Question

I have a piece of software i have to install on company laptops. The installer needs a serial to work properly, but i don't have it (my manager isn't here so i cant ask him). The installer tells me to ring a phone number which doesnt appear to be connected anymore. I would download win32dasm and ollydbg and have a go at cracking the installer but i dont really have time and i havnt done it in years.

There is a zip file on the disc that looks like it contains all the program files but it is passworded. Is it feasible to crack this or will it take ages?

Answer 1

I've cracked some ZIP passwords in a few hours, so i would definitelly give it a try, for example, with ZipCure

Answer 2

As this is old software, it could be that it's using the old version of Winzip encryption - which is very crackable. A Google search will quickly turn something up.

Since Winzip v9, the encryption uses AES, which is secure.

Answer 3

You can use some zip password recovery softwares, but it will take a long time if the password is strong. These programs generally use brute force and you will need a password dictionary for that.