Random Password Generator-PRO  V10.1


By:
Timothy L. Hirtle
1/16/2001. All Rights Reserved

Note: Random Password Generator-PRO is Y2K compliant


Description:
============

Simply the most secure method for creating passwords. Voted by Windows
Magazine as "Superior Shareware" (Aug 1995).  Random Password Generator-PRO
as the name implies will randomly select from a group of numbers,
lowercase letters, uppercase letters and special characters or any
combination and select passwords. The user has the ability to identify up
to 10,000,000 (yes, that's 10,000,000) different passwords, using as many
as 60 characters each. This application may be set to randomly select
passwords which have not been previously selected (if desired) and sort
them in order. The user can copy selected passwords or save them all as
text (TXT), MS-Access Database (MDB), Comma-Seperated Values (CSV) or Hypertext
Markup Language (HTML) files. Text files may also be converted at anytime
to any other supported file format. You can select exactly which characters to
make available to generate passwords. A total of 94 characters are available for
the randomizer to select from. Users may also apply criteria which will not select
the same character (i.e. HH, etc..) back to back and/or will not select
sequential characters (i.e. 123, etc..) back to back. In addition, you can apply
rules such as forcing character types (i.e. numbers, upper, lowercase letters,
special symbols, etc..) to specific positions within passwords. This is very
useful for organizations which require such password requirements. A new
dictionary check feature has been added which will check new randomly generated
passwords against a 260,000 word English dictionary, if a match is found
the password will be discarded and a new password will be created in its place.
Dictionary checks can be a simple whole word match or a hybrid match such as
"12clock7890" in this example a whole word is contained within a password.
Many sophisticated cracking software exists which will automatically look for
passwords which are simple dictionary words. This feature will prevent passwords
from being cracked by dictionary checking software. Users can now create
multiple password files from one simple setup.


Requirements:
=============

- Microsoft Windows 95/98 or Windows NT 4+ (32-bit)

- VB500A.ZIP
 
Note: To conserve disk space on many Internet archive sites, this version
does not contain common files which are used for 1000s of other software programs.
Many times users will already have these files installed on their systems
because many software packages require and provided them. However, if you do not
have any of the following files installed in you SYSTEM directory, then you will
need them in order to run this program:

- MSVBVM50.DLL
- STDOLE2.TLB
- OLEAUT32.DLL
- OLEPRO32.DLL
- ASYCFILT.DLL
- COMDLG32.OCX

If you do not have any one of these files then you can download a free
installation copy of these files from any of the following Internet locations:

ftp://ftp.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb500a.zip
ftp://ftp.cdrom.com/pub/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb500a.zip
ftp://ftp.digital.com/pub/micro/pc/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb500a.zip
ftp://ftp.rge.com/pub/systems/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb500a.zip
http://search.shareware.com/code/engine/File?archive=sim-win95&file=dll%2fvb500a%2ezip&size=1325316

Simply unzip the VB500A.ZIP file and run the SETUP.EXE file to automatically
install them on your system.



Benchmark Testing:
==================

Test #1:
========
Total Passwords    - 1,000,000
Total Characters   - 60
Time to create     - 3:45:00
Disk Space         - 59 MB
DB Conversion Time - 10 Minutes
DB Disk Space      - 75 MB
MS-Word Pages      - 17,544 (1" margins, 10pt Courier New Font)

Test #2:
========
Total Passwords    - 32,000
Total Characters   - 60
Time to create     - 0:3:45
Disk Space         - 2.5 MB
DB Conversion Time - 12 Seconds
DB Disk Space      - 3 MB
MS-Word Pages      - 562 (1" margins, 10pt Courier New Font)

Test Computer:
==============
Pentium 266 Mhz PII Processor
32 MB RAM
6.4 GB HDD

NOTE:  Your milage will vary depending upon your computer processing
speed, RAM, number of characters requested, number of characters in which
to choose from, other applications running, whether duplication,
side-by-side and sequential checker is on, etc.....



Installation:
=============

- Run SETUP.EXE using the RUN option from the Start menu of Windows,
or double click on the SETUP.EXE icon from Windows Explorer.

