SoftICE is a kernel mode debugger for Microsoft Windows. Older versions exist for DOS and compatible operating systems. SoftICE was originally produced by a company called NuMega, and was subsequently acquired by Compuware.

Because of its usability, SoftICE is used as a software cracking tool.

History

The original SoftICE for DOS was written in 1987 by NuMega founders Frank Grossman and Jim Moskin . The program, written in 80386 assembly language, played the role of an operating system and ran software in virtual 8086 mode. It sold for $386.

Later versions for Windows and Windows NT melded with the operating system, patching into numerous functions. This made the program somewhat fragile, in that small changes to the operating system could render SoftICE inoperative.