OK, so you’ve downloaded some great software, and you can’t figure out how to get it to work. In general there are only three methods that all ‘Release Groups’ adhere to for getting that illicit piece of software or game to good use: Serial numbers, cracks and key generators.

In a proper release, there is always an information file that accompanies the release (an *.NFO file). It is here that information can be found about how to get the software working normally.

NFO files

.NFO files can be opened with ‘Notepad’ (and Wordpad - or any other text editing software) and make sure to select ‘Word Wrap’ under the FORMAT menu in Notepad. Read this file to determine which of these three situations apply. Most NFO files follow the same format with somewhat rudimentary instructions pertaining to proper installation and usage. Here’s an example of an *.NFO file:

[](/tips/crack1.gif “A look at a ‘proper’ software release .NFO file.”){: rel=”lytebox”}

Using Serial Numbers & Registration Codes

This is fairly straightforward - just read the *.NFO file for registration information including username, password, registration code (or any/all that need apply). Most NFO files will not tell you the location or where to find the specific menu in the program to enter the serial number - this is generally up to the user to find. Here’s an example of where to find the serial/reg code in an *.NFO file:

[](/tips/crack3.gif “A look at an .NFO file for software with a serial number/registration info.”){: rel=”lytebox”}

Some software has already been cracked by the release group and is ready to install, as-is. In this case, it will be stipulated in the NFO file that nothing further needs to be done (i.e. Just install and use):

[](/tips/crack2.gif “A look at an .NFO file for software that’s ready-to-go (no serial number required).”){: rel=”lytebox”}

Finding serial numbers on the Internet:

There’s also a multitude of websites that offer free serial numbers for most software titles. Some sites are more unscrupulous than others, so be warned - some sites will try to give you viruses just from visiting them. This is called ‘drive-by downloading’, a malevolent practice to an otherwise unprotected computer. Other devious sites will shower you with a deluge of porn popups, faster than you can close the darn things.

Here are a few sites that are completely harmless:

Although we found no wrongdoing on these sites listed below, the same cannot be said for the links to other sites offered through them. We recommend that you conduct searches specifically through in-site searching and be cautious about clicking on any tempting links to other crack sites. These ones seem to be safe, whereas others are not always so.

http://cracknews.com - A no-nonsense site with lots of newer serial numbers and a good search. No popups either! We like this site because we’re able to download the original release group *.NFO file, plus the original Keygen/cracked files are included (if applicable). Simply do a ’search’ and enter the 4-digit code to verify that you are, in fact, a real person and download the *.ZIP file. All files are strictly the original ‘Release Group’ files, adding to the authenticity, and ontent is updated regularly. We simply cannot esteem this site high enough - if you can’t find it anywhere else, you’ll find it here!!

http://crackdb.org is another good, safe site for cracks & serials. Another nice site is http://www.crackz.ws.

http://serials.ws - This one displays some mild adult content, however, don’t let that distract you from the vastness of its search and its current updated entries - many working serial numbers have been found here. It has a great “Yes/No %” user-contributed rating system for all serials, so users can judge whether it will work or not before applying it. And no ad popups!! NOTE: Be cautious about using serials.ws for anything other than serials. If you click on any of the ‘crack’ links you’ll be redirected to (sometimes) unscrupulous sites. You’ve been warned!

http://www.chez.com/toujoursplus - Mostly just older serial numbers, but categorized alphabetically for easy browsing.

Using Cracks (and ‘Cracked’ Files)

A ‘crack’ simply removes the restrictive copy-protection mechanisms on software to either transform it into its almost identical retail version, or a ‘crack’ can somewhat modify a full retail version into ignoring key protective attributes like valid serial numbers, checking for original disks in the DVD drive, etc. One example is the removal of SecuROM and SafeDisk protection commonly found in retail CD/DVD games.

There’s generally only two ways that a ‘crack’ will operate. It could be in the form of a ‘patch’ whereby a small program needs to be run in order to “fix” or “register” the installed program. Or, it could be a cracked file or group of files that need to be copied into the installed directory, to overwrite the files created by the installation. The type of crack will be defined by the instructions in the NFO file (either a ‘patch’ or a ‘copy over…’). In either case, you’ll have to install the program first, and if the program wants to ‘run’ after installation, always select ‘NO’ and then apply the crack. Also make a ‘note’ of where the program is installing - i.e. “C:\Program Files\…” - as you’ll need to know this for these types of cracks, and you’ll have to know how to get to that path directory.

1. “Patch/Fix” cracks

This requires the user to run a file inside the installed directory, or, run the crack and browse to the installed directory and file. Both examples are quite common and more recent cracks allow you to do it both ways. Here’s an example of an .NFO file with a “patch” type crack instructions, and a screenshot of a crack program:

[](/tips/crack4.gif “A look at an .NFO file that specifies a ‘Patch/Fix’ crack.”){: rel=”lytebox”}[](/tips/crack5.gif “A look at a working ‘crack’.”){: rel=”lytebox”}

Note that sometimes the crack can be just a *.reg file that needs to be imported into the registry. This will add the necessary registration details for the program.

