Frequently Asked Questions [6.0 R3]

Last revised, June 24th, 2001.

1. What is Hackman?
2. Do I have to pay to use Hackman?
3. I want to learn how to crack.
4. What is the disassembler?
5. How can I uninstall Hackman?
6. How safe is this program?
7. I found a bug!
8. Where can I get plugins? How can I install them?
9. I need a function which is missing from Hackman!
10. I want a crack for a program I have!
11. Help! What is hex? How can I use Hackman?


1. What is Hackman?

Hackman is a freeware hex editor and disassembler. It comes with cryptography capabilities, decoding with ready and self-made algorithms and a fully-featured editor. You can edit virtually any file with the ease of a word processor. Online Libraries cover every topic you might be interested in, from how to use the program to detailed processor instructions. Fully integrated with the Internet Services that TechnoLogismiki supplies to Hackman's users. Although there is no limitation (at least in this version) on editing files, you should take all the necessary precautions not to infringe any copyright law(s).

Note: Do not infringe any copyright laws as you may be prosecuted by law.

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2. Do I have to pay to use Hackman?

No, Hackman is nag screen-free, has no time limit or trial days and most important: has no crippled functions. The Lite Edition provides users with all the functionality that a full charged Hex Editor should have. However, certain functions are not available in the Lite Edition, such as the Automatic Patch Generator and Live Update. For a complete reference on the differences between the Lite and Professional Editions, please visit our web site.

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3. I want to learn how to crack.

Cracking is not always an easy task. You are supposed to be aware of several issues, such as:

You already have all the tools needed in your hands and we suggest that you learn how to use it. Experiment with their functions and consult the on-line documentation until you feel that you are familiar with this program.

You'll also find numerous tricks and tips throughout HackmanÆs on-line help (see Spelunking book) and Sparkle's Cracking Tutorial (3rd party plugin, unsupported by HackmanÆs Team). What's left is assembly. You could get a book and start learning step-by-step this stuff. But on the other hand this is time consuming isn't it? And I bet you don't have spare time. Another good idea is to read carefully the Assembly book coming with HackmanÆs online help. This should give you a good idea about what is assembly and how it is used. Try to use disassembler's help on a command you are not familiar with.

Have patience and good luck!

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4. What is the disassembler?

Assembly is a low-level programming language that enables you to establish direct access with your system. This means that you have direct access to all hardware (Hard Disk Drive, memory, CPU, etc.). For example it's possible to program your floppy drive to read non-standard sectors and stop "common" users from duplicating your software.

If you know how to use assembly, then you could unprotect the diskette by disabling the routines that check for these sectors. Assembly is the key for getting "inside" every program because any program can be viewed with a hex editor and thus modified.

How to learn assembly? If it is essential for you to become familiar with assembly, we recommend that you read carefully the book referring to assembly in HackmanÆs on-line help. We describe only the common commands which are useful for you. For further information you should read the help that is coming with the disassembler. We do believe that it's not completely necessary for you to start reading books if you just need to get ready cracking programs. On-line help should give you this knowledge.

Hackman is not an assembler although it comes with a disassembler. You can use debug to assemble in 16 bit or other 32 bit assemblers. Debug is a program that is installed in the \command directory of your windows.

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5. How can I uninstall Hackman?

Being a 32-bit program, Hackman is strictly following all Win 9x/NT development compliances including automated uninstallation. To fully uninstall the product you should follow this sequence:

Answer positively in all questions posed from Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000 during the uninstallation process. To verify the uninstallation, go to the directory which was the installation dir. for Hackman and delete the folder. In HackmanÆs folder may be several files that were not uninstalled. This occurs if your have live updated your Hackman copy and extra files were saved in this folder.

Finally, you should delete this key from your windows registry (using regedit coming with your windows):

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Hackman

You must not delete this key if you are planning to upgrade Hackman, unless we say that you should!

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6. How safe is this program?

Difficult to say. Even windows explorer is not safe if you delete io.sys or msdos.sys. We can guarantee that we have checked all core functions (i.e. load and save) and they work ok. There may be bugs in some functions but they do not affect file's integrity. What we cannot guarantee are the 3rd party components which we also use and test, but we are not responsible for their development and support.

What is strongly recommended is that you should backup every file before editing it. To accomplish this, use Hackman's backup command under the files menu.

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7. I found a bug!

Do you have the latest release?

No need to panic! You should note if this bug appears every time you repeat certain actions. Tell them to us and try to describe it as much as possible. You should also give us information about the exact version of your operating system ex. Windows 95 OSR 2 build 1111, US version.

Your bug reports are vital for Hackman's development.

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8. Where can I get plugins? How can I install them?

For all add-ins and plugins (3rd party or official) you should use live update (Hackman PRO only). Live update will install them automatically. Be warned that live update exists only in Hackman Professional Edition.

You may also want to check with our web site to download manually any public plugin releases.

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9. I need a function which is missing from Hackman!

Hackman is boosted with lots of add-ins and functions that can satisfy even the most demanding users. However, it is not rare that someone may need some other functionality that is not currently offered by Hackman. The best way to discuss it, is through our message board.

What we recommend, it to connect to our Web Site and post a message in the discussions forum. You'll be noticed not only by us, but by all other developers! Be very precise about the specifications of the new function(s) you need and you never know ;-)

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10. I want a crack for a program I have!

Then you are asking the wrong guys! We are not a cracking group, you can find plenty of them if you search the internet. We can't make or give you any cracks or tool apart from those we distribute.

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11. Help! What is hex? How can I use Hackman?

If you are not familiar with a hex editor, we recommend that you should take the Hackman's Tour for Newbies (Located under Help menu, Resources). If you still have trouble, refer to books online that are shipping with your Hackman's copy.

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