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Serial NumberCan any one help me? I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. Most of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that work return stupid numbers. I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird number (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard disk, the Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and Server. Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? Thanks Please post reply here. NC. Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the
bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a job to do) Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to use with authentication. (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) Cor Show quoteHide quote "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... > Hi there, > > Can any one help me? > > I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in hard > disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial Number) > without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. Most of the > classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that work return > stupid numbers. > > I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird number > (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard disk, the > Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and Server. > > Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? > > Thanks > > Please post reply here. > > NC. > And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution?
NC Show quoteHide quote "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the > bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a job > to do) > > Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to > use with authentication. > > (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) > > Cor > > "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message > news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >> Hi there, >> >> Can any one help me? >> >> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in >> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial >> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. Most >> of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that work >> return stupid numbers. >> >> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird number >> (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard disk, the >> Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and Server. >> >> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? >> >> Thanks >> >> Please post reply here. >> >> NC. >> > Then the user should have a Lan adapter in his computer.
In past that was not always obvious, maybe that is currently an option, but then it should always be there and therefore no by instance a removable usb adapter. For you try it, the software serial number is not unique. Cor Show quoteHide quote "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message news:4a251b03$0$13532$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... > And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? > > NC > > "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message > news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the >> bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a >> job to do) >> >> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to >> use with authentication. >> >> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) >> >> Cor >> >> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message >> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >>> Hi there, >>> >>> Can any one help me? >>> >>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in >>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial >>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. Most >>> of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that work >>> return stupid numbers. >>> >>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird number >>> (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard disk, the >>> Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and Server. >>> >>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> Please post reply here. >>> >>> NC. >>> >> > > I use several options. My code will look at the S/N of the harddisk, the MAC
adress of the NIC, and the Volume ID of the the root drive, etc. Now the code will look after the ID's in a paticular order aand will select the first ID that does not return a "" or a 0. It will then save that ID together with a type identifier (for instance HD-ID for hardisk S/N, VOL-ID for volume ID, etc). The type identifier is needed because someone can add a NIC, etc later and that could change what ID is returned first valid. My activation code is then based on the saved ID nr and the type identification. Yours friendly, Hans Heezemans (www.iservi.com) ----- Original Message ----- From: "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> Newsgroups: microsoft.public.vb.general.discussionSent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 2:28 PM Subject: Re: Serial Number Show quoteHide quote > And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? > > NC > > "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message > news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the >> bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a >> job to do) >> >> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to >> use with authentication. >> >> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) >> >> Cor >> >> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message >> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >>> Hi there, >>> >>> Can any one help me? >>> >>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in >>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial >>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. Most >>> of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that work >>> return stupid numbers. >>> >>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird number >>> (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard disk, the >>> Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and Server. >>> >>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> Please post reply here. >>> >>> NC. >>> >> > > -- Show quoteHide quoteMet vriendelijke groet, Yours friendly, Hans Heezemans "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> schreef in bericht news:4a251b03$0$13532$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... > And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? > > NC > > "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message > news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the >> bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a >> job to do) >> >> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to >> use with authentication. >> >> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) >> >> Cor >> >> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message >> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >>> Hi there, >>> >>> Can any one help me? >>> >>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in >>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial >>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. Most >>> of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that work >>> return stupid numbers. >>> >>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird number >>> (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard disk, the >>> Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and Server. >>> >>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? >>> >>> Thanks >>> >>> Please post reply here. >>> >>> NC. >>> >> > > I won't buy software that requires activation from small or single-person
