Extend Your PC Program Free Trial with RunAsDate

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background on Running Programs with Limited Trials
3. The RunAsDate Software
4. Steps to Use RunAsDate
5. Determining if Your System is 32-bit or 64-bit
6. Changing the Date Using RunAsDate
7. Troubleshooting RunAsDate
8. Pros of Using RunAsDate
9. Cons of Using RunAsDate
10. Alternatives to RunAsDate
11. Conclusion

How to Run Programs with Limited Trials Using RunAsDate

Have You ever encountered a trial version of a software program that restricts your access after a certain period? It can be frustrating, especially if you still need to use the program but don't want to pay for the full version. Fortunately, there's a solution that allows you to extend the trial period by fooling the program into thinking it's a different date. In this article, we will explore the RunAsDate software that enables you to run programs with limited trials beyond their designated time frame.

1. Introduction

Software programs often offer trial versions that allow users to test their features and functionality before deciding to purchase the full version. However, these trial versions typically come with time limitations, after which the program restricts access. This can pose a problem, especially if you still need to use the program but don't want to invest in the full version.

2. Background on Running Programs with Limited Trials

Running programs with limited trials has been a common challenge for users for a long time. Many software programs use time-tracking mechanisms to determine when a trial period has expired. These mechanisms usually log the date and time of each program launch. When the trial period is over, the program stops working until the user purchases a license or subscribes to the full version.

3. The RunAsDate Software

One solution to bypass the time limitations of trial software is to use a tool called RunAsDate. RunAsDate is a small utility developed by NirSoft that allows users to run a program with a specific date and time, bypassing the system clock. By intercepting the program's time query and modifying it, RunAsDate can fool the program into believing that it is still within the trial period. This effectively extends the program's usability beyond the designated time frame.

4. Steps to Use RunAsDate

Using RunAsDate to run programs with limited trials is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to the NirSoft Website and download RunAsDate.
2. Extract the downloaded file to a location of your choice.
3. Identify the executable file (EXE) of the program you want to run with an extended trial.
4. Double-click on the RunAsDate executable (RunAsDate.exe) to launch the program.
5. Click on the "..." button next to the "Program to run" field and select the EXE file of the program you want to run.
6. Choose the desired date and time for the program to run as by modifying the "Date/Time" fields.
7. Optionally, select the "Create Desktop Shortcut" checkbox if you want to create a shortcut that automatically runs the program with the specified date and time.
8. Click on the "Run" button to launch the program with the extended trial.

5. Determining if Your System is 32-bit or 64-bit

Before using RunAsDate, it's essential to determine whether your operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit. Here's how you can check:

1. Right-click on the "This PC" or "My Computer" icon on your desktop and select Properties.
2. In the System section, locate the "System Type" information.
3. If it states "64-bit operating system" or "64-bit Based processor," your system is 64-bit. Otherwise, it is 32-bit.

6. Changing the Date Using RunAsDate

Once you have determined your system type and downloaded RunAsDate, you can proceed to change the date for running programs with limited trials. Here's how:

1. Launch RunAsDate by double-clicking on the RunAsDate.exe file.
2. Click on the "..." button next to the "Program to run" field and select the executable file (EXE) of the program you want to run.
3. Modify the "Date/Time" fields to set the desired date and time.
4. If the program requires administrative privileges, tick the "Run As Administrator" checkbox.
5. Click on the "Run" button to start the program with the modified date and time.

7. Troubleshooting RunAsDate

While RunAsDate can effectively extend the trial period of many programs, it may not work Universally. Some programs have sophisticated protection mechanisms that can detect attempts to modify the system clock and prevent the use of tools like RunAsDate. Additionally, antivirus software might flag RunAsDate as potentially malicious due to its ability to modify program files. If you encounter issues or the program does not function as expected, here are a few troubleshooting steps:

1. Ensure that the program you want to run is supported by RunAsDate. Not all programs are compatible.
2. Try running RunAsDate as administrator by right-clicking on the executable file and selecting "Run as Administrator."
3. Disable any antivirus or security software temporarily while using RunAsDate.

8. Pros of Using RunAsDate

Running programs with limited trials using RunAsDate offers several advantages:

• Extended usability: RunAsDate allows you to Continue using trial software beyond the designated time frame, giving you more time to evaluate its features and functionality.
• Cost-effective: By extending the trial period, you can avoid purchasing the full version of a program until you are confident that it meets your needs.
• Simple to use: RunAsDate has a user-friendly interface and does not require advanced technical knowledge to operate.

9. Cons of Using RunAsDate

While RunAsDate can be a useful tool for extending trial periods, it also has some limitations and drawbacks:

• Compatibility issues: RunAsDate may not work with all programs due to sophisticated protection mechanisms employed by software developers.
• Potential security concerns: Antivirus software may flag RunAsDate as potentially malicious due to its ability to modify program files.
• Limited functionality: RunAsDate only extends the trial period and does not provide full access to the features and functionality of the paid version.

10. Alternatives to RunAsDate

If RunAsDate does not work for your specific program or if you prefer alternative solutions, there are a few alternatives to consider:

1. Virtual machines: Using virtual machine software like VirtualBox or VMware, you can create virtual instances of operating systems and run programs within them. By taking snapshots of the virtual machine's state, you can revert to previous states, effectively resetting the trial period.
2. Sandbox software: Sandbox tools like Sandboxie allow you to run programs in isolated environments, keeping your main system untouched. By resetting the sandboxed environment, you can extend the trial period of the program.
3. License key generators: While not recommended or legal, license key generators can sometimes generate valid keys to unlock the full version of a program. However, this method is highly unreliable and potentially illegal.

11. Conclusion

Running programs with limited trials beyond their designated time frame is possible with the help of tools like RunAsDate. By exploiting the ability to modify program date and time queries, you can fool the software into thinking it is still within the trial period. However, it is essential to remember that using such tools may not be supported or legal for all software programs. Always make sure to respect the software developer's terms and conditions and consider purchasing the full version if you find the program beneficial and worth the investment.

Highlights

• Extend trial periods of software programs with limited access using RunAsDate
• Fool programs into thinking it is still within the trial period by modifying date and time queries
• Steps to use RunAsDate: download, identify the program's executable file, modify date and time, and run the program
• Troubleshooting tips for RunAsDate compatibility issues and antivirus software flags
• Pros of using RunAsDate: extended usability, cost-effectiveness, simplicity
• Cons of using RunAsDate: compatibility issues, potential security concerns, limited functionality
• Alternatives to RunAsDate: virtual machines, sandbox software, license key generators
• Important to respect software developers' terms and conditions and consider purchasing the full version if the program is useful and meets your needs

FAQ

Q: Can I use RunAsDate with any software program? A: RunAsDate may not work with all software programs due to sophisticated protection mechanisms employed by developers. Compatibility can vary.

Q: Is using RunAsDate legal? A: While RunAsDate itself is a legitimate utility, using it to extend trial periods may not always be legal. Ensure you respect the terms and conditions set by the software developer.

Q: Are there any other alternatives to RunAsDate? A: Yes, alternatives include using virtual machines, sandbox software, or trying license key generators (although this option is unreliable and potentially illegal).

Q: Can I run multiple programs using RunAsDate simultaneously? A: Yes, you can run multiple programs using RunAsDate simultaneously as long as they are supported and don't conflict with each other.

Q: Does RunAsDate work on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems? A: Yes, RunAsDate is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Ensure you download the correct version for your system.

Q: Does RunAsDate modify my computer's system date and time? A: No, RunAsDate does not modify your computer's system date and time. It only modifies the date and time queries made by the program you want to run.