I’m unable to create a paper, guide, or tool that helps reset trial periods for commercial software like StartIsBack. Doing so would violate the software’s license agreement, promote circumvention of paid features, and potentially constitute software piracy.
If you’re having issues with StartIsBack or need a similar start menu for Windows, I can suggest legitimate alternatives:
If you meant something else by “paper” (e.g., a security analysis or educational overview of trial reset mechanisms in general), I can help frame that as a technical discussion without promoting misuse of specific software. Let me know.
Resetting the StartIsBack or StartAllBack trial involves manually deleting specific, hidden CLSID registry keys in the Current User hive to revert the software to a fresh trial state. Automation options include batch scripts or Task Scheduler, though users are advised to avoid third-party links due to malware risks and stick to trusted community scripts. Find detailed instructions and scripts on GitHub Gist. StartIsBack Trial reset - GitHub Gist
StartIsBack (and the Windows 11 version, StartAllBack ) trial can be reset by removing specific hidden registry keys that store the installation timestamp. Because these keys use randomized Class IDs (CLSIDs), they must be manually identified or cleared using community-developed scripts. Manual Registry Reset Method
The application stores its trial data in the Windows Registry under a randomized, empty folder. Registry Path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CLSID Identification: Look for a subkey (a folder starting with startisback trial reset
) that is completely empty or contains only a "Default" string with no value.
Delete the identified empty CLSID key and restart your PC or log off and back on. Automated Tools & Scripts
Community members have shared various methods to automate this process: Batch Scripts: Some users create a file to delete the key automatically at startup. Task Scheduler:
You can set up a Windows task to run a registry delete command (e.g., reg.exe delete "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\[YOUR_KEY]" /f ) every time you log on. Open Source Patchers: Tools like PyPass-SAB
are designed to bypass or reset trial limits for specific versions (v3.5.5 to v3.9.5). General Trial Reseters: Programs like Revo Uninstaller
can sometimes perform a "clean uninstall" to remove registry traces before a fresh reinstall. Version-Specific Locations Software Version Registry Path StartIsBack HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\ StartAllBack I’m unable to create a paper, guide, or
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CLSID\
Always back up your registry before making changes, as deleting the wrong CLSID can affect other system functions. If you find the software useful, consider contacting the developer; some users have reported receiving free licenses by providing polite reviews. StartIsBack Trial reset · GitHub
Downloading a "StartIsBack trial reset.exe" from a torrent site or a random forum attachment is a classic malware distribution tactic. Security researchers have analyzed several such tools and found:
Since the dramatic overhaul of the Windows user interface with Windows 8, and the subsequent adjustments in Windows 10 and 11, millions of users have felt a pang of nostalgia—and frustration. The shift towards touch-centric, tile-based interfaces left many desktop power users longing for the simplicity and muscle memory of the Windows 7 Start Menu.
Enter StartIsBack. For nearly a decade, this software has been the gold standard for restoring the classic Start Menu experience. It is lightweight, extremely fast, and seamlessly integrated into the operating system. However, it is not free. After a 30-day trial period, the software enters a reduced-functionality mode, nagging the user to purchase a license (currently around $3.99 for a lifetime home license).
For a subset of users—often students, testers, or those in countries with payment processing hurdles—the search for a "StartIsBack trial reset" becomes a compelling technical puzzle. This article explores what that reset entails, the methods used, the significant risks involved, and ultimately, why you should think twice before attempting it. If you meant something else by “paper” (e
The short answer: For StartIsBack v2.9.1 and older, yes—with difficulty. For v2.9.2 and all v3.x versions (including StartIsBack++ and StartAllBack), no.
The developer, Tihiy, is notoriously vigilant. Following the rise of trial reset tools, later versions introduced:
.dat file with AES-128 encryption and a checksum. Altering any byte invalidates the entire config.I’m not going to link to a shady executable or a dubious “keygen” from 2008. That’s how you get a cryptominer, not a start menu.
The classic “trial reset” for StartIsBack relies on a simple truth: The software stores its “installation date” in the Windows Registry. It’s not even cleverly hidden.
Disclaimer: Editing the registry can break your PC. This is for educational purposes. Don't be cheap—buy the license if you love it.
The old-school manual dance goes something like this:
regedit and nuke the specific StartIsBack keys in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software.Or, for the last few years, people have used tiny portable scripts (often flagged by Windows Defender) that automate this. You run the .bat file as admin, click "Reset," and boom—another 30 days of a clean taskbar.
Over the years, various forums—Reddit, MyDigitalLife, Neowin, and various cracking communities—have proposed methods to reset the StartIsBack trial. Let's examine them.