companies. Why? What if the principal programmer gets hit by a bus (thus causing the company to close)... what am I supposed to do then when my system needs to be rebuilt with new hardware or I buy a new computer? I have to tolerate activation from the large companies (like Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec, etc.), but I fully expect the company to still be there when I next need to re-activate the software. That the company is large is my protection that they will still be around in the future if/when I need them (although the Merrill Lynch take over by Bank of America or the recent GM bankruptcy have made me start to question this). In order for me to buy a program requiring activation from a small or single-person company, they would have to show that some kind of unlock code was placed in escrow with a law firm so that I had some assurance that I could continue to use the program in the event that the principal programmer or company ceases to exist. -- Show quoteHide quoteRick (MVP - Excel) "Hans" <no@spam.com> wrote in message news:u8JmBD64JHA.1808@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >I use several options. My code will look at the S/N of the harddisk, the >MAC adress of the NIC, and the Volume ID of the the root drive, etc. Now >the code will look after the ID's in a paticular order aand will select the >first ID that does not return a "" or a 0. It will then save that ID >together with a type identifier (for instance HD-ID for hardisk S/N, VOL-ID >for volume ID, etc). > The type identifier is needed because someone can add a NIC, etc later and > that could change what ID is returned first valid. > > My activation code is then based on the saved ID nr and the type > identification. > > Yours friendly, > > Hans Heezemans (www.iservi.com) > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> > Newsgroups: microsoft.public.vb.general.discussion > Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 2:28 PM > Subject: Re: Serial Number > > >> And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? >> >> NC >> >> "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message >> news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >>> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the >>> bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a >>> job to do) >>> >>> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to >>> use with authentication. >>> >>> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) >>> >>> Cor >>> >>> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message >>> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >>>> Hi there, >>>> >>>> Can any one help me? >>>> >>>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in >>>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial >>>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. >>>> Most of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that >>>> work return stupid numbers. >>>> >>>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird >>>> number (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard >>>> disk, the Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and >>>> Server. >>>> >>>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? >>>> >>>> Thanks >>>> >>>> Please post reply here. >>>> >>>> NC. >>>> >>> >> >> > > -- > Met vriendelijke groet, > Yours friendly, > > > Hans Heezemans > "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> schreef in bericht > news:4a251b03$0$13532$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >> And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? >> >> NC >> >> "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message >> news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >>> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the >>> bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a >>> job to do) >>> >>> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to >>> use with authentication. >>> >>> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) >>> >>> Cor >>> >>> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message >>> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >>>> Hi there, >>>> >>>> Can any one help me? >>>> >>>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in >>>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial >>>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. >>>> Most of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that >>>> work return stupid numbers. >>>> >>>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird >>>> number (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard >>>> disk, the Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and >>>> Server. >>>> >>>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? >>>> >>>> Thanks >>>> >>>> Please post reply here. >>>> >>>> NC. >>>> >>> >> >> > > That't what I thought when I bought my first VB3.
Now, Microsoft forces me (but I won't) to rewrite everything to .NET. Did the principal programmer of VB6 got hit by a bus? Result, the company is still there but the product isn't Chris Rick Rothstein wrote: Show quoteHide quote > I won't buy software that requires activation from small or > single-person companies. Why? What if the principal programmer gets hit > by a bus (thus causing the company to close)... what am I supposed to do > then when my system needs to be rebuilt with new hardware or I buy a new > computer? I have to tolerate activation from the large companies (like > Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec, etc.), but I fully expect the company to > still be there when I next need to re-activate the software. That the > company is large is my protection that they will still be around in the > future if/when I need them (although the Merrill Lynch take over by Bank > of America or the recent GM bankruptcy have made me start to question > this). In order for me to buy a program requiring activation from a > small or single-person company, they would have to show that some kind > of unlock code was placed in escrow with a law firm so that I had some > assurance that I could continue to use the program in the event that the > principal programmer or company ceases to exist. > Different scenario. Even today, on a new computer, you can install, and use,
your VB3,4,5,6, needing only the disks/CD it came with and the license number. Rick's comment concerned small companies going out of business and having no way to license software you got from them. But still, your point is well taken: Dealing with a large company does not mean they'll do what you want. In fact, most often, just the opposite. Power corrupts, I guess. -- Show quoteHide quoteRegards, Rick Raisley heavymetal-A-T-bellsouth-D-O-T-net "Chris D" <xh***@xdtexhnologies.info> wrote in message news:4a2576c0$0$2860$ba620e4c@news.skynet.be... > That't what I thought when I bought my first VB3. > Now, Microsoft forces me (but I won't) to rewrite everything to .NET. > Did the principal programmer of VB6 got hit by a bus? > > Result, the company is still there but the product isn't > > Chris > > > Rick Rothstein wrote: >> I won't buy software that requires activation from small or single-person >> companies. Why? What if the principal programmer gets hit by a bus (thus >> causing the company to close)... what am I supposed to do then when my >> system needs to be rebuilt with new hardware or I buy a new computer? I >> have to tolerate activation from the large companies (like Microsoft, >> Adobe, Symantec, etc.), but I fully expect the company to still be there >> when I next need to re-activate the software. That the company is large >> is my protection that they will still be around in the future if/when I >> need them (although the Merrill Lynch take over by Bank of America or the >> recent GM bankruptcy have made me start to question this). In order for >> me to buy a program requiring activation from a small or single-person >> company, they would have to show that some kind of unlock code was placed >> in escrow with a law firm so that I had some assurance that I could >> continue to use the program in the event that the principal programmer or >> company ceases to exist. >> Fully agree to Rick's comment.
