PLEASE NOTE !
While the first 5 challenges we had were all using only the basic VME98 features and therefore could be decrypted by ANY version of VME98, The following challenges will demonstrate more advanced features of VME98, and might not be decryptable on all versions of VME98, Though they will definitely be able to decrypt on SHIPPING versions of VME98. This is in purpose of demonstrating the more advanced features and versions of VME98. "Hackers" using the Standard Edition should have "no problem" with this - if they can hack the VME system, they can probably overcome this small obstacle as well. As for VME98 Standard Edition users, we urge you to try the solution on your machines and see for yourself the advantages of the more advanced versions of VME98.

This specific challenge used the VME98 Professional Edition. The workgroup chosen for this challenge was 1000-1001 (Leftmost 8 digits of VME98 Serial Number). Users of this workgroup (All VME98 Evaluation Copies) could easily decrypt and see the challenge solution. Users of the Standard Edition or any other workgroup Professional Edition Users, even if they type all passwords & MBK file correctly, will still get only binary garbage. This is due to the fact that each Professional Edition of VME98 includes a unique workgroup identifier, and when the "Local" button is checked during encryption, that unique identifier takes part in the Encryption Process. Therefore, if you either use the Standard Edition OR belong to any other workgroup - you will not be able to decrypt it correctly.

This is another one of the great features of VME98 that allows additional protection in the workgroup level. Keep in mind though that the Professional Edition is geared towards workgroups of at least 2 people - if you use VME98 on a standalone, the Standard Edition is all you need.

• The Encrypted File was:
  sep98.vme
   
• Please make sure your computer's real time clock shows the right date as the DLA was used.
   
• The MBK used was: mbk.doc (Microsoft Word 97 file)
   
• The Source User Name, Target User Name, Description & Passwords are listed in the screen capture! PLEASE TYPE EXACTLY, Case Sensitive.
   
• The Transaction Code was 5166-9586
   
• The Authentication Code is: 1386-7968 (if you got a different one, you've misspelled the passwords, retype and try again!)
   
• The resulting file will be pro.doc (This is a Microsoft Word 97 Document).

1. The Professional Edition gives the workgroup user an additional level of protection not found in the Standard Edition.
    
2. The Professional Edition protects you not only from Standard Edition users but from other workgroups Professional Edition users as well.
    
3. To enjoy the benefits of the Professional Edition you need at least 2 users.