Coupons.com - how does it control how many coupons you can print?
I thought I was being cute concerning coupons.com and printing more coupons than they would allow from 1 computer.
I used ShadowProtect to image the computer. THEN I installled their program and printed the 2 of the coupon I wanted. Tried printing #3 and it said I already printed my limit
I then restored the image. booted up and went to print the coupons. I had to install their program (confirming that I was running on the image created before I installed their printer software). It then said I had printed my limit before I could get any more coupons.
I then went to another PC on my network and installed their printer software and printed the 2 copies of the coupon I wanted. They came out OK, then on the 3rd, I got the note that I printed my limit.
So that experience is telling me they aren't using cookies or registry keys (because reimaging the computer didn't let me print more coupons).
And 2 machines on the same LAN with the router using NAT means that both machines requests are coming from the same IP address. They aren't keeping count based on the public IP. And the requests are coming from the MAC address of the router, not each PC< so they aren't basing this on the MAC address of the machine?
I am thinking they create an ID number for the computer based on the hardware / serial numbers, etc (like how microsoft activation works? It knows when you activate their software and if you change too much about your PC, it wants to get reactivated, thinking it was installed on another machine?
So does anyone know how coupons.com works? Is there a work around?
I used ShadowProtect to image the computer. THEN I installled their program and printed the 2 of the coupon I wanted. Tried printing #3 and it said I already printed my limit
I then restored the image. booted up and went to print the coupons. I had to install their program (confirming that I was running on the image created before I installed their printer software). It then said I had printed my limit before I could get any more coupons.
I then went to another PC on my network and installed their printer software and printed the 2 copies of the coupon I wanted. They came out OK, then on the 3rd, I got the note that I printed my limit.
So that experience is telling me they aren't using cookies or registry keys (because reimaging the computer didn't let me print more coupons).
And 2 machines on the same LAN with the router using NAT means that both machines requests are coming from the same IP address. They aren't keeping count based on the public IP. And the requests are coming from the MAC address of the router, not each PC< so they aren't basing this on the MAC address of the machine?
I am thinking they create an ID number for the computer based on the hardware / serial numbers, etc (like how microsoft activation works? It knows when you activate their software and if you change too much about your PC, it wants to get reactivated, thinking it was installed on another machine?
So does anyone know how coupons.com works? Is there a work around?
Who is Participating?
Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by
Enjoy your complimentary solution view.
Get every solution instantly with Premium.
Start your 7-day free trial.
I wear a lot of hats...
"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.
LVL 12
YOu are correct in saying that they make a unique id that corresponds with your hardware on your machine. That is how they track the number of downloads. There really is no workaround for this....
Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by
Your issues matter to us.
Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.
Start your 7-day free trial
Install PrimoPDF. Set it as your default printer. When it goes to print the coupon, use the PDF printer so it spools the raw data into a PDF. Then you can print umpteen copies of the PDF.
Otherwise, you could try setting up XP in Virtualbox, but the UUID of each VM is probably the same and the program will probably detect that you are trying to run it in a VM and will not run.
Otherwise, you could try setting up XP in Virtualbox, but the UUID of each VM is probably the same and the program will probably detect that you are trying to run it in a VM and will not run.
Most coupon sites wont allow printing to a pdf because it knows it's not a physical printer. You also can't print the same pdf over and over because each time you print a coupon it has a unique coupon number that isn't the barcode number. The store register will flag that
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
OS Security
From novice to tech pro — start learning today.
Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by
Enjoy your complimentary solution view.
Get every solution instantly with Premium.
Start your 7-day free trial.