Crack a Palm OS Application

We all use pirated software. Each application has different utility to each user and for some people paying the full price is not an option. In these cases we flock to the warez and crack sites, but occasionally can't find what we need. But often programs can be easily cracked by complete newbies.

Steps

  1. Get the tools. You need a hex-editor (any will do), disassembler (pilotdis.exe), and resource extractor (prc2bin.exe). You also need Palm Simulator (Palm Emulator for older versions of PalmOS).
  2. Disassemble the program and extract all resources.
  3. Run the program (on a Simulator or on a PDA) and cause it to show a nag screen, registration failure, expiration screen, etc. Try to register the program with any serial, change date to a future date to make it expire, etc.
  4. Note some text in the dialog and find it among the resources (use some search utility). Note the resource ID.
  5. Read the listing of the disassembler (in a *.prc.s file). Find where the dialog (form or alert) is activated.
  6. Find a branch before the dialog that determines good or bad outcome.
  7. Change the branch to a non-conditional one (BRA) or remove it (replace with NOOP 4e71 code). Do the change manually using the hex-editor at the correct address in the original prc file.
  8. Test the modified application.
  9. Once all nags are removed, create an XML patch and submit it to pilotwares.com (pilotwares no longer exists)

Tips

  • FAR manager has a text editor, a hex-editor and can be useful for managing the files.
  • Read tutorials on pilotwares.com (pilotwares no longer exists) and pdasecurity.chat.ru
  • If you want to use any palm OS application in it's unregistered mode , if that application uses a date expiry method , then you can use it even if it is unregistered!! , follow this:
    • Install Resco explorer.
    • Copy that PRC from SD card to ROM.
    • Close Resco , & from the MAIN category , delete that application from ROM only.
    • Check your application in SD card , it will show that you are on the first day.
  • Enjoy!!

Warnings

  • This is illegal in some jurisdictions, and illegal in most jurisdictions if you distribute the patch.
  • If you find a program useful, support the developers. Remember, it is their living and it cost them a lot of time to develop.

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