And why does it seem that more work is put down to protect apps, than to write the app itself? With knowledge of the programming language and ICE. It is rather easy to remove any protection. Any protection in the world ends up in a true/false assembly. In my world you can only protect software from missuse by the honest users anyway. /Henning Show quoteHide quote "Rick Raisley" <heavymetal-A-T-bellsouth-D-O-Tnet> skrev i meddelandet news:Oq2IVZ74JHA.2656@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... > Different scenario. Even today, on a new computer, you can install, and > use, your VB3,4,5,6, needing only the disks/CD it came with and the > license number. Rick's comment concerned small companies going out of > business and having no way to license software you got from them. > > But still, your point is well taken: Dealing with a large company does not > mean they'll do what you want. In fact, most often, just the opposite. > Power corrupts, I guess. > > -- > Regards, > > Rick Raisley > heavymetal-A-T-bellsouth-D-O-T-net > > "Chris D" <xh***@xdtexhnologies.info> wrote in message > news:4a2576c0$0$2860$ba620e4c@news.skynet.be... >> That't what I thought when I bought my first VB3. >> Now, Microsoft forces me (but I won't) to rewrite everything to .NET. >> Did the principal programmer of VB6 got hit by a bus? >> >> Result, the company is still there but the product isn't >> >> Chris >> >> >> Rick Rothstein wrote: >>> I won't buy software that requires activation from small or >>> single-person companies. Why? What if the principal programmer gets hit >>> by a bus (thus causing the company to close)... what am I supposed to do >>> then when my system needs to be rebuilt with new hardware or I buy a new >>> computer? I have to tolerate activation from the large companies (like >>> Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec, etc.), but I fully expect the company to >>> still be there when I next need to re-activate the software. That the >>> company is large is my protection that they will still be around in the >>> future if/when I need them (although the Merrill Lynch take over by Bank >>> of America or the recent GM bankruptcy have made me start to question >>> this). In order for me to buy a program requiring activation from a >>> small or single-person company, they would have to show that some kind >>> of unlock code was placed in escrow with a law firm so that I had some >>> assurance that I could continue to use the program in the event that the >>> principal programmer or company ceases to exist. >>> > > Rick -
As the propietor of a single person business that develops shareware, I would like to respond to this. I see your point, I truly do. The case of customer worries about what happens to the app they purchase a license to and it's protection scheme is something the individual developer should consider and has a responsibility to address. I realize that many do not and in the event of death, burn out, or general loss of interest, there should be a contingency plan. I thought about this several years ago and here is what I did. I'm sure there will be folks (meaning customers) who might not like it, but something is better than nothing. I have, in my will (and an icon on my desktop that says "Open me in the event of my death", a package set up with instructions on posting a notice to my web site that I have passed away and that there will be no future development (meaning of course, no new updates or fixes, etc). Since my web site is paid for a year in advance, whatever time is left on that year will be how long the site will be left open with links to the current (and last) available downloads. No new orders would be accepted and since I'm no longer around, no further support for the products. Also available for be instructions on how to properly calculate a registration number for those who don't have the common sense to document it off their computer (which I assure you, is most of them). That would be the best I am willing to do in the event of my death. The argument then becomes, why not just release your source code and let other continue the work. I've thought about that too. Maybe several years ago that might have been an option when my software was more popular. These days I just don't see anyone wanting to take on that task, or how much interest there would be for it. Most of my end users are not developers, but your average joe who wouldn't have any idea what to do with source code. Plus, I'm not comfortable with someone else picking up over 13 years of my work, rebradning it and recharging all those customers over again. Even with all those open source licenseing options out there, who would be around to actually enforce it? No one. Besides, I think after a few months, no one would remember me or my wares anyway, so the plan I have in place now should be adiquate. Either way, it should be part of the single person developers plan to have a fall back plan. - Kev -- Show quoteHide quote2025 If you do not believe in time travel, your beliefs are about to be tempered. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43606237254 "Rick Rothstein" <rick.newsNO.SPAM@NO.SPAMverizon.net> wrote in message news:uUXMiV64JHA.1716@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... |I won't buy software that requires activation from small or single-person | companies. Why? What if the principal programmer gets hit by a bus (thus | causing the company to close)... what am I supposed to do then when my | system needs to be rebuilt with new hardware or I buy a new computer? I have | to tolerate activation from the large companies (like Microsoft, Adobe, | Symantec, etc.), but I fully expect the company to still be there when I | next need to re-activate the software. That the company is large is my | protection that they will still be around in the future if/when I need them | (although the Merrill Lynch take over by Bank of America or the recent GM | bankruptcy have made me start to question this). In order for me to buy a | program requiring activation from a small or single-person company, they | would have to show that some kind of unlock code was placed in escrow with a | law firm so that I had some assurance that I could continue to use the | program in the event that the principal programmer or company ceases to | exist. | | -- | Rick (MVP - Excel) | | | "Hans" <no@spam.com> wrote in message | news:u8JmBD64JHA.1808@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... | >I use several options. My code will look at the S/N of the harddisk, the | >MAC adress of the NIC, and the Volume ID of the the