>>>>>>>>Since version 5, Visual Basic can compile to 'native code'. This means, that the code generated is directly executed by the processor, instead of been interpreted by a runtime library.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>When compiled to 'native code' it is almost imposible that a decompiler can get the original source code; the most it can get is assembly language.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>So you should not worry that your program will be decompiled.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>I have been using Refox for encrypting FPW2.6 and VFP code. It works very well.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>I just read about a product that creates compiled *.ASP code.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>That made me wonder if there exists a product similar to Refox but for Visual Basic 6.0. I am a contractor in the DFW area and VB is used everywhere but VFP very little - so I follow the flow.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>Anyhow, I also distribute a FPW2.6 product, NJ5J.IRS.PC.Log, at my web site
http://www.nj5j.com and it is encrypted with Refox to prevent theft of source code (I also use other techinques within the software) and I am now looking at developing a product using VB6 since the product will be non-data-intensive.
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>So, does a product exist for VB 6.0 similar to Refox?
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>Thanks in advance.
>>>>>>>Ramon, thanks for the reply. I guess I am confused/concerned because on page 831 of the VB Programmer's Guide it lists the following files that are classified as runtime files and must be distributed:
>>>>>>> msvbbm60.dll, stdole2.tlb, oleaut32.dll, olepro32.dll, comcat.dll,
>>>>>>> asyncfilt.dll, ctl3d32.dll.
>>>>>>>This led me to believe that the exe compiled out of VB 6 WOULD be able to be decompiled; however, I am new to VB6 so I may be wrong.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Thanks again for your input.
>>>>>>>Carl
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Just search the web for "VB DECOMPILER". That should turn up a ton of hits for decompilers.
>>>>>
>>>>>There is a decompiler from DoDi for VB 3.0 (most of the hits).
>>>>>I have yet to find a decompiler for VB 5, VB 6 (don't think I will).
>>>>
>>>>Here's a URL that SAYS it does VB5:
>>>>
http://www.support.ems.ru/~gold/vb5/index.html>>>>
>>>>Don't use VB, so I really don't care!
>>>
>>>Fred, THANK YOU! It is apparent that VBpre6.0 can be decompiled. I perhaps incorrectly assume that a decompiler for VB 6.0 should be forthcoming.
>>>
>>>Thanks Fred and everyone else for your comments. I have done VFP and FPW and PowerBuilder for many years and am just now looking into using VB for something since many contracts in the DFW area use VB. Wish MicroSoft would market VFP.
>>>
>>>Carl
>>
>>Carl,
>>
>>As you may have noticed in my other reply to Ramon, I don't have a very high opinion of such products. Please note that I do believe there are legit uses, but as a whole, I really wish Microsoft would do something about these kinds of products. This is in no way to imply you have any intentions of using a product like this for other than emergency need (eg: your own lost source code). :)
>
>Fred, I bought Refox for the following need:
>
>With Refox I can BRAND the EXE so that NO ONE CAN DECOMPILE IT - NOT EVEN ME!
>
>I did not want to release my product to the world only to have some jerk download the exe, decompile it, and use all my hard-work for nothing! You see, I use the decompiler to PROTECT my investment, not to decompile other developer's code. You have two levels of branding with Refox and I use the 2nd level which prevents decompiling of the EXE's. It works great.
>
>Thanks again for your response to my messages, Fred,
>
>Later.
Carl,
That's the sole reason we have purchased and use Re-Fox, too. It's to protect ourselves. Not that there truly is any way to guarantee protection, as it's similar to locks on doors. It really only keeps the honest people out! If someone truly wants to get into our code, there is no way to absolutely stop them.