- Follow the directions of the install program.



Distribution:
=============

- Random Password Generator - PRO is distributed as Shareware. The Author maintains
all rights to the program in its entirety. Review the LICENSE.TXT file before using
this software. All users are bound by the conditions of the LICENSE.TXT file. If
you do not agree or accept these conditions then you must completely remove
Random Password Generator - PRO from your computer system.

- Random Password Generator may be distributed freely as long as the integrity of
Shareware is maintained.

- The author grants a 30 day trial period for users to decide whether they want to keep
the program. If so, a $29.95 payment is required. If not, then before the 30 days is
up, you must delete this program from your system(s). Payment must be made using a major
credit card using SECURE online, toll free 800 service or via fax. No postal mail orders
accepted after January 1, 2000.

- Volume discount pricing. Here is a breakdown of Hirtle Software's
volume discounts based on number of registrations requested:

Quantity     Price per Copy    Discount PCT               S & H
1   - 9         $29.95              0%          $5.00 (USA) / $10.00 (Other)
10  - 49        $28.45              5%          $5.00 (USA) / $10.00 (Other)
50  - 99        $26.96             10%          $5.00 (USA) / $10.00 (Other)
100 - 499       $23.96             20%          $5.00 (USA) / $10.00 (Other)
500 - More      $20.97             30%          $5.00 (USA) / $10.00 (Other)

_ All volume sales must be pre approved by Hirtle Software. Contact the author via e-mail
listed below so arrangements can be made.

- Credit Cards are NOT accepted via mail-in postal mail purchases (no exceptions). However,
credit cards may be used via WWW online, Toll-Free voice and via Fax orders. See the HELP
menu within the application for ordering details.

- This version is half price ($14.98 + Shipping & Handling(if necessary)) for all
previous registered customers. Only one registration is allowed per original
registration at this upgrade price.

- If you are requesting a reduced rate upgrade, you must send Hirtle Software
e-mail or utilize the order form via postal mail. In order to be eligible,
you must provide the full name of the registered user, approximate date of
original purchase, a valid e-mail address and the method of payment the original
purchase was made (i.e. check, credit card, Compuserve, etc...). At this time you
must be able to receive an upgrade code via e-mail for any upgrade. No
CD-ROM/diskette shipping will be provided to anyone eligible for an upgrade. Any
reduced rate upgrade request eligibility will be at the sole determination
of Hirtle Software.
 
- Note: Any reduced rate upgrade or volume discounts cannot be handled
via the online credit card method. This method can only be used to purchase
software at the full price. Users who purchase software via this method are
soley responsible and accept the pricing which the online web site identifies
at the time of purchase (acceptance) online.

Would you rather use a major credit card?  Here's How:

Secure Online Internet:   http://www.hirtlesoftware.com
                          
TOLL-FREE:                1-877-REGSOFT  (1-877-734-7638) Product ID# 8888
International Customers:  (770) 497-9126
Fax:                      (770) 497-9234 (provide card type, number and
                                          expiration date. Visa, MasterCard,
                                          American Express and Discover cards
                                          accepted)

Disclaimer:
===========

Random Password Generator-PRO has no expressed or implied warranty. The user accepts full
responsibility for this program by loading it on their computer. At no time is the
author responsible for any hardware or software malfunctions caused by this program.
Though the author knows of no such problems from this software, he is not liable if
any should occur.



NOTE:
=====
A shareware limitation is placed on this software. Users will not be able to save their
password results to TXT, MDB, CSV or HTML files. Registered customers will be able to
save to any file format desired. See the HELP menu for registration details.



Version Information:
====================

V1.1
====
- Added the ability to sort or unsort results.

- Made the Help menu uneditable. Previously the help menu could be
edited, though it the changes would not be saved. Now help is read-only.



V2.0
====
- Added uppercase letters to the program. Now when letters are requested, both upper
and lowercase letters are used in the equation. For instance the letter "r" and the
letter "R" are both treated as different choices in the calculator. Most password
programs should treat upper and lowercase letters individually. this will
increase the security of passwords with more choices on which an individual must
consider when attempting to crack them.

