ID-Blaster v1.0

[javacool]

In response to the second page of the WMP thread(www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=2098;start=15 (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=2098;start=15), I created ID-Blaster.

A short quote from the webpage:
{QUOTE-> What does ID-Blaster do?
In Windows, many applications have something called a "product ID number". This number may be the same through Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player - even the operating system itself.

Since this number nevers changes, it would be the PERFECT way a malicious person or even an advertising company could track your habits. Maybe through a malicious website ActiveX control, or java applet.

Well why not just delete it?
In this case, you would have a constant ID of nothing - and given the small number of people that might also have that "null" value, it could still be used to track you.

ID-Blaster works by changing these ID numbers frequently, destroying tracking tactics using these numbers. ID-Blaster can run from the system tray, using up very little resources, and constantly protect you in the background. <-QUOTE}

Basically, I would recommend that everyone who values their privacy (or what is left of their privacy) run this program. It has little impact on system resources, and is only 52 kb.

UPDATE: NOTE TO ALL WINDOWS XP USERS: Please see important information on web page below before downloading! (Windows 95,98,ME - you may disregard the warning.)

Explanation and FAQ are available from here:

www.wilderssecurity.com/idblaster.html (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/idblaster.html)

(direct download link included in URL mentioned above).

Download is available from either of the following mirrors:

www.wilders.org/HTMLobj-1283/IDblaster.exe
http://www.optimix.be.tf/IDblaster.exe

As usual, if anyone would like to mirror the site and/or the download, it is greatly appreciated. :)

note: first provided URL is a mirror - Forum Admin

Comments/questions/suggestions are also appreciated.

-javacool

[Checkout]

JavaC, I love you and I want to have your babies.

[Checkout]

Rats, it won't download for me! Hey, JavaCool...!

[UNICRON]

Easy on the Vodka big guy ;)

[Checkout]

{QUOTE-> quoting: UNICRON link=board=20;threadid=2173;start=0#15459 date=1025808655]
Easy on the Vodka big guy ;)
<-QUOTE}

Now you tell me. Too late - I'm firmly reacquainted with my old friend' Doctor Smirnoff. Lemmee sing you a song, Uni!


Oh, the floorboards go 'round like rotor blades...
Rotor blades...
...Rotor blades
The toilet looms large
Like a barfin' barge
...Barfin' barge
Barfin' barge
Oh the chunder rises up like volcano burps...

[javacool]

{QUOTE-> quoting: Checkout link=board=20;threadid=2173;start=0#15458 date=1025808518]
Rats, it won't download for me! Hey, JavaCool...!
<-QUOTE}

It should be working. You have to download from the link on the main page (you can't link directly to the download from any other site).

Also, proxies MAY cause some issues (it IS a free webhosting account).

If you still can't download it, go ahead and PM me with your e-mail address, and I'll e-mail it to you (it's only 52 kb).

-javacool

[controler]

Thanks Javacool ;D

[javacool]

A NOTE TO ALL HAVING DOWNLOAD PROBLEMS FROM THE TEMPORARY SITE:

The free webhosting account does not seem to be compatible with downloader managers, and some proxies (for downloading).

You may obtain better success, for the time being, if you disable your download accelerator/manager and try downloading using the regular mechanism built into your browser.

For everyone else behind a proxy, etc, help will hopefully soon be on the way! :)

UPDATE: Two people have very nicely provided mirrors for the download, so all download problems should now be fixed. They are:
www.wilders.org/HTMLobj-1283/IDblaster.exe
http://www.optimix.be.tf/IDblaster.exe
Thank you! :)

-javacool

[javacool]

I should probably also note a couple of things.

1) Feature - when minimized to the system tray, the ID-Blaster icon will flash green when it changes the IDs.

2) On Windows XP, it will say you do not have a Windows Media Player ID. This is because WMP in XP takes its ID number from the system ID.

-javacool

[FanJ]

Thanks very much Javacool !!! :)

I just downloaded it and I will play with it the next days.

Cheers, Jan.

[JacK]

thx javacool

I mirrored here :

Direct d/l
http://www.optimix.be.tf/IDblaster.exe
Cheers,

JacK

[Paul Wilders]

..and here:

www.wilders.org/HTMLobj-1283/IDblaster.exe (http://www.wilders.org/HTMLobj-1283/IDblaster.exe)

(direct download link)

regards,

paul

[5zigenCivic]

mirrored :) .... and like the other site that is mirroring the file, this is also a direct download.

http://www.visualcave.com/downloads/IDblaster.exe

[Johnny_B._Goode]

Hi

Looks interesting. I may try it.

Regards

Gordon

[spy1]

Welcome, JBG! Enjoy! Pete

[Johnny_B._Goode]

Thanks Pete! :)

Gordon

[fergwrig]

Installed and running!.
This is kind of a dumb (and late) question. When I alter those Product ID numbers, does that in any way affect the registration of those products. By that I mean if I had a problem with my machine (which is a Dell) and I had to contact the manufacturer, would the altered SYSTEM number void any warranty, etc.

