Can I Secure my KMA files?

[Stefan]

I am going to hire a KJ to do some gigs and let him use my computer. My problem is I want to secure the KMA files from being copied. How can I do this and at the same time still let him use Hoster to play the files?

[admin]

I'm not expert on this, but I recall someone posting how to use a password to block users from getting access to certain Windows controls. Maybe someone else can address this. Dale?

MTU now has technology to protect songs to only play on a computer enabled with a "Song Code" you order (free) and install on up to 2 computers. We have been thinking about how to make it available. The problem is most Hoster and Microstudio users don't want to deal with any form of security. Those who pay others to use Hoster often want protection.

The way it would work is you would order a Song Code, download and install it (or we may install directly over the Internet), then you would run a program that would take all KMA files in your CURRENT Songs.mdb Database, and encrypt them to only run on the computers (up to 2) with that Song Code registered and installed. That way, the KMA files are not tied to one Hoster RegCode, but could play on up to 2 systems. However, the protected KMA files would not play on any other system. Our demo uses Microstudio.

Look for something later this year.

[ddouglass]

Admin, I have slept since then!

If I remember the thread, we did not actually come up with a solution at that time because there was no encryption scheme available to do that. However, if you are running Vista from what I understand is those files are in fact hidden and people have been having problems with Hoster not being able to catalog the files. Sounds bad but actually can be a help. If you set Hoster.exe to run in administrator mode then it should be able to catalog the files. Then you set your KJ up with a logon that doesn't have administrator rights and they will not be able to see or copy the files.

Admin, will this new system still allow burning CDs from KMA files?

[George]

Originally Posted by ddouglass

However, if you are running Vista from what I understand is those files are in fact hidden and people have been having problems with Hoster not being able to catalog the files.

Now you're seeing some of the same problem I ran into with Explorer 7, which probably is in Vista. Too many files user files hidden. It was not an isolated problem that I ran into as you deemed it to be, when I told people to stay away from Explorer 7 or expect problems.

No telling just how deep this goes.

[ddouglass]

Originally Posted by George

Now you're seeing some of the same problem I ran into with Explorer 7, which probably is in Vista. Too many files user files hidden. It was not an isolated problem that I ran into as you deemed it to be, when I told people to stay away from Explorer 7 or expect problems.

No telling just how deep this goes.

That was not my purpose in bringing that up George but to point out it would be a good thing in this case to help prevent his KJ from getting to those files. Microsoft is unfortunately slow in providing information to the IT techs and users on how their new programs and O/S work and what exactly was changed. I personally like IE7 because of the increased functions. Having multiple pages in one screen for one and the increased security builtin are the additions I like because i do a lot of technical searching. I will withhold judgement on Vista since I don't have it and probably will wait at least 6 months to a year for them to work out the kinks.

[admin]

Originally Posted by ddouglass

Admin, will this new system still allow burning CDs from KMA files?

I don't know it is not released yet. From our standpoint, I like our KMA format as it is. But, Stefan, Alanross and others who hire KJs have a problem. If Vista can solve it, we won't. We do have the technology.

For those who would choose to use our protection method, they wouldn't want their KJs to be able to make CDs of the protected KMA files. Thus, I don't see why you are asking for this? It's not designed for individual use. Did I miss something? Maybe a private email would be better.

[ddouglass]

I was considering those who have Microstudio also on their computer. If it would or wouldn't allow reburning to CD. This would make a difference for setup. If it would lock it out for Microstudio too then that would be ok or if not then the owner would want to consider leaving MS off of their show machines. Follow me?
Besides I may want to branch out...I am retiring soon

Email on the way too.