Frequently Asked Questions

	Why should I use SourceCop for PHP?
	What is SourceCop for PHP?
	What are the system requirements for SourceCop for PHP?
	Is there a limit to how many scripts I can encode?
	Do I need to install PHP on my system to run SourceCop for PHP?
	Can I encode more than one PHP files at once?
	How secure is the encrypted code?
	What are the limitations of trial version.
	My trial version has expired. How can I purchase?
	I have purchased SourceCop, how should I unlock it.
	Will the encrypted code affect performance?
	What is the function of scopbin folder.
	Does SourceCop require modification(s) to php.ini, installing PHP extension(s) or loadable module(s)?
	Is it required to turn "globals on" in order to run encrypted scripts?
	Are SourceCop protected scripts compatbile with opcode cache like TurckMMCache, AfterBurner Cache, etc?
	I have upgraded to SourceCop version 2.0, but I still see version 1.0. What can be the problem?
	I have purchased an earlier version of SourceCop and now version 3.0 has been released. Do I need to buy version 2.0?
	Regarding the IP address restriction, does it refer to the hosting server's IP (usually Primary nameserver)? Can I restrict it based on domain name? Example, allowing the script to run from http://domain.com and http://www.domain.com ?
	Why should I try before I buy?
	The Russians programmed our PHP scripts. Some files end with *.php extension. So which one do I choose when encrypting? php, php3 or php4?
	I guess I will need to encrypt all main php scripts and leave all config files (where users set the variables such as server paths and MySQL login info) unencrypted. Is that correct?
	Some customers might get confused if I ask them for the IP address when they purchase my script. So I will ask for their domain name and check the IP address using SSH: dig domain.com Is this always correct?
	What is the function of the scopbin folder and its file(s), other than "it is needed to run the encoded scripts"? Do the functions/scripts located in this folder send any site related information or scripts to any third party, such as your organization, or anyone else?
	After I encript my files, is there a PHP variable that I can access that tells me when it will expire? I want to be able to display when it will expire so the user will know it is time to renew.
	I have the 7 day free trail and get this message: "Invalid procedure or argument" Why?
	We are facing problem in the software. It worked perfectly fine but today it is suddenly hanging up and not encrypting all the files. Can you please let us know what can be the problem? We are waiting to give updates to clients.
	Can I install the application on a Windows PC and then create the code and then pass them into Novell OES Linux, where the end user will access it via Windows and Linux PC?
	What if someone has SourceCop. Could they decrypt the code?
	Will the encrypted code affect performance?
	How can we customize with html code the "script expired" message, when an encrypted php file has expired?
	I am interested in your sourcecop product. However, can you please tell me if it is compatible with ZendOptimizer? I actually will be running my encoded php files on standard shared hosting cpanel based servers, and since they come with ZendOptimizer I need to know if they will work properly with it or cause problems?
	Does your product make references or links back to your website in the encrypted code? In other words, if disconnected from the Internet will the encrypted code still work? I know it will still be encrypted.
	Is there anyway to speed up the php script? The loading seems to be slowed.
	I'm just wondering, if I've encoded my php scripts, and I'm using mysql database... am I violating the gpl license of mysql?
	I'm quite confused about mysql gpl license. Does this mean that I can develop any software with any language and using mysql database as backend for commercial purpose without having to distribute my source code and still I did not violate the free mysql licensing? I hope you can clear my mind.
	I just bought SourceCop and encrypted my php, but it is showing the message error: Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/restricted/home/rhpro1/public_html/system/scopbin/911006.php on line 1 what I do?
	Is it possible to have portions of the code not protected? I guess I can try to create the protected file and then merge with unprotected code, but wanted to check with you, what is the best way to do this?
	How strong is the encryption ? Is it 128/256/384 bit?
	Does it work with apache, mysql and Smarty? How does Apache work with SourceCop?
	I purchased a copy of SourceCop PHP Encryptor which has been working extremely well. Thank you. I would like to know whether if I add a new folder, containing additional scripts, to my entire application, can I simply encrypt that one folder separately, and then copy it as an additional folder into the application? I have tried this and it seems to work (I don't even need to copy the newly generated scopbin), but I wanted to make sure I wouldn't get any problems.
	I just want to know if i make a website script and i want to sell it. Can i crypt the website with your program and sell website crypted.
	How to run the encrypted files? For example index.php has renamed to 911006.php. This is not an index file!!
	Is expiration page in sourcecop editable?
	I´m a web developer from Germany and would like to buy a php encoder. My big problem is that i´d like to know how the encryption of the source code is done with sourcecop before i buy it. Some other "encoders" seem to be very unserious because they just use base_64_encode or something similar... that´s not really secure. I already know products like sourceguardian and phpshield but the "guardian" is very expensive... could you please give me some more information about the encoding type of your product.