And a second question. Short of renaming the program, how do I stop it from running. I read in another forum that you can right-click the icon in the systray to change/correct any settings. I tried that (right-clicking) and it doesn't work. Nothing happens.

[Prince_Serendip]

Hi javacool! Wanted you to know that the e-mail attachment downloaded just fine. I have questions too. Does this thing mask the serial numbers or are they erased yet replaced? I'd like to record all of my serial numbers first, then start using it. How do I find my serials? TIA :)

[javacool]

{QUOTE-> quoting: Prince_Serendip link=board=20;threadid=2173;start=15#15613 date=1025938427]
Hi javacool! Wanted you to know that the e-mail attachment downloaded just fine. I have questions too. Does this thing mask the serial numbers or are they erased yet replaced? I'd like to record all of my serial numbers first, then start using it. How do I find my serials? TIA :)
<-QUOTE}

When you first start up the application, your original ID numbers are displayed in text boxes.

If you use the program to change the IDs, the text boxes update with the newest numbers.

The ID numbers are overwritten with randomly generated fake IDs, which you can elect to have generated every minute or 30 seconds. (Plus you can set ID-Blaster to start up in the system tray, and do its duty on boot-up!)

-javacool

[javacool]

{QUOTE-> quoting: fergwrig link=board=20;threadid=2173;start=15#15611 date=1025935692]
Installed and running!.
This is kind of a dumb (and late) question. When I alter those Product ID numbers, does that in any way affect the registration of those products. By that I mean if I had a problem with my machine (which is a Dell) and I had to contact the manufacturer, would the altered SYSTEM number void any warranty, etc.
<-QUOTE}

The altering of those product ID numbers does not affect the registration of those products. As an example, changing the ID number in Windows XP does NOT mean you have to go through the whole Windows anti-piracy authorization process again.

{QUOTE->
And a second question. Short of renaming the program, how do I stop it from running. I read in another forum that you can right-click the icon in the systray to change/correct any settings. I tried that (right-clicking) and it doesn't work. Nothing happens.
<-QUOTE}

If you click on the icon in the system tray (left click once, or even double-click if once doesn't work) it will pop-up the ID-Blaster main window, where you can select the "Change Settings" button and remove the automatic startup option.

If you are referring to just stopping the application, you should be able to do that from the main screen too.

If you are unable to open either the right-click menu, or to left click and bring up the main screen, this is most likely caused by a conflict with an older version of a dll on your system. (You are the first person, and so far the only person to report this issue.) If you could PM me or post your OS version, it would be very helpful.

Hope this helps.

-javacool

[Prince_Serendip]

Hi javacool! It's a nice little app. Does a good job! I answered my own questions by picking up The Belarc Advisor. It does a complete system and serial numbers inventory and displays it with your browser. I then copied it into Word with my ScreenHunter. (I will post links to it in Software and Services since this topic is yours.) It gives a benchmark for my system too. Thank you for providing this! Very sweet! :)

[Johnny_B._Goode]

Hi

I've downloaded it , set it to chang every 60 second. :D

Thanks

Gordon

[spy1]

can someone check the veracity of Vamp's statements on this page, please? Thanks!

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,3750899~root=security,1~mode=flat;start=20 Pete

[javacool]

Using Windows XP without any beta version of the SP1 update, I can still access Windows update correctly. I can also install updates correctly.

However, if the new SP1 update for Windows XP DOES check the PID number at boot-up, this could cause some issues (hence the warning to BACK UP YOUR ID NUMBER is the FIRST thing to show when running the program).

NOTE: The first post in this topic has been edited with the warning info until the web page is updated. This problem does not affect users running Windows 95,98,ME.

-javacool

[Paul Wilders]

{QUOTE-> NOTE: The first post in this topic has been edited with the warning info until the web page is updated. <-QUOTE}

Pages updated:

www.wilderssecurity.com/idblaster.html (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/idblaster.html)

regards.

paul

[javacool]

Has anyone here encountered an issue with you not being able to maximize ID-Blaster by left-click once, or double-click on it, and also you not being able to pull up the right-click menu?

If so could you post/PM me your Windows OS and any other specifics about your system? (A few people seem to be having this issue, and I'd like to get it stamped out as soon as possible.)

TIA.

-javacool

[Paul Wilders]

FYI: JavaCool is enjoying a well deserved holiday the upcoming two weeks. Thus, he will not reply to any questions/remarks during this period.

regards.

paul

[Rickster]

Javacool's a piece of work - brilliant stuff. Anyway, should it come to pass I need to remove ID Blaster, can I assume you just re-enter and set your original number, then delete the program folder and the registry entry? I ask, since it doesn't appear in either the start/all programs menu or add/remove programs list. Didn't catch if removal was discussed. Thanks

[WHN]

{QUOTE-> quoting: fergwrig link=board=20;threadid=2173;start=15#15611 date=1025935692]
Installed and running!.
This is kind of a dumb (and late) question. When I alter those Product ID numbers, does that in any way affect the registration of those products. By that I mean if I had a problem with my machine (which is a Dell) and I had to contact the manufacturer, would the altered SYSTEM number void any warranty, etc.