- Added the ability to use special symbols into the calculator. Now you may
have the calculator randomly select special characters such as !@#$%^&*()-_=+;:'<>?
this will also increase the security of passwords with more choices on which an
individual must consider when attempting to crack them. When Symbols are desired
they have approximately a 30% probability of being selected. 

- Removed much of the error checking code between the total passwords and the
total characters operator inputs. Because of the uppercase and symbol additions,
the error checking is too intensive to include into the application. These two
inputs should be intuitive without intense error checking.

- As many as 2000 passwords can now be selected when including symbols along with
the combination of letters and numbers.



v2.1
====
- Seperated the letter choice into 2 seperate categories; lowercase and uppercase
letters. This adds more flexibility to users who have specific preferences.

- Fixed a minor problem that would cause an error when users pressed the backspace
key in either the number of passwords or number of characters box.

- Modified the randomizer to provide equal weight to each character. Previous
versions did not provide this. For example if the user requested numbers and
letters, previous versions would use a 50/50 probability between numbers and
letters. This was not the best method since there are 26 letters and only 10
numbers. Each number theoretically had a higher probability of being selected.
This version provides equal weight to all characters.

- Added a pop-up message to identify when the application is computing. Sometimes
when large passwords are requested, especially on slower computer systems, the 
application may take a few moments to finish it's computations.



V2.2
====
- Administrative release to update registration information.



V3.0
====
- Added 'Characters to Use' window to show the total number of characters the
user has specified to be used in the random calculator.

- Added the ability to eliminate certain characters which appear similar to one another.
Small case L, J, I, along with upper case letter O, and numbers 0, 1 will not be selected
by Random Password Generator if desired by the user. These characters can be confused with
others. To eliminate this confusion the operator can choose not to have them selected.

- Modified registration information and windows.

- Placed shareware limitations into application.

- Prevented more than one instance of application to run.

- Added quick help to many options within the application. Now you can select
any option choice to see a quick help window stating the purpose and limitations of the
selected option.

- Added a notification when attempting to write to a file which already exists. The application
will now ask if the file should be rewritten. Also removed the read-only option in the save window.

- Modified the 'Copy' option to be enabled only if a password is selected. Now only either the
sorted or the unsorted windows can show a selected password. Previous versions would allow both
windows to display selected passwords, even when only one was active. Also eliminated the ability
to make multiple selections in either window since only the most recent selection could be copied
to the clipboard. This eliminates some confusion.



V4.0
====
- Added the ability to request up to 32,000 passwords in a single pass. Previous versions
could only do a maximum of 2000. Removed the 'Computing...Please Wait' notification.

- Added 12 additional special characters to bring the maximum number of characters
to 94 vice 82 in previous versions. RPG now uses the exact character set that
Microsoft Windows utilizes. Now with 94 total characters to select from, it would
be even more difficult to crack these passwords.

- Added the ability for users to choose whether to check for duplications or allow
duplications.

- Added a 'Passwords Generated' read-out display so users can see the exact number of
passwords which is currently being selected. This feature is very handy for high numbers
of password requests. It gives users an idea of how long it will take to complete.

- Added 'Save Sorted' and 'Save Unsorted' options in the 'File' menu. Now, besides the
buttons, users can use the pull down menu for these features.

- Added 'Display Character Set' option in the 'Help' menu. This option will display
the entire 94 characters available to RPG.

- Added a routine which will check for unreasonable requests. For instance Total Characters
is 3 while using only Numbers, and Total Passwords = 2000. If You request that no
duplications is required, then it would be unreasonable. The max passwords that could be
generated in this scenario is 1000. Therefore, you will now be alerted prior to any
passwords being selected.

- Changed the maximum total characters which can be generated for each password to 25 vice 30
in previous versions. 25 is more friendly to work with than is 30, plus 30 is very high and
probably is not necessary for most (if not all) users.

- Streamlined the randomizer algorithm which now essentially doubles the speed of which
passwords are generated.

