Is it possible to edit desktop software without the source code?

by 10 replies
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I have a program that runs on your desktop that I want to change. I outsourced the creation of this software years ago but do not have the source code anymore because of circumstances outside my control.

If I need to edit this software program, is there a way to do it? It's written in Delphi I think.
#programming #code #desktop #edit #software #source
  • Hi Gary,

    Theoretically it's possible, changes can be made on complied software. But AFAIK, this may be almost hard as impossible depending complexity of the changes you want to be made. Maybe you can outsource it again with a lower cost now, having new features and the source code.
  • Yes, it is.

    Is it easy?
    No, its not.

    Why?
    Because when computer programs are compiled into binary (ones and zeros), then all the "unnecessary" (to a PC) is fetched out: comments, method, class and variable names which have a meaning etc. so implementing new functions and editing existing ones is nightmare.
  • Since it's in Delphi, you'll be able to decomplie it to get the forms back, but that is about it.
  • Thanks guys. I just wanted to change one image in the software.
    • [1] reply
    • Text, like Text in Menu Bars or Text inside of forms like labels and Option buttons, etc. is referred to as 'Resources.' Icons and Graphics are also resources.

      Do a Google search for 'Resource Hacker.' Tools and tools like it will read the resources from a binary, allow you to re-write the resources and re-compile the binary.

      Quick. Easy. Simple. : )

      Good luck.
      • [1] reply
  • This will probably do what you need:
    (i have to mangle the URL so i can post a link, stupid forum rules)
    Code:
    angusj.com / resourcehacker /
  • Yah, it is possible but you will need a de-compiler to reverse engineer the
    software.
  • you can edit only resources (bitmaps, strings, forms, etc) without source code, except if the .exe is compressed with some app like aspack, upx, etc.

    unless you are a hacker :p and do reverse engineering to get the assembler source code and modify the behavior of the app
  • u can use the resource hacker to edit or change al codes of softwares which are open source software but remember it is illegal in any case.
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