And a second question. Short of renaming the program, how do I stop it from running. I read in another forum that you can right-click the icon in the systray to change/correct any settings. I tried that (right-clicking) and it doesn't work. Nothing happens.
<-QUOTE}

[Rickster]

Yep. Not concerned with leaving it in a non-functioning mode, or it’s effect on stuff. Just want to be sure if I zap it –it doesn’t take my true system ID with it – in other words, not locked together, purging the ID with it and leaving internal functions that depend on referencing ID (real or false) inoperable. Probably silly, but just being cautious.

[Prince_Serendip]

Just a short note to say that I benchmarked my system and recorded all of my original ID numbers in a secure file before using ID Blaster. I used the Belarc Advisor. It's available from www.belarc.com. :)

[WHN]

I also can not re-activate ID Blaster and right clicking does not work. I also can no longer access MS windows update.
My OS is 98SE with adaware, adaubtract, spybot, etc

[javacool]

{QUOTE-> quoting: WHN link=board=20;threadid=2173;start=30#17195 date=1027101055]
I also can not re-activate ID Blaster and right clicking does not work. I also can no longer access MS windows update.
My OS is 98SE with adaware, adaubtract, spybot, etc
<-QUOTE}

Thanks for reporting your system OS, and other details (you are one of the first to do so).

Hopefully I'll be able to track down this bug.

However, you should still be able to access windows update. (The problem that was reference at the dslreports.com forums only WILL affect Windows SP with the sp1 update.)

Would you mind PMing or posting the exact error you get that prevents you from using windows update?
(Most likely it is NOT caused by ID-Blaster, given your OS is Windows 98 SE - I had the same issue, a long time ago before I even created ID-Blaster, where on a Windows 98SE computer, AND a Windows ME computer, that I would sometimes not be able to access Windows Update).

-javacool

[snowman]

Java

this is a belated post.....I've been off for awhile..

regarding idblaster.....mind does not load at start-up....a message displays saying a file was not installed.....other than that all else works just find. by the way..its not needed in my case to load at start-up.....just mentioning.

snowman

[WHN]

The error I got from MS windows was that I was not authorised to access the update web site.

PS. I have removed ID Blaster by using Goback part of Norton System Works until I see what the problem is.

Regards Bill

[spy1]

Bill, were you then able to access WU again? (I had the same problem w/WU occasionally on my W98SE computer, too, but that was before IDB even came out. Pete

[WHN]

Spy1 Yes I was able to access the windows update after I rmoved ID blaster. Has there been any resolution to this problem?

[spy1]

WHN - I don't know for sure, but it may simply not be a problem with ID_B.

Yesterday I could get the WU site (main page and then the scan) - today all I can get is the main page (won't do anything when you click on the "Products Update" link).

Had ID_B on the computer both times. Pete

[Loki]

Hi I run XP Pro and XP Home using ID Blaster I have no problems using Windows Update. However when ID Blaster changes your ID Windows doesn't like the ID, just try again a few times by going to a new site and come back. Refeshing IE will not work. ;D

[the Tester]

HI.In regards to windows update site not working properly.I don't have ID Blaster and I couldn't access the upgrade site for a week or so.Maybe this is an update site issue?Consequently,I did get access to update site a little more than a week ago.

[Loki]

Hi Javacool,

ID-Blaster is a nice little program, I was wondering if you're planning to expand the ID's that it can change like MS Office and any others. Also maybe have it save the ID's in a location of choice.

Nice work on this one thanks.

[Gnostic]

This just might be a fairly dumb question, but is a program like this necessary if you used a proxy? Or is using this program in conjunction with a proxy the best possible way of protecting privacy?

[Prince_Serendip]

:) Hi Gnostic!

You asked: "...is a program like this necessary if you used a proxy?" Yes! Your Windows ID Number would still be the same. The ID number is not behind your proxy, even if you hide your system info.

With IDBlaster you have more anonymity! You can change your numbers at random on a quick or slow recurring basis. It's small, easy to use, and uses almost no system resources.

[Gnostic]

Thanks Prince! :D Sounds like a must have program. I'll d/l it and give it a try.

[javacool]

{QUOTE-> quoting: Loki link=board=20;threadid=2173;start=30#21548 date=1030073177]
Hi Javacool,

ID-Blaster is a nice little program, I was wondering if you're planning to expand the ID's that it can change like MS Office and any others. Also maybe have it save the ID's in a location of choice.

Nice work on this one thanks.
<-QUOTE}

I will be looking into this option - and also (possibly) an option to make it compatible with Windows XP/SP1, which it currently isn't.

-Javacool

[Paul Wilders]

Since IDBlaster Plus v2.0 has been released, this thread is closed.

Have a look here (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=4052)

regards.

paul