F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > F30 DIYs and Coding Discussions > How to keep using expired E-Sys Launcher Premium by reverting system date (hack)
GetBMWParts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-16-2018, 12:32 PM   #1
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

How to keep using expired E-Sys Launcher Premium by reverting system date (hack)

Tokenmaster's free E-Sys Launcher Premium is a great tool for using E-sys. Unfortunately, the E-sys .est token file that is created by the Launcher is only valid within a limited timeframe. Outside this timeframe, the Launcher won't start properly and you can't do FDL-coding in E-sys anymore. Reverting the system time back to within the timeframe results in an error 'Date manipulation detected', endless loops where it keeps asking for a pin, or even app-crashes.

Until now.....

I wrote a script that rearms/resets the Launcher and predates several important Windows system folders, so that the system time CAN be reverted. This also unlocks the possibility to switch chassis whenever you like, so no need to wait for 3 days anymore. Simply extract the package and run the batch-file with elevated privileges ('as administrator'). The latest package can be found here:

https://mega.nz/#F!DRFxVTRS!ufLV3tJ5c5JfCpftR4H5nw

Tested in Windows 10/7 on Launcher 2.5.3 and higher. Older versions might also work. No need for Virtual Machines anymore to keep using the Launcher!

Happy coding everyone! Please donate to a charity if you like the software!


--------
Tony Twoclicks


UPDATE 07/04/2019:
Version 2.0.4 is out!
Added intelligent file/folder redating to prevent issues related to irrelevant Launcher versions.
Changed error checking to display warning instead of fatal error in some cases, enhancing the chance of a working Launcher even if ideal conditions are not met.

UPDATE 01/03/2019:
Version 2.0.0 is out!
Almost totally rewritten, the first major update with lots of new features:
  • Support for UNC-path execution: the script will now run from anywhere, even network drives.
  • Dynamic resolution of file/folder locations instead of assuming defaults: no more problems with redating relocated folders or non-standard system configurations.
  • E-sys installation files and folders are now redated to prevent C157 "EST file manipulated" error in E-sys.
  • E-sys soft-token path is cleared from E-sys configuration to prevent token errors due to previous installations.
  • Extensive error checking to improve reliability and provide better feedback to the user.
  • User interface colors to reflect Rearm status at a glance.
  • Improved Readme.txt with sections for better readability and overview of Frequently Asked Questions (and answers).
UPDATE 01/01/2019:
Version 1.7.0 "Happy New Year edition" is out! Added support for Launcher 2.8.2.

.
Attached Files
File Type: zip E-Sys Launcher Premium Rearm 2.0.4.zip (206.0 KB, 5138 views)

Last edited by Tony Twoclicks; 04-07-2019 at 12:54 PM.. Reason: Update
Appreciate 30
kretzu1713.00
Celestion247.50
HZX540e373.50
oceanview207.00
kern4174442.00
Ibo24136.50
schland15.00
oli342.00
Siki78134.00
BlueF3624.50
atzebmw588.00
Nkana0.00
ferbmw6.50
Rebound152.50
derbo3592.00
clee1982796.00
///M Houbi1653.00
sdjro27.00
Littlebear3508.50
widetyres279.00
SaNGRia980.00
      01-16-2018, 02:06 PM   #2
Abzynthe
Colonel
Abzynthe's Avatar
1308
Rep
2,099
Posts

Drives: BMW 440i Gran Coupe LCI
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

So for premium v2.7.1 you need to load on a virtual machine?

I tried on both 2.5.0 and 2.7.1 and couldn't get it to work.
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2018, 03:04 PM   #3
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

It's appreciated, but the instructions read like they were written by an experienced coder, as I'm sure they were. Instructions should never be written by coders, because they assume the reader knows what they mean and how to implement them. They should be written by artists or musicians, who have no inkling what they're doing, in a way so clear that any newbie can make it work.
Appreciate 1
      01-16-2018, 04:19 PM   #4
a803sgo
Captain
170
Rep
616
Posts

Drives: BMW 320D M-SPORT (F30)
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Kent, UK

iTrader: (0)

Got a link to 2.6.2?
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2018, 04:59 PM   #5
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

I'm not a musician Let me try to clarify...

I was told that the Premium Launcher 2.7.1 has checks so that it won't run in a virtual machine unless you have an activationcode from Tokenmaster, which he no longer supplies. It will run when installed on a normal PC though.

Premium version 2.6.2 will run in a virtual machine, no problem. I tested this myself. Don't know about other versions.

My script deletes all Launcher config files and folders, as well as resets the dates of several important Windows system folders. The Launcher checks these dates to see what the 'current' date/time is. If the system clock predates this, you'll see the 'Date manipulation' error and the launcher won't start.

