A suggestion for anyone still updating their code decryption tools

[Viper187]

Why doesn't anybody try allowing their decryption tools to ignore invalid characters? i.e. the ?? for digits. I don't give a shit about the value, I need the ADDRESS(!), which is obviously not affected by those missing characters in old CB/AR codes. Drives me nuts having to enter nonsense digits all the time to get codes to decrypt.

[Pyriel]

It's easy if you're only handling one device that doesn't encrypt the value, or that doesn't have much variability to its encryption. Good luck encrypting an AR MAX code while ignoring wild-cards in the value, though.

Edit: Also, I don't code my encryption/decryption tools exclusively for hackers. And I figure hackers should be bright enough to put the list in Notepad or their editor of choice and change all ? to 0 or something.

[Viper187]

It's easy if you're only handling one device that doesn't encrypt the value, or that doesn't have much variability to its encryption. Good luck encrypting an AR MAX code while ignoring wild-cards in the value, though.

Edit: Also, I don't code my encryption/decryption tools exclusively for hackers. And I figure hackers should be bright enough to put the list in Notepad or their editor of choice and change all ? to 0 or something.

I didn't say anything about ENcrypting, I said DECRYPTing. variability means nothing. Substitute 0 for invalid characters in the value, the raw address will still be output properly. Obviously, any code with invalid characters in the value wouldn't be using an encryption where the value effects the address part. I wish somebody would decrypt CMX's whole code DB. It'd make things easier. lol

[Pyriel]

It's all the same with the tools I maintain. I didn't want get into templates, or have to do an assload of type conversions just to handle wild-cards in the couple of instances where they're possible given particular inputs and outputs.

I thought about globally subbing in zeros for wild-cards, but it seemed like something that would cause a lot of consternation among the vocal camp of users who barely have a clue what they're doing. Especially when dealing with CB2 or AR MAX conversions, since it would be impossible to swap in new values after encrypting. Better to force them to put some thought into their input.

There are several tools that don't handle the devices with more complex encryption that will allow wild-cards. I think the converter that Fullcodes has someone maintaining is intended more for Asian use, and it doesn't do much other than the old Xploder and AR1/2 encryption. If I recall correctly, it will allow wild-cards. Misfire's CB2Crypt will as well, but it's only useful with the CB1-6 encryption.