	I am trying your product. When I look at the php file on my system, it gives a bunch of numbers etc. after I enscript it. Great. When I upload it to the server, the file runs but i can view the source file from my browser. Is this the way it is supposed to work?
	Can the files encrypted with sourcecop be decoded (or decrypt)?
	In case, I encrypt the files, and I lose the original code, what should I do?
	Regarding licenses of sourcecop , each license is for each domain , isn't it?
	SourceCop has a field offering a program to expire at a given date. Instead of specifying, is there a way to specify the number of days instead? For example, if I want the script to cease working in 7 days from the date installed -- just like the way you have it with your program. Is this possible?
	Since I will need a scopbin file loaded onto my server for the encoded scripts to work, won't my customers also need a similar, if not the same, file?
Why should I use SourceCop for PHP?
We believe that your source code is your property and you must protect it before giving to others. This way, unauthorized users cannot make changes to your code. Also if you want to give your customers a script for testing purpose, they should be able to test it and not make any changes to it. And also for protecting your source code from others so that they cannot find security holes in your code.
What is SourceCop for PHP?
PHP developers have always been reluctant in distributing their developments. SourceCop for PHP is a Windows based application, developed to encrypt your PHP code so that you can distribute it, without any fear.
What are the system requirements for SourceCop for PHP?
SourceCop for PHP is a Windows based application and runs on Windows 98 SE/2k/NT/XP and ME. It reads specified files placed in your computer and encrypts a major portion of it, making it almost impossible for a human eye to understand it. Encrypted files work on any version of PHP on any platform.
Is there a limit to how many scripts I can encode?
No. If you have a full version, you have no limit. If you are using trial version, you can use it for 7 days and maximum of 50 kb project size.
Do I need to install PHP on my system to run SourceCop for PHP?
No. PHP installation is not required to encrypt the files, but yes, you do need PHP installed to run the encrypted files.
Can I encode more than one PHP files at once?
Yes. You can encode multiple folders or nested folder, whatever you want.
How secure is the encrypted code?
Please bear in mind that no code can be 100% secure and 100% uncrackable. Think of it this way. You know that doors of your house can be broken, but even then you lock them before sleeping or leaving the house. This is because you want to add a hurdle in the way of intruders and many intruders just do not attempt to enter the houses with locked doors. Same is the case here. By encrypting your code, you are placing a hurdle and making it almost impossible for a human mind to understand. There will be people around us who can do the decryption, but still, it will take a huge amount of time to do this and people with bad intension most of the times will prefer to break into the code that is not encrypted than encrypted.
What are the limitations of trial version.
You can use the trial version for 7 consecutive days and the maximum size for each project should not be more that 50 Kb.
My trial version has expired. How can I purchase?
Click on the [Purchase] button in your SourceCop application and follow the instructions.
I have purchased SourceCop, how should I unlock it.
a) Unlocking process is very easy. Click on the [REGISTER] button in your copy of SourceCop and copy the installation key. b) On our site, we have a link named Get Rigistration Key. Click on this link and follow the instructions. c) In case your copy has already expired, you will need to type your installation id on the page menioned in step b above.
Will the encrypted code affect performance?
Yes, in some cases it will, but most of the times it is so little that it simply is not noticed.
What is the function of scopbin folder.
This is a folder that you must upload to the web server. Without this folder, your encrypted PHP scripts will not run. You must also set 777 permisions to this folder on Unix, Linux and BSD system or Read/Write/Execute permissions on Windows machines.
Does SourceCop require modification(s) to php.ini, installing PHP extension(s) or loadable module(s)?
No. SourceCop for PHP does not require any changes to php.ini files or loadable modules.
Is it required to turn "globals on" in order to run encrypted scripts?
If your actual code works with globals off, then the encrypted code will also work with globals off.
Are SourceCop protected scripts compatbile with opcode cache like TurckMMCache, AfterBurner Cache, etc?
The simple formula is that that the encrypted script should work on the platform and configuration where the un-encrypted script worked.
I have upgraded to SourceCop version 2.0, but I still see version 1.0. What can be the problem?
You must uninstall SourceCop version 1.0 before installing version 2.0. To uninstall, please goto to your Windows' control panel, click on the Add/Remove programs icon and follow the instructions.
I have purchased an earlier version of SourceCop and now a new version has been released. Do I need to buy the new version?
No! If you have purchased any earlier version, you do not need to purchase the new version. Just uninstall the earlier version and install the later version. Get your registration key again using the same email address.
Regarding the IP address restriction, does it refer to the hosting server's IP (usually Primary nameserver)? Can I restrict it based on domain name? Example, allowing the script to run from http://domain.com and http://www.domain.com ?