- Modified the 'Characters to Use' read-out display to show exactly how many characters will
will used in password generation. V3.0 did not account for characters which were eliminated
do to similar appearance with others.

- Added CTRL_C shortcut key option to copy passwords.

- Changed some code that will allow you to operate other applications while passwords are
being generated. Previous versions would tie-up the entire computer when creating passwords.
Now, you can operate other apps. Allowing 32,000 passwords can take some time, previous
versions could only perform 2,000, so locking the computer is a greater issue.

- Added a 'Stop' button so that password generations can be stopped at anytime. Password
generation can take a long time if a high quantity is requested. This stop feature is handy
in situations where you don't want to wait for it to complete.

- Added a probability readout display which indicates the 'liklihood' that someone could crack
a single password simply by guessing. The readout display dynamically updates depending upon
many factors such as the amount of characters per password and amount of total character to 
choose from.



V5.0
====

- Added the ability to create up to 1,000,000 passwords at a time. The previous version
could only create a max of 32,000. All password requests over 32,000 will be saved directly
to a text file (unsorted).

- Added the ability to save and open settings. This is handy when you have consistent
password settings which you use often. Instead up setting it up each time, you can now save
your usual settings and load them back in.

- Added password details to every saved file. Now at the beginning of each file the settings
used to create the passwords will be printed.

- Added counter to icon. When an application is minimized while executing, it will display
the generated password count on the icon.

- Added a status window to inform users of significant events.



V6.0
====

- Added the ability to select or deselect any of the 94 available characters for inclusion
or exclusion to the randomizer. Now you can decide exactly which characters you want to use
or not. Previous versions only allowed you to decide by whole categories such as numbers,
lowercase and uppercase letters, and special characters.

- Added the ability to add hyphens to passwords. Now you can place hyphens anywhere within
passwords. For instance if you want a hyphen after the 4th character of each password, one
simple click will do this for you. Many users use this application for such things as
registration generators where hyphens are commonly used.

- Added a Side-By-Side Check option that if selected will check for any 2 exact same
characters which appear next to one another. If it detects 2 exact characters next to each
other it will automatically reselect a different character on the second occurrence.

- Added a Sequential Check option that if selected will check for any 2 characters which
are sequential in nature (i.e. 12, ab, AB, etc..) that appear next to each other. If it
detects 2 sequential characters next to one another it will automatically reselect a
different character on the second occurrence.

- Added a Multi-File Create option in the File Menu. This feature if selected can allow you
to create as many as 9999 files at one time, each randomly selected and different from the
other. This one simple set-up saves time for those needing many different files. Once set-up
the randomizer will continue from one file to the next automatically without further operator
involvement.

- Eliminated the Eliminate Similar Characters option. This feature is now the Default button
on the Character Selection Window. You may decide exactly which characters in which to use
or eliminate.

- Added an Options menu that places all the options available to the operator in one simple
location.

- Changed the Help information to be sensitive to the specific area of interest. For 
instance if you want to know what the Duplication Check is, just click on the Duplication
Check button. The information provided will be specific to explaining Duplication Check.
And so on for other features.

- Removed the minute counter from the shareware version. However, the application is still
limited to a maximum of 25 passwords per execution for non registered users.



V7.0 - PRO Version (32-Bit)
===========================

- 32-Bit only version for Windows 95/98/NT 4+ users

- Increased the maximum amount of characters in a single password to 60. Previous versions
only allowed a maximum of 25 characters.

- Added feature which automatically saves the current settings prior to exiting the application,
and automatically recalls the previous settings when the program is executed.

- Added the ability to convert text files to Microsoft Access® database files. Now password
text files can automatically be converted into a MS-Access® DB file. You do not need MS-Access®
to perform this function.

- Added a Microsoft Access® database file viewer and editor. You may view and edit your
password files (in database format) that have been converted to MS-Access® files with Random
Password Generator-PRO. You do not need MS-Access® to perform this function.

- Added the ability to turn on/off the generation counter. Turning off this counter will 
speed-up the generation process.

- Added Compact and Repair Database options to aid in database maintenance.