root drive, etc. Now | >the code will look after the ID's in a paticular order aand will select the | >first ID that does not return a "" or a 0. It will then save that ID | >together with a type identifier (for instance HD-ID for hardisk S/N, VOL-ID | >for volume ID, etc). | > The type identifier is needed because someone can add a NIC, etc later and | > that could change what ID is returned first valid. | > | > My activation code is then based on the saved ID nr and the type | > identification. | > | > Yours friendly, | > | > Hans Heezemans (www.iservi.com) | > | > ----- Original Message ----- | > From: "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> | > Newsgroups: microsoft.public.vb.general.discussion | > Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 2:28 PM | > Subject: Re: Serial Number | > | > | >> And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? | >> | >> NC | >> | >> "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message | >> news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... | >>> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the | >>> bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a | >>> job to do) | >>> | >>> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to | >>> use with authentication. | >>> | >>> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) | >>> | >>> Cor | >>> | >>> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message | >>> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... | >>>> Hi there, | >>>> | >>>> Can any one help me? | >>>> | >>>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in | >>>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial | >>>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. | >>>> Most of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that | >>>> work return stupid numbers. | >>>> | >>>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird | >>>> number (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard | >>>> disk, the Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and | >>>> Server. | >>>> | >>>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? | >>>> | >>>> Thanks | >>>> | >>>> Please post reply here. | >>>> | >>>> NC. | >>>> | >>> | >> | >> | > | > -- | > Met vriendelijke groet, | > Yours friendly, | > | > | > Hans Heezemans | > "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> schreef in bericht | > news:4a251b03$0$13532$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... | >> And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? | >> | >> NC | >> | >> "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message | >> news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... | >>> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in the | >>> bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell of a | >>> job to do) | >>> | >>> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to | >>> use with authentication. | >>> | >>> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) | >>> | >>> Cor | >>> | >>> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message | >>> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... | >>>> Hi there, | >>>> | >>>> Can any one help me? | >>>> | >>>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in | >>>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial | >>>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. | >>>> Most of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that | >>>> work return stupid numbers. | >>>> | >>>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird | >>>> number (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard | >>>> disk, the Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and | >>>> Server. | >>>> | >>>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? | >>>> | >>>> Thanks | >>>> | >>>> Please post reply here. | >>>> | >>>> NC. | >>>> | >>> | >> | >> | > | > | > I thought about this several years ago and here is what I did. I'm sure But what about people who don't visit your website?> there will be folks (meaning customers) who might not like it, but something > is better than nothing. I have, in my will (and an icon on my desktop that > says "Open me in the event of my death", a package set up with instructions > How are they supposed to know you kicked the bucket? :) Your post made me think of a real-life example that demonstrates several aspects of this issue: In about 1999 I bought the AtGuard firewall. To this day it's still ahead of it's time, better than other firewalls that I know of. And I saved the installer, the last update, plus my activation code. But AtGuard won't run on NT systems. I can still use it on Win98, but parts of it are outdated. The maker of the program sold it to Symantec, who promptly doubled the price and ruined the program, re-releasing it as their own firewall. So I never lost the ability to use my activation code, but I lost the software nevertheless, on two other counts: 1) The software ceased to be updated while technology moved on. 2) The company sold the business. On the other hand, I paid $30 and used AtGuard for years. I wish they hadn't sold out, but I think I got my money's worth. | But what about people who don't visit your website? Like I said, there is no way to make everyone happy. I tried the whole | How are they supposed to know you kicked the bucket? :) mailing list thing once and it was a nightmare. Eventually I designed a small tray program to check my site for updates and alert them if one is available. Once I'm gone, there isn't anything I can do about telling folks I've left the Earth. I look at it this way, if folks who don't visit the site regularly for news and updates are usually content. Those who lost their reg. numbers or are looking for updates would see the news and act accordingly. It's the best I can do. > I tried the whole I used tyo do something like that. I'd email> mailing list thing once and it was a nightmare. an invitation to get the new version, sending it to anyone who'd paid for the software. But over time most email addresses are no longer valid. A few people write back gratefully, but I fear that just as many may feel like they've been spammed. So now I just send notices to a few of the most recent purchasers and people who've been in touch. The weirdest part: When people respond, asking for the update, I send them a download link to the latest licensed version -- their own copy. But probably at least 1 in 10 of those people never actually click the download link in my return email to get the new version! Dude...I could go on for hours about the stupidity of the general public.