It is the IP address of the hosting server. You can restrict to a domain, but for this you will have to write a php code, include it in your php script and encrypt the code.
Why should I try before I buy?
There are several styles in which people code, and there is a little possibility that SourceCop might not be able to recognize some coding styles. We request you to please try SourceCop before you buy and see if it works on your coding style. This will make things easier for you, as once you have purchased SourceCop, our understanding will be that you have tested it and it works well on your coding style.
The Russians programmed our PHP scripts. Some files end with *.php extension. So which one do I choose when encrypting? php, php3 or php4?
You should encrypt .php
I guess I will need to encrypt all main php scripts and leave all config files (where users set the variables such as server paths and MySQL login info) unencrypted. Is that correct?
Yes you are correct.
Some customers might get confused if I ask them for the IP address when they purchase my script. So I will ask for their domain name and check the IP address using SSH: dig domain.com Is this always correct?
Yes, that's right.
What is the function of the scopbin folder and its file(s), other than "it is needed to run the encoded scripts"? Do the functions/scripts located in this folder send any site related information or scripts to any third party, such as your organization, or anyone else?
The scopbin folder helps in encryption and decryption and does not send info to any 3rd party.
After I encript my files, is there a PHP variable that I can access that tells me when it will expire? I want to be able to display when it will expire so the user will know it is time to renew.
Unfortunately there is no such feature in the software, but you surely can do this by writing a conditional line in your php script that states the expiry date. For instance: if(date("Y-m-d")<="2005-07-10")){ echo "This script will expire on July 10, 2005,"; }else[ echo "This script of software has expired.}
I have the 7 day free trail and get this message: "Invalid procedure or argument" Why?
Please make sure the source folder and back folders are different.
1We are facing problem in the software. It worked perfectly fine but today it is suddenly hanging up and not encrypting all the files. Can you please let us know what can be the problem? We are waiting to give updates to clients.
Please make sure that you are not encrypting the already encrypted files. 2. Also, please make sure that the application is not clashing with any other application, installed after sourcecop.
Can I install the application on a Windows PC and then create the code and then pass them into Novell OES Linux, where the end user will access it via Windows and Linux PC?
The encrypted script will work perfectly fine even if placed on a Linux machine.
What if someone has SourceCop. Could they decrypt the code?
SourceCop is one-way encryption. The software does not allow decryption.
Will the encrypted code affect performance?
It will depend on the coding style and the length of the code. If there are nested includes and extremely large files, it will affect the performance.
How can we customize with html code the "script expired" message, when an encrypted php file has expired?
To have a customized message, you need to write the code expiry script yourself (see below). Then encrypt the code and distribute it. if($todays_date>exipry_date){ echo("Your customized expiry message here..."); exit(); } //$todays_date and expiry_date will need to have today's date and expiry date. Since the code will be encrypted, no one will be able to read it.
I am interested in your sourcecop product. However, can you please tell me if it is compatible with ZendOptimizer? I actually will be running my encoded php files on standard shared hosting cpanel based servers, and since they come with ZendOptimizer I need to know if they will work properly with it or cause problems?
SourceCop works perfectly with Zend Optimizer.
Does your product make references or links back to your website in the encrypted code? In other words, if disconnected from the Internet will the encrypted code still work? I know it will still be encrypted.
SourceCop does not link back to our site. The code will run even if you are not connected to the Internet.
Is there anyway to speed up the php script? The loading seems to be slowed.
The specialty of our software is that you do not need to install anything on the web server or make changes to its configuration. This is also our products edge over our competitors. We have to do a very complex encryption in our script and unfortunately this sometimes slows the script, depending on the coding style. In other words, it is just like opening a locked door; it takes a little longer than opening an unlocked door. RESPONSE: Okay, I understand the reason for the slow down ;) Your software is one of the best I've found :) Keep up the good work! ;)
I'm just wondering, if I've encoded my php scripts, and I'm using mysql database... am I violating the gpl license of mysql?
Don’t worry, we are not even touching the MySQL code.
I'm quite confused about mysql gpl license. Does this mean that I can develop any software with any language and using mysql database as backend for commercial purpose without having to distribute my source code and still I did not violate the free mysql licensing? I hope you can clear my mind.
As far as I know, you can distribute a free application without worrying about the license of MySQL. But if you are selling a commercial application, you need to buy a MySQL license. But my suggestion is that you better contact MySQL directly on this issue as we are not MySQL and licenses can sometimes be tricky.
I just bought SourceCop and encrypted my php, but it is showing the message error: Warning: ini_set() has been disabled for security reasons in /home/restricted/home/rhpro1/public_html/system/scopbin/911006.php on line 1 what I do?
It seems that this is a problem in your php.ini settings and not SourceCop. You will need to change settings of your php.ini file.
