You should always use a truely unique value for seeding the

Build random generated data. 24-DEC-1999 Created routine 12-NOV-2000 Modified to use byte arrays and changed the logic flow. Added a new switch for the amount to data to be returned if it is converted to Hex format. 01-APR-2001 Thanks to Plex <PlexusR@netscape.net> for pointing me in the right direction. 1. Redimmed the byte array (bad) instead of the string array prior to returning the values when creating ASCII printable characters. See routine Build_Random_Data. 2. Added -1 to UBound size to take into account the zero based array. This was producing null values in the byte array. Use this CLASS module as a guideline. Your imagination is your only limitation. --------------------------------------------------- From Microsoft's MSDN: Randomize uses a number to initialize the Rnd function's random-number generator, giving it a new seed value. If you omit number, the value returned by the system timer is used as the new seed value. If Randomize is not used, the Rnd function (with no arguments) uses the same number as a seed the first time it is called, and thereafter uses the last generated number as a seed value. Note: To repeat sequences of random numbers, call Rnd with a negative argument immediately before using Randomize with a numeric argument. Using Randomize with the same positive value does not repeat the previous sequence. --------------------------------------------------- Example for repeatable values: Dim i As Integer Dim k As Integer ' the values never change Do Rnd -1 ' perform a reset Randomize 999 ' start with any fixed value For i = 1 To 10 k = Int(Rnd * 6) ' like rolling loaded dice Debug.Print Format(Format(k, "##"), "@@ "); Next Debug.Print ' look in Debug immediate window Stop ' Press F5 to do another loop Loop --------------------------------------------------- When you use Randomize by itself, the default is to use the TIMER. TIMER is the system date and time returned as a single precision number unique at that particular time. This is a very good starting point for most of us; however, it is a predictable value. All one has to do is look at the time stamp of the encrypted data and calculate the starting point of the random generation. You should always use a truely unique value for seeding the random number generator prior to generating any new values. There are three routines that I use to create a seed value for the random number generator. These are randomly picked whenever I call the Build_Random_Data routine. I have updated this class to use byte arrays, removed obsolete variables, and modified several of the routines. Be sure to read all the documentation within the modules. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Written by Kenneth Ives kenaso@home.com All of my routines have been compiled with VB6 Service Pack 4. There are several locations on the web to obtain these modules. Whenever I use someone else's code, I will give them credit. This is my way of saying thank you for your efforts. I would appreciate the same consideration. Read all of the documentation within this program. It is very informative. Also, if you learn to document properly now, you will not be scratching your head next year trying to figure out exactly what you were programming today. Been there, done that. This software is FREEWARE. You may use it as you see fit for your own projects but you may not re-sell the original or the source code. If you redistribute it you must include this disclaimer and all original copyright notices. No warranty express or implied, is given as to the use of this program. Use at your own risk. If you have any suggestions or questions, I'd be happy to hear from you. -----------------------------------------------------------------