This paper presents a novel approach to blind equalization (deconvolution), which is based on direct examination of possible input sequences. In contrast to many other approaches, it does not rely on a model of the approximative inverse of the channel dynamics. To start with, the blind equalization identi ability problem for a noisefree nite impulse response channel model is investigated. A necessary condition for the input, which is algorithm independent, for blind deconvolution is derived. This condition is expressed in an information measure of the input sequence. A su cient condition for identi ability is also inferred, which imposes a constraint on the true channel dynamics. The analysis motivates a recursive algorithm where all permissible input sequences are examined. The exact solution is guaranteed to b e f o u n d a s s o o n as it is possible. An upper bound on the computional complexity of the algorithm is given. This algorithm is then generalized to cope with time-varying in nite impulse response channel models with additive noise. The estimated sequence is an arbitrary good approximation of the maximum a posteriori estimate. The proposed method is evaluated on a Rayleigh fading communication channel. The simulation results indicate fast convergence properties and good tracking abilities.