A: No. If the link isn't from the official megathread (and Alcove isn't on it), assume it's a virus. Reddit mods remove working cracks quickly; only dead links and malware remain.
He downloaded the text file. It was small. Clean. No .exe files to trigger his antivirus. He followed the instructions: disconnect the internet, open the Windows Registry Editor, and navigate to the software’s hidden validation folder. With shaking hands, he pasted the string: ALC-99X-RE-8821-VLT