX discs to confirm full performance before replicating CD-ROM's?

Yes. The HexaLock AutoLock Wizard includes features for creating copy protected CD-CD-RX discs. These are often used as 'check discs' before a full CD-ROM replication run is authorized. CD-RX discs can also be used for small production runs and alpha and beta releases. CD-RX discs can be duplicated in one-off mode with standard recorders and in full production using selected industry standard duplicators.

Is production software available that allows for the automated duplication of protected CD-RX discs in standard duplicators?

Yes. HexaLock has developed production plugin software for Rimage, Microtech and Acronova duplication systems. Check with your HexaLock representative for the latest list of supported duplication systems.

Is any special equipment required for replication plants or mastering facilities in order to support HexaLock CD-ROM Copy Protection?

No. HexaLock CD-ROM Copy Protection is the only major copy protection system that does not require any special equipment for mastering and replicating copy protected glass masters and it is compatible with all popular pre-mastering and mastering equipment on the market.

What is the procedure for becoming a HexaLock licensed mastering / replication facility?

After signing a HexaLock Authorized Replicator Agreement, a software package will be installed on the mastering equipment of the mastering facility that will enable the facility to master HexaLock Flagged Gold Masters. The software is compatible with Eclipse Data Systems mastering software and all commonly used mastering equipment and doesn't require any additional hardware or software.

How much time does it take to enable HexaLock copy protection feature in a mastering facility?

HexaLock copy protection feature is enabled in the mastering facility by simply installing a software package on the mastering equipment and generally takes a few hours.

Do HexaLock protected CD's comply with industry standards?

Yes. HexaLock uses completely standard Pre-mastering and mastering equipment and HexaLock protected CD's comply with the Yellow Book and Orange Book applicable standards. Unlike most competitive copy protection solutions, HexaLock copy protected CD's are free from any physical and optical defects.

Can HexaLock copy protected CD's and glass masters be tested for manufacturing errors?

Yes. Because HexaLock copy protected CD's and glass masters are free from deviations from the CD standard, and contain no physical errors or defective optical properties, it is possible to test them on any standard CD test equipment without any modifications. Most competitive copy protection solutions require that protected CD's be tested on specially modified testing equipment that ignores physical errors and defective optical sectors generated by the copy protection program.

How can a HexaLock copy protected CD be identified?

HexaLock copy protected CD's do not contain any obvious identifiers such as constant file names or physical marks on the CD surface making it difficult to identify the protection scheme as HexaLock scheme. Other protection schemes can be identified easily, that way even an unsophisticated user can identify them and choose the right tool from the Internet in order to bypass them.

Is it possible to create a new glass master from a HexaLock copy protected CD-ROM?

No. HexaLock enabled mastering facilities are equipped with special mastering software that adds a unique set of elements to every copy-protected master. This software assures that 2 different masters will never have the same set of elements. Once a unique set of elements is added to a master it cannot be reproduced or copied even by HexaLock enabled mastering facilities.

Does HexaLock support CD-R?

Yes. HexaLock can be used to protect small runs; alphas and betas that are published on CD-R's by using HexaLock specially prepared CD-R discs called CD-RX. For more information please refer to the Users Manual.

Does HexaLock support DVD-ROM?

HexaLock technology is designed to be transportable to other digital platforms in future implementations. Therefore digital rights management and protection of content on hard drives and on the Internet, for example, are possible with HexaLock technology. A HexaLock copy protection solution for DVD-ROM is planned for future release.

Is HexaLock copy protection technology patented?

HexaLock has filed several worldwide patent applications on its unique technology, which offers revolutionary concepts for copy protection solutions.