Technical Questions and Answers
Is your method of protection formulas secure?
The DoneEx XCell Compiler compiles all formulas from xls into binary format. This method is the most secure. Even encoding with a strong encryption algorithm is not as secure because you can provide a decrypt key for user and from that moment forward your data can be decrypted and become available for everybody.
My need is to protect the file with license keys: I don’t need to protect the formulas.
The main goal of Excel file copy protection is to remove formulas from cells to make them unavailable to anyone. If the formulas are not securely protected then anyone who gets permission to launch your model (even if it was protected with a password, license key and/or with hardware locking) may copy all of the data and formulas (manually or using some Excel AddIn) into another, unprotected workbook and use your model without any restrictions.
Is it possible to extract the XLS file from the compiled EXE?
Yes, it is possible. Also you can find this file in temporary folder on your disk when compiled EXE is started. This xls file DOES NOT contain any formulas in the cells! NONE OF THEM! This file is a data provider between compiled the EXE file and Excel. It is used to format calculated values and to reflect them into Excel. After compilation all xls formulas are stored in EXE file (in binary, unreadable format) but not in xls. You can try opening this file yourself to see that it doesn’t work like the original xls.
After compilation of the worksheet, what do I need to send to my customer?
You do not need to send the worksheet to the client. Send the compiled file (as an EXE or ZIP) only, that will solve all the information security issues.
I used some Add-Ins (XLA files) which are from other companies how will they run on my customer computer?
You should have permission from that company for free distribution of the third party Add-Ins.
How can I add my own company signature (Splash screen)?
You can select your company logo, or any image that you want to represent your company, while starting the application. Select this image in the “Splash screen” field while compiling the worksheet to EXE and click Compile.
How does the product registration work?
Once the product is ordered, DoneEx will send you a registration file and the instructions for how to use it. This file will activate the product depending upon the license you bought.
Once a spreadsheet is compiled, can the user save the spreadsheet under a new name, and then use the newly spawned spreadsheet?
If you tie your compiled EXE file to the target computer (a feature of the Business Pro license) then your EXE file will only work that computer, even if it was saved with another name.
Is it possible to compile with a hardware lock AND limit period usage?
You need to compile with the “Copy protection with registration key” option selected, but the date limit you set will be from the registration key tool during regkey generation.
Can it be possible for anybody to do the license/registration file for my compiled excel applications?
No, nobody can make a license/registration file for your compiled excel files. The XCell Compiler program is designed such way that only you can only do it on your ‘DoneEx XCell Compiler’ registered computer(s).