Is it possible to have portions of the code not protected? I guess I can try to create the protected file and then merge with unprotected code, but wanted to check with you, what is the best way to do this?
In SourceCop, there is an option to exclude files that you do not want to encrypt. The textbox that says "do not encrypt these files" does it.
How strong is the encryption ? Is it 128/256/384 bit?
The encryption is none of these. It is our own encryption algorithm.
Does it work with apache, mysql and Smarty? How does Apache work with SourceCop?/b>
We have not tested with Smarty, but there should not be any issue as far as we can see. With regards to Apache and MySQL, one is a web server and the other is a database server, so both of these have nothing to do with PHP coding directly. Hence, our encrypted PHP scripts run perfectly fine on Apache or IIS or any other web servers that allow you to run PHP.
I purchased a copy of SourceCop PHP Encryptor which has been working extremely well. Thank you. I would like to know whether if I add a new folder, containing additional scripts, to my entire application, can I simply encrypt that one folder separately, and then copy it as an additional folder into the application? I have tried this and it seems to work (I don't even need to copy the newly generated scopbin), but I wanted to make sure I wouldn't get any problems.
Yes you are right the way you are doing it.
I just want to know if i make a website script and i want to sell it. Can i crypt the website with your program and sell website crypted.
Yes you can.
How to run the encrypted files? For example index.php has renamed to 911006.php. This is not an index file!!
The encrypted file will not be renamed to anything else. It is just that all your files will be encrypted with the same name and a folder called scopbin will be created additionally and will be required to run your encrypted files.
Is expiration page in sourcecop editable?
In fact the page is not editable, but there is a very easy solution to it. Just write a PHP code at the top of your PHP files or an include file and write something like this in it: if(date("Y-m-d")>="2005-11-11"){ header("Location: error.php"); exit(); } Now encrypt your code and distribute it. Since the code is encrypted, no one will know it.
I´m a web developer from Germany and would like to buy a php encoder. My big problem is that i´d like to know how the encryption of the source code is done with sourcecop before i buy it. Some other "encoders" seem to be very unserious because they just use base_64_encode or something similar... that´s not really secure. I already know products like sourceguardian and phpshield but the "guardian" is very expensive... could you please give me some more information about the encoding type of your product.
Our encryption algorithm is our trade secret, but we assure you that this is not just base64_encode encryption. This is quite a bit more complex.
I am trying your product. When I look at the php file on my system, it gives a bunch of numbers etc. after I enscript it. Great. When I upload it to the server, the file runs but i can view the source file from my browser. Is this the way it is supposed to work?
We are not encrypting the HTML source code, but PHP code. Let me try to explain how simple PHP works. When you write a PHP code and execute it from the server, the PHP engine parses the PHP code and only shows the executed code in browser. For instance, if your PHP code is as below: < ? echo "I love PHP"; ? > Then what you will see in browser if you take the source code is: "I love PHP" and not the entire code. So in case of PHP encryption, the code is encrypted so that you can distribute it to others without fear of the code being stolen. To sum it up, it is not an HTML encryption, it is PHP source encryption.
Can the files encrypted with sourcecop be decoded (or decrypt)?
SourceCop is only one-way encryption, not two way. This means you can only encrypt not decrypt. This is one-way encryption because otherwise anyone will be able to decode anyone else's code.
In case, I encrypt the files, and I lose the original code, what should I do?
In case you lose your original files, we do provide you a service at a cost to decrypt your files. In this case you will have to give us, in writing, that the script you want to decode is your own. The fee is quite expensive, and the reason for this is that it deters just anybody from decrypting SourceCop encrypted files. However, if you're willing to pay the fee and provide proof of ownership of the code, we will provide this service.
Regarding licenses of sourcecop , each license is for each domain , isn't it?
SourceCop is software to encrypt PHP files. You can have one license to encrypt millions of files to be deployed on millions of servers. But one license is required per installation, not per server on which it is to be deployed.
SourceCop has a field offering a program to expire at a given date. Instead of specifying, is there a way to specify the number of days instead? For example, if I want the script to cease working in 7 days from the date installed -- just like the way you have it with your program. Is this possible?
The answer to this question is that that this is possible but not with SourceCop, but with your PHP code. Just include a file in your PHP code which expires the code in 7 days. Once you include it in your code, just encrypt the code and distribute it. Since the code will be encrypted, no one will be able to tamper with it.
Since I will need a scopbin file loaded onto my server for the encoded scripts to work, won't my customers also need a similar, if not the same, file?
Fortunately your customers will not need this file as they will just be viewing your web site, parsed through your server, which already is using scopbin. But if you want to sell your entire php script to someone, then yes, just give him/her the same scopbin folder with all other folders and files.