Topic: modifying exe files

[daveeb]

does the program need to be kept the same, or can a new GUI be used? You could always try and find a C/C++ programmer to re-write the application, only finding one will be the problem  8)

yup the program doesnt need changing at all apart from the port that the data arrives on.  it currently can only work with data arriving on com1 which is acting up, we want it to look at com2.  of course we could just load the software onto a different pc but we havent got a spare one. they're too strapped for cash to buy one and i think getting a programmer in would give the accountant a heart attack.  

[Dack]

If you don't mind me looking at it - I could probably change it for you.

[daveeb]

thanks for the offer dack, i'll see what they say, although they tend to be a bit anal*y retentive about official secrets etc, like there's anything to be gained from this crappy old program...NOT.  

[Dack]

No worries - if its as officialy secret as you say then there may still not be a problem (I'm sure Sean would be able to tell you who I work for)

Usually a simple binary hex editor (FRHED is a good one) would be enough to search and replace the COM1 with COM2 messages. That is if they are stored in text format - if they are binary versions then you end up changing values to point to the correct address.

Alternatively I take it you've tried doing a "NAMEOFPROGRAM /?" in case the programmer left in a "which port to run on" function from the command line.

[WhiteDevil]

i think getting a programmer in would give the accountant a heart attack.

im learning C++ now, if only i were a bit more advanced id write it for nothing...

[Adept]

No worries - if its as officialy secret as you say then there may still not be a problem (I'm sure Sean would be able to tell you who I work for)

If I tell him, do I get to kill him afterwards Dack?

[Dack]

Only via alcohol poisoning

BTW check your mail and try and explain the beard.

[lobo]

@daveeb
Use this program eXeScope to modify the .exe file
http://hp.vector.co.jp/authors/VA003525/Eindex.htm


Do you want to customize an application ?  For example,
     Change font,
     Change menu,
     Change size or layout of dialog,
     Change Icon,
     etc.,
   but do you think that it is impossible because you have not source files ?
   eXeScope is a resource editor which can edit executable files directly.
   It can analyze and rewrite resources of EXE, DLL, OCX, etc. without source
   files. Almost all resources, that is, Menu, Dialog, String, MessageTable,
   Icon, Cursor, Bitmap, Accelerator, VersionInfo, Delphi Form, WAVE, MIDI,
   AVI, GIF, HTML, JPEG, ToolBar are supported.
   Moreover, eXeScope can analyze and display exported/imported functions
   and TypeLibrary in DLL, OCX, etc.

Brian

[Adept]

Brian, that program looks interesting, but it looks like it is written with Windows .exe programs in mind not DOS ones. Does it mention whether it will handle a DOS .exe file at all?

[daveeb]

as i told dack, we've temporarily solved the problem with a different pc that has a fully functioning com1 port, however its a very temporary measure so i might well resurrect this one again soon.  thanks for all the interest and input chaps and chapesses.    

[Dack]

Brian, that program looks interesting, but it looks like it is written with Windows .exe programs in mind not DOS ones. Does it mention whether it will handle a DOS .exe file at all?

Exescope is quite cute but only really allows the editing of resources for windows apps (though it does it very well - I've used it in conjuction with DeDe (a Delphi Disasembler)). A similar thing can 'almost' be achieved using Visual C++ as you can load executables and 'borrow' the resources from them using the default installation (and then edit the bin file to activate buttons etc. but I digress ).


For anyone interested in rev-enging then do a google search for Fravia.