How do these shareware, trialware programs work?

[nx02nx02]

I was using a trialware version of 3d exploration and I had about 5 days left I uninstalled it and then reinstalled it and then it said my trial was over.
It ripped me off 5 days and that sucks cause I needed it for a couple more days.
I am not making this up it is the truth so I uninstalled it again and then cleared the registry and then reinstalled it but it still says my trial is up. How does it know that I ever used a trial anyways? Do these programs hide stuff in the registry? how do I find it? all I want is my rightful 5 more days.

 

[Dan]

A cheesy workaround: reset your system's calendar back to last month.

 

[EagleKeeper]

The time based trials usally put a special file out there that does not get deleted by the un-installation or generates a registry key that is not removed.

1) As Dan said, you have the option of setting your system clock back (assuming that the trial has not detected the expiration already. In that case only option 2 or 3 will work.

2) Hopefully you made a backup of your system prior to installing the S/W. If so, just roll back to that backup, install and keep on rolling.

3) Backup your system now, wipe it out, start fresh with an install and do not add anything else until you finish the eval.