- Modified the code to streamline the process of selecting random characters. This should
speed up the process.





V8.0 - PRO Version (32-Bit)
===========================

- Added the ability to put as many as 1,000,000 passwords in the listbox. Previous versions
only allowed a maximum of 32,000 password in the listbox.

- Added the ability to perform Duplication checking to as many as 1.000,000 passwords at
a time. Previous versions could only check 32,000 passwords maximum for duplications.

- Combined the Sorted and Unsorted windows into one window. The user can now decide to
display results as sorted or unsorted prior to executing the password generator. This
saves allot of processing time since only one window is updating.

- Added an aqua background color on every other password displayed on the list to make
the list easier to read.

- Added the ability to Save results as HTML and CSV (Comma-Seperated Values) in addition
to Text (TXT) and MS-Access database files (MDB). Now you can also choose to save your
results as an HTML file to view in a Web Browser such as MS-Internet Explorer or Netscape
Navigator. The HTML source code is automatically generated. The CSV file option allows
you to easily view your password results in many Spreadsheet programs such as MS-Excel.

- Added the ability to convert text files into .CSV files and/or .HTML files. This is a
high speed process which can take text files that are already created and instantly
convert them to other file formats. Converting text files to .MDB files was included in
the previous release.

- MS-Access database MDB file formats may now be saved directly. Previous versions
required that the file be saved to a TXT file first. Now MDB along with CSV, HTML and
TXT files can all be saved directly to their file formats.

- Updated and provided direct links to Hirtle Software Homepage, the Random Password
Generator-PRO update page, and links to buy this product online via secure WWW locations.
Also Voice and Fax numbers provided.

- Added a "Time Remaining" countdown clock which estimates the time remaining for
large jobs. This is very useful as some jobs can take hours to complete.

- Added the ability to save Multi-Files as MDB, HTML and CSV. Now you can crete multiple
files with just one simple setup and have the files in any acceptable file format you
wish. Previous versions could only save files as Text.

- Added the ability to check for duplicated passwords within Multi-Files. Now for the
first time the Duplication checker can be used for Multi-File operations. You can
now be assured that each multi-file is duplication free.

- Added the ability to sort Multi-Files that have been saved in .TXT format.

- added the ability to use long file names in Muti-File operations and removed the
9999 file creation limit. There is no limit to the amount of files which can
be generated while in Multi-File mode with this version.

- Added the ability to view any created Random Password Generator-PRO file with it's
associated application in your Windows configuration. For example if you have MS-Access
installed you can opt to view MDB files created by this program in MS-Access. The same
applies to your default web browser for HTML files and whatever association for CSV
files that you may have (if any, Typically MS-Excel). These programs can now be launched
with a file of your choice automatically loading into it.

- Added a standard Windows Help to the application.

- Added a very cool start-up sound effect to the application. Of course it can be turned
off if you do not wish to hear it.




V8.1 - PRO Version (32-Bit)
===========================

- Administration realease only. Updated Hirtle Software postal address, World Wide
Web address and e-mail address. No software enhancements have been included with this
version from version 8.0.



V9.0 - PRO Version (32-Bit)
===========================

- Added the ability to set a minimum and maximum amount of spaces per password.
Now you identify the minimum number of spaces and then a maximum number of spaces,
and this software will randomly select between them to create different varying
password lengths within the same execution. If the Min and Max is the same, then
all passwords will be the identical amount of spaces. Previous versions required
that all password lengths be the same per execution.

- Now creates up to 10 million passwords each time it is executed vice the one million
limit imposed in previous versions. However, Onboard RAM may dictate a lesser amount if
RAM is low and other applications are running.

- Added the ability to select specific character types to require in specific locations
within passwords. A 'Password Rules' feature has been added which now allows you to
identify any character type (if desired) for each location. For instance if you wish all
your passwords start with a lowercase letter, or your 5th space must be a number this
upgrade will now allow you to set such rules.

- Reduced the 'Time Remaining' update time to every five seconds vice 10.