Why would you want to change the system clock? Because Tokenmaster cleverly build his tool to generate an .est token file which is only valid until 30/12/2017. Without a valid token, E-sys won't start.
That's why the system clock has to be reversed, so that the token will be valid and E-sys will startup happily. My script makes sure that the launcher will accept that reversal.

So to start E-sys with, say, Premium Launcher 2.7.1:
-Extract my package to your Desktop
-Set the system clock to, say, 01-04-2017 0:00
-Run my script
-Start the Launcher and enter your settings
-Enjoy coding

If, for example after a windows update, you get the 'Date manipulation' error again, or when the Launcher keeps asking for a pin suddenly, just adjust the system clock and run my script again.

It's also important to know that the system time can never predate the compilation time of a particular Launcher version. I also mention this in my script for version 2.6.2 and 2.7.1.

Phew! Hope this clarifies things for you....

-----------
Tony Twoclicks
Appreciate 3
      01-16-2018, 05:00 PM   #6
CraigJ
Private First Class
CraigJ's Avatar
United Kingdom
29
Rep
114
Posts

Drives: F20 M135i
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Stafford uk

iTrader: (0)

I have run the script but its telling me that the .est token file is not in c data. i'm not sure why the token file is not where it should be and i can't delete it manually because i can't find it. Does anyone know how to find the .est token file?
__________________
320i Msport in MG with 400M alloys, black Dakota leather, Pro nav ,Auto box, Xdrive, Power fold mirrors,Bluespark tuning box.
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2018, 05:08 PM   #7
a803sgo
Captain
170
Rep
616
Posts

Drives: BMW 320D M-SPORT (F30)
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Kent, UK

iTrader: (0)

Tried it with launcher 2.1.2 setting the date to 15/12/15 and all I get is the token splash page asking for the path, pin and confirmation with a generate token button. it skips the first screen where it detects the esys path and selection of car model altogether.
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2018, 05:38 PM   #8
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigJ View Post
I have run the script but its telling me that the .est token file is not in c data. i'm not sure why the token file is not where it should be and i can't delete it manually because i can't find it. Does anyone know how to find the .est token file?
Have you ever installed and ran any version of the Launcher before? Otherwise, the're may not be a token at all, since the Launcher creates it on first use.

Try to search for 'freetoken.est' in your entire system and see what comes up.
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2018, 05:53 PM   #9
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by a803sgo View Post
Tried it with launcher 2.1.2 setting the date to 15/12/15 and all I get is the token splash page asking for the path, pin and confirmation with a generate token button. it skips the first screen where it detects the esys path and selection of car model altogether.
Did you delete your freetoken.est file?
I haven't tested older Launcher versions, but it seems your token has expired. You could also try setting the date a few months earlier, like July, August or September.
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2018, 07:16 PM   #10
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by a803sgo View Post
Got a link to 2.6.2?
PM sent
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2018, 07:47 PM   #11
Triple88
Private First Class
Triple88's Avatar
95
Rep
115
Posts

Drives: 2014 335xi M-Sport
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Chicago suburbs

iTrader: (2)

Awesome worked for me Thank you!
__________________
2014 BMW 335xi FBO Wagner catted DP, VRSF CP, VRSF HD FMIC, M-Performance exhaust, BM3, AG 359M 19in Rims, ExtremeContact Sports Tires
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2018, 11:16 PM   #12
Roch M4
I /// M FAN
Canada
424
Rep
426
Posts

Drives: M4 SS/SO 2016 / X5M C 2023
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony Twoclicks View Post
A lot of us were surprised to find that E-Sys Launcher Premium stopped working after 30 December 2017 because the E-sys .est token it creates is not valid after that date. Reverting the system time results in an error 'Date manipulation detected' and using older versions results in endless loops where the Launcher keeps asking for a pin.

Until now.....

I wrote a little script that rearms/resets the Launcher, so that the system time CAN be reverted. Simply extract the package to your Desktop and run the batch-file as Admin (elevated). The package can be found here:

https://mega.nz/#F!DRFxVTRS!ufLV3tJ5c5JfCpftR4H5nw

Tested on Launcher 2.7.1 and 2.6.2. Older versions probably work as well. No need for Virtual Machines anymore! (In fact V2.7.1 needs to be activated on a virtual machine).

Tokenmaster is probably going to hate me for this, but I think this action is justified by the fact that there are a lot of honest coding enthusiasts like myself that were victomized by his obsession about some people abusing his Launcher and his sudden decision to end it all. Leaving the coding community with nothing, not even a working last version of the Launcher, wasn't a very nice thing to do. The way he handled that, in my opinion, doesn't do justice to the hard work the same community put in with feedback and new cheat codes for Tokenmaster to improve the Launcher. The latest Pro version of the Launcher still contains these cheat codes, which is fine by me. I'm just saying that the success of Tokenmaster's Launcher AND of the community works both ways. The free Premium Launcher offered a very low threshold for people to become interested in coding, learning new stuff, and contributing new ideas and cheat sheets and I think it's a real shame that that has now been lost. Without the Launcher the community wouldn't have been as great, but without the community I don't think the Launcher would have been as great either.

