Timebomb



Timebomb or time bomb is a software mechanism that renders a computer program unusable after a pre-set period of time. It is commonly seen in pre-release software, where it is used to discourage users from holding onto outdated testing versions.

Windows
In NT-based Windows versions, once a timebomb is triggered, a bugcheck (BSOD) of 0x98, END_OF_NT_EVALUATION_PERIOD, is used.

Locations
Windows 10/8/8.1: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\Microsoft\WSLicense

Windows 7/Vista/XP: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\SoftwareProtectionPlatform

The location of the timebomb in Windows 2000 is currently unknown.

How to remove the timebomb
Note: These steps are only if you do not know how to hex-edit.


 * 1) Locate the   file.
 * 2) Search online (or in case from a base OS, use a file from another computer/virtual machine) for a   file that is from the base OS or search for a broken timebomb   file, and download the file.
 * 3) Use another OS to replace the   file with the other.
 * 4) Reboot the machine and boot into Windows.