2. “Cracked Files/Copy To” cracks

Generally these types of cracks are files that are already ‘cracked’ and need to be copied to your installed folder after installation (to ‘overwrite’ the original installed files). Some of these ‘cracks’ are more complicated than others - you may have to copy multiple files into multiple locations - but it will all be laid out for you in the .NFO. Here’s an example of an NFO file that stipulates this type of crack and the message that comes with it to ‘overwrite’ the existing file:

[](/tips/crack6.gif “An example of an .NFO file with a ‘Copy To/Cracked Files’ crack.”){: rel=”lytebox”}[](/tips/crack7.gif “The ‘overwrite’ window - always select YES to replace the old files.”){: rel=”lytebox”}

Most ‘cracks’ are located in a separate folder of the release (most of the time the directory name is “CRACK”), and/or sometimes they are in a *.ZIP or *.RAR file.

Always follow the instructions labeled out in the NFO file. Some cracks are quite complicated (for example, some special .NFO instructions warn you to disconnect from the Internet before installation, like in most Symantec software). Another complex ‘crack’ example is the workaround for expensive programs like Autodesk Maya and SoftImage that employ ‘FLEXLM’ dongle-protection - these are excruciating procedures to say the least.

SPECIAL NOTE: In larger game and program releases (i.e. DVD images - *.ISO, *.BIN etc), usually the crack is located in the root of the image file. So if you burn the DVD or mount the image, you’ll see a folder in the main directory that will usually be named after the release group, but sometimes just called “CRACK”. Just look for a folder name that sort of shouldn’t belong (like CRACK, RELOADED, MAGNITUDE, VITALITY, FLT etc.). This is where both the .NFO file and CRACK will be. For programs this large, they are most always the pre-cracked files (”Copy To” type crack, not a ‘patch’).

Using Keygens

A Keygen (”Key Generator” or “KeyMaker”) is a small program that generates working registration information for a program, usually allowing a user to input his own name to generate a ’specific’ working serial or code for only that name. Keygens vary from one release group to the next, as does the required registration information from program-to-program. Some programs require just a serial number; some require a name and registration code; some are more complicated than that. For keygens, you don’t need to remember the ‘path’ of installation; you just need to know how to ‘run’ the installed program (i.e. Start Menu…Programs…). It’s recommended to install and run the program before executing the keygen, that way you can find the exact location for the ‘registration’ area, leave the program running at that spot, and then run the keygen and use copy/paste to input the data. Here are screenshots of two different keygens:

[](/tips/crack8.gif “Example 1: A working Keygen with a username/reg. key.”){: rel=”lytebox”}[](/tips/crack9.gif “Example 2: A Keygen with more data fields.”){: rel=”lytebox”}

Note that sometimes the registration code generated by a keygen can be quite lengthy, and may be cut off the screen in the keygen window to the right. Be sure to select ALL of the text string when copying.

Looking for a keygen for a specific program? Go to http://cracknews.com or http://crackdb.org/ to find keygens and serial numbers for programs. See ‘Using Serial Numbers’ above.

1. kg Says:

   “There’s generally only two ways that a ‘crack’ will operate.”

   There are actually three.

   The other one - less commonly released - is a cracked executable that is repacked back into an installer package, so the end-user can then install the application in the normal way, often without even knowing that cracked software is being installed.

   The reason this type of cracked software is less commonly released is because crackers compete with each other in the number of cracks they release, and creating a 100% working installer package (which often must install different components on each operating system) for the hundreds or thousands of applications a productive cracking group releases can be a lot more time consuming than simply letting the end-user install the official version of the software and then manually overwrite the main executable with a cracked exe.

   These types of pre-cracked installer packages are sometimes - though inaccurately - labeled “corporate” versions.

2. sharky Says:

   Wow! Excellent addition to the article! Thanks for writing KG!

3. j0n Says:

   why dont you use DAMN NFO Viewer for proper viewing of .nfo files ?

4. cornholio74 Says:

   Had to re-read but finally got it! You rock

   -turbonoob

5. nofile404 Says:

   Good examples of KG’s noted third type are many/most of the files from the old standby site FOSI (Yes it’s still around).
   But watch it, it is so well known that many of the sites including FOSI in their names are also scams.
   Basically, if you end up on a site without the blue bubbles, it ain’t him.

6. Matthias Says:

   I’m looking for Cool Record Edit Deluxe 7.8.6

7. jojo Says:

   Cool blog! Thanks for the information. Add to favorites;)

8. homemade permanent magnet alternator Says:

   Always excellent to see people forming together to search more ways of easy energy. This planet needs more people like you, great post, look forward to reading more. thanx

9. zippy Says:

   this was fuqin retarded…I’m not even trollin its was just fuqin retarded

   You opened up the nfo files and pointed out the sections that was already labeled.
   then you got assholes saying how awesome this was my god this hurts my head i must go

10. Acme Corp. Says:

    Mostly keygens works, but usely they are also trojans, keyloggers or infected with virus