Happy coding everyone! Please donate to a charity if you like the software!


--------
Tony Twoclicks
You are a genius, everything worked perfectly. The procedure was smooth and easy, no errors. I used Launcher 2.7.1. Thanks a lot!
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2018, 03:06 AM   #13
BimmerSI
Private
BimmerSI's Avatar
30
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: F15 xdrive30d, F10 520d, i3
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Slovenia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CraigJ View Post
I have run the script but its telling me that the .est token file is not in c data. i'm not sure why the token file is not where it should be and i can't delete it manually because i can't find it. Does anyone know how to find the .est token file?
I get the same message. Maybe the problem is with clean installation of Launcher . I am using Windows 10 on parallels desktop.

I did change date on mac as native os as well.
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2018, 06:04 AM   #14
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

It's not a problem. My script assumes there is an .est token file in C:\Data. If there is none, as with a clean install of the Launcher, it will display the warning but obviously there's nothing to delete.

Also, you don't have to change the date on your Mac (unless your guest OS synchronizes time with the host), just Windows is enough.
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2018, 07:07 AM   #15
BimmerSI
Private
BimmerSI's Avatar
30
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: F15 xdrive30d, F10 520d, i3
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Slovenia

iTrader: (0)

That makes sense. Thank you. But still no luck...

When I change date and run script, then Launcher still shows date manipulation. I tried with both versions of Launcher mentioned in this thread.

Thanks for sugestions.
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2018, 07:52 AM   #16
kriszty
Lieutenant
kriszty's Avatar
329
Rep
532
Posts

Drives: B58 M240ix pureturbo800 dorch1
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Holland

iTrader: (0)

try windows 7 , windows 10 has some more changes to do
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2018, 08:43 AM   #17
BimmerSI
Private
BimmerSI's Avatar
30
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: F15 xdrive30d, F10 520d, i3
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Slovenia

iTrader: (0)

Thank you for the hint. Is it possible to see what those changes are? I have some others programs like ista and so on installed already so I do not eant to reinstall all of those.
Thank you
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2018, 08:49 AM   #18
htancl
New Member
0
Rep
13
Posts

Drives: BMW F30
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Singapore

iTrader: (0)

Run the script and was prompted that my OS version is not compatible. I'm running Windows 7 Professional on a VM.

Any help appreciated.
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2018, 09:35 AM   #19
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Smile Updated version

I've tweaked and updated the script for compatibility with Launcher 2.7.1 and Windows 10! Turns out I missed a few checks that were introduced in 2.7.1 and also some system folders have different names on Windows 10. Should be working now.
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2018, 09:46 AM   #20
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerSI View Post
Thank you for the hint. Is it possible to see what those changes are? I have some others programs like ista and so on installed already so I do not eant to reinstall all of those.
Thank you
It's quite a long list. Look in the script to see for yourself
Basically:
  • All files and folders that the Launcher creates are removed.
  • Some RSA keys are removed if present.
  • Entire installation folder (C:\Program files (x86)\Tokenmaster\) and files of the Launcher get predated to 01-01-2010.
  • Several Windows system folders that the Launcher checks on get predated to 01-01-2010 (files are untouched).

The latter change could be tricky if some other program is also checking for dates on the same folder. It may notice a change and stop working. Don't know if ISTA works that way though.... I invite you to test and let us know

--------
Tony Twoclicks
Appreciate 1
      01-17-2018, 09:57 AM   #21
Tony Twoclicks
Second Lieutenant
124
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: 2012 F30 320i
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by htancl View Post
Run the script and was prompted that my OS version is not compatible. I'm running Windows 7 Professional on a VM.

Any help appreciated.

You're probably using 32-bit Windows. Shouldn't be doing that...
The tool I'm using for changing dates is 64-bit. I'll test with a 32-bit version and put it online if it works.

UPDATE 17/01/2018:
The package is now 32-bit compatible!

Last edited by Tony Twoclicks; 01-17-2018 at 10:47 AM.. Reason: added 32-bit compatibility
Appreciate 1
      01-17-2018, 11:18 AM   #22
BimmerSI
Private
BimmerSI's Avatar
30
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: F15 xdrive30d, F10 520d, i3
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Slovenia

iTrader: (0)

Wow Tony, thank you!!

Still no luck for me. It must be something different in my os. I guess the easiest way would be reintall whole OS (windows).
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
clock, date, esys, launcher, premium

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:44 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST