Software Hacks

[Zylstra]

My question is this:
Are software hacks (as in modifications in the nature described two lines down) illegal?
For example:
If a game I played started with a splash screen, and I were to download replacement .exe for the application that took it out.

[unlovedwarrior]

GREY LINE

most often yes they dont like it cuz they like closed source policy

[CBMatt]

I don't see why this would be illegal.  You already paid for the software; you might as well customize it to your liking.

In the case of games...modding communities are huge and designers often include modding tools for doing things like what you described, so I doubt they have a problem with it.  It gives their game more replay value, and I'm sure they want happy customers.

Now, if you were modding a game/program and selling it, then that might be crossing the line.

[Zylstra]

Hmmmmmm
Well, I guess I have something to search for then...
(Wanted to remove the Microsoft Plue! Dancer LE splash thing)

[CBMatt]

If you simply want to remove a splash screen and not replace it, you could try finding the file and renaming it.  There should be nothing illegal about doing this.  I removed my MusicMatch splash screen ages ago so it would load faster.

[Zylstra]

If you simply want to remove a splash screen and not replace it, you could try finding the file and renaming it.  There should be nothing illegal about doing this.  I removed my MusicMatch splash screen ages ago so it would load faster.

Well.... its not so much a splash screen as it is a nag screen...

[CBMatt]

A nag screen?  As in...nagging you to buy it?  If so, then you might be crossing over into illegal territory.

[Zylstra]

A nag screen?  As in...nagging you to buy it?  If so, then you might be crossing over into illegal territory.

Aww

Yeah, but I dont plan on buying it until I have money an a credit card and I am lonely enough to sit and watch computerized characters dance...

[CBMatt]

I just realized what program you're talking about...  Yeah, I don't blame you for not wanting to pay money for it.  But I don't know how happy Uncle Bill would be about that.

[Zylstra]

I just realized what program you're talking about...  Yeah, I don't blame you for not wanting to pay money for it.  But I don't know how happy Uncle Bill would be about that.

Yeah.... *sigh*

[CBMatt]

You could try looking for a free alternative, but everything I find is red-flagged by SiteAdvisor.

[contrex]

You can do what you like with your own property. If you sold or gave away a modified or hacked piece of software you might be crossing the line.

[Raptor]

My question is this:
Are software hacks (as in modifications in the nature described two lines down) illegal?
For example:
If a game I played started with a splash screen, and I were to download replacement .exe for the application that took it out.

You are not allowed to reverse engineer or alter the content of the game unless explicitly stated in their EULA..

Is this Battlefield? You can just rename or move the files.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

For halo, you can download this thing that is like a movie that replaces the origional introduction. It is legal because you get it from a Halo Custom Maps site.