Abstract: "A method of using personal information as a decryption key for encrypted software. When software is sold, a purchaser provides a seller with several pieces of personal information that will be used as part of a decryption key. The personal information is tied to the purchaser or a user of the software. For example, the personal information can include, but is not limited to, the purchaser's social security number, telephone number, expiration date of the credit card, address, mother's maiden name, children's names, bank account information. This personal information is embedded in the purchased or licensed software. The material is then conveyed to the purchaser. To activate the software the purchaser must enter the key that includes the personal information. The software compares the key that the purchaser enters with the personal information embedded in the software. The software will only be installed if the key and the personal information match.