The term “copy protection” does not mean that no one can physically copy your Excel workbook or add-in from one computer to another. Instead, it means that whether a copy of protected Excel file functions correctly is determined by your authorization. You decide if that copy is allowed to run on a specific computer.
The most important part of VBA code protection is preventing anyone from viewing or accessing the source code. By compiling the VBA project into a binary DLL format, the code is fully hidden and protected from unauthorized access.
Another key benefit is that you can control how their compiled solution is distributed. This is managed through the VbaCompiler registration key system.
When a protected Excel VBA application starts, the VbaCompiler runtime automatically checks the registration key provided to the user. If the key is present and valid, the compiled VBA application runs normally.If the key is not valid, the application will not be authorized to run.
To prevent unauthorized access, VbaCompiler uses a registration key sub-system. When you compile your workbook using the “Copy Protection with Registration Key” option, the protected workbook cannot be opened or run without a valid registration key.Registration keys can only be generated by you, giving you full control over who is allowed to use the workbook.
By enabling the “Hardware Locking” option in Copy Protection, you can ensure that each registration key is tied to a specific computer. This means the generated registration key will only work on the computer for which it was created, preventing it from being used on other devices.
How Excel File Copy Protection Works #
Follow these simple steps to activate and secure your Excel VBA application for a specific customer computer:
1. Compile your Excel workbook or add-in
Use VbaCompiler for Excel and enable both the Copy Protection with Registration Key and Hardware Locking options during compilation.
2. Distribute the protected file
Send the compiled workbook or add-in to your customer.
3. Customer launches the product
When the customer opens the workbook or activates the add-in for the first time, a message will appear indicating that no registration key has been found. The message will display the computer’s unique Computer ID and include a Copy Computer ID button.
4. Customer sends the Computer ID
The customer clicks Copy Computer ID and sends the copied ID to you via email or any other communication method.
5. Generate the registration key
After receiving the Computer ID, open the Registration Key Tool, enter the customer’s Computer ID, and generate a unique registration key for that computer.
6. Send the registration key to the customer
Provide the generated registration key file to the customer.
7. Activate the product
The customer places the registration key file in the same folder as the compiled workbook or add-in. Once the key is detected, the product will run normally and will be licensed exclusively for that specific computer.