- Fixed a small bug in v8.0/8.1 which would not display all characters for a given
password which contained the "\" character. All saved passwords would save correctly
this was only a display bug. However, this bug has been fixed and all passwords
generated will now display correctly at all times.



V10.0 - PRO Version (32-Bit)
============================

- Added the ability to (automatically) check passwords against a dictionary listing
  of words in five different languages. If a match is found the password will be discarded
  and a new password will then be selected in its place. The dictionary can search for
  exact matches (whole) or hybrid matches like 'michigan98'. This is a hybrid password
  where a common word is used with numbers or symbols. The hybrid search would discover
  this kind of mixture of whole words and numbers/symbols.

- Added a dictionary viewer capability to manually check passwords against dictionary
  words for matches.

- Added five different dictionary languages which may be downloaded to be included with
  Random Password Generator-PRO. Includes; English (USA/British), French, German, Italian
  and Spanish. Included the ability to add new languages in the future.

- Added the ability to automatically download dictionary files from the Internet if
  a file does not exist in the correct location. Downloading will make them immediately
  ready for use.

- Upgraded the random password character selection algorithm to select characters in a
  more 'pure' fashion. The earlier algorithm would select characters based on the type
  of character such as numbers, lower, uppercase letters or symbols. This meant that 
  even if just a single character from a catagory was made available it would weigh it
  at a 1 in 4 chance of being selected because it was in 1 of 4 categories. Now, all
  characters will be given the exact same probability of selection regardless of its
  category. Although this occurs in the background, this is a major enhancement.

- Added a 'Strong Password' feature. Windows NT (SP2+) and Windows NT 2000 have an
  (optional) policy which allows network adimistrators to force users to have passwords
  with uppercase, lowercase letters, numbers and/or special characters (3 of 4). This
  software can now ensure that each password adheres to this policy (if desired).

- Added the ability to add blank spaces within passwords. In addition to Hyphens as
  password seperators, blank spaces can now be used as well.

- Changed the requirement to use MS-Wordpad to view text files. Now whatever your
  default text viewer that is setup on your system will be called to view text (TXT)
  files.

- Fixed a small bug which would default to an older rule set by the user when operators
  went from a low number of password characters to a higher number. This bug is now
  corrected. All prior rules will be removed when new rules are applied.

- Changed the countdown timer clock to display at all times. Previous versions would
  display the clock only with password requests greater than 5000.

- Fixed a small bug which would not display the "&" symbol in the Character selection
  window. Now this character displays properly.

- Fixed a small bug which would not hightlight the last character with the blue background
  color if the total number of passwords were an odd number. Now, regardless of the total
  amount of passwords the blue highligh color will display in an orderly fashion.

- Removed the automated message box that displays every 10 minutes when you are running
  this software as an unregistered user.

- Added the ability to upgrade to this version online for registered users of this
  software at a 50% ($14.98) discount. You must use a credit card to upgrade online.




V10.1 - PRO Version (32-Bit)
============================

- Fixed a small bug which would disallow executing password requests with less than
  five characters and the 'Strong Password' feature disabled.




Postal Mail Address:
====================
Timothy L. Hirtle
P.O. Box 554
Oak Harbor, WA  98277


WWW Homepage Address:
=====================
http://www.hirtlesoftware.com



You may order this product via TOLL-FREE voice, Fax or online from the numbers and
addresses listed below. Please include PRODUCT ID 8888 for voice or FAX orders.


Order Voice Phone Numbers:
==========================
US & Canada Toll-Free Phone Orders: 1-877-734-7638 - (1-877-REGSOFT)
International Phone Orders: 1-770-319-2718 (USA)



Order Fax Numbers:
==================
US & Canada Toll-Free Fax Orders: 1-800-886-6030
US & Canada / International Fax Orders: 1-208-279-3837 (USA)



Order Online Web Addresses:
===========================
https://www.regsoft.com/cgi-bin/reg_it_offsite.pl?8888
http://www.digitalriver.com/dr/v2/ec_MAIN.Entry17c?CID=0&SID=33&SP=10007&PN=5&PID=9735



E-Mail Addresses:
=================
tim@hirtlesoftware.com   