<g> -- Show quoteHide quote2025 If you do not believe in time travel, your beliefs are about to be tempered. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43606237254 "mayayana" <mayaXXy***@rcXXn.com> wrote in message news:e9cMWEL5JHA.6004@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... |> I tried the whole | > mailing list thing once and it was a nightmare. | | I used tyo do something like that. I'd email | an invitation to get the new version, sending it | to anyone who'd paid for the software. But over | time most email addresses are no longer valid. | A few people write back gratefully, but I fear that | just as many may feel like they've been spammed. | So now I just send notices to a few of the most | recent purchasers and people who've been in | touch. | The weirdest part: When people respond, | asking for the update, I send them a download link | to the latest licensed version -- their own copy. | But probably at least 1 in 10 of those people never | actually click the download link in my return email to | get the new version! | | | What the hack has this to do with the question posed by NC. Well anyway if
my programmer shouls stop or die or whatever, everyone who had bought one of our products still can use them. We don't sell problems, we sell programs that work. Yours friendly, Hans Heezemans Show quoteHide quote "Rick Rothstein" <rick.newsNO.SPAM@NO.SPAMverizon.net> schreef in bericht news:uUXMiV64JHA.1716@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... >I won't buy software that requires activation from small or single-person >companies. Why? What if the principal programmer gets hit by a bus (thus >causing the company to close)... what am I supposed to do then when my >system needs to be rebuilt with new hardware or I buy a new computer? I >have to tolerate activation from the large companies (like Microsoft, >Adobe, Symantec, etc.), but I fully expect the company to still be there >when I next need to re-activate the software. That the company is large is >my protection that they will still be around in the future if/when I need >them (although the Merrill Lynch take over by Bank of America or the recent >GM bankruptcy have made me start to question this). In order for me to buy >a program requiring activation from a small or single-person company, they >would have to show that some kind of unlock code was placed in escrow with >a law firm so that I had some assurance that I could continue to use the >program in the event that the principal programmer or company ceases to >exist. > > -- > Rick (MVP - Excel) > > > "Hans" <no@spam.com> wrote in message > news:u8JmBD64JHA.1808@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >>I use several options. My code will look at the S/N of the harddisk, the >>MAC adress of the NIC, and the Volume ID of the the root drive, etc. Now >>the code will look after the ID's in a paticular order aand will select >>the first ID that does not return a "" or a 0. It will then save that ID >>together with a type identifier (for instance HD-ID for hardisk S/N, >>VOL-ID for volume ID, etc). >> The type identifier is needed because someone can add a NIC, etc later >> and that could change what ID is returned first valid. >> >> My activation code is then based on the saved ID nr and the type >> identification. >> >> Yours friendly, >> >> Hans Heezemans (www.iservi.com) >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> >> Newsgroups: microsoft.public.vb.general.discussion >> Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 2:28 PM >> Subject: Re: Serial Number >> >> >>> And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? >>> >>> NC >>> >>> "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message >>> news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >>>> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in >>>> the bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell >>>> of a job to do) >>>> >>>> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to >>>> use with authentication. >>>> >>>> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) >>>> >>>> Cor >>>> >>>> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message >>>> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >>>>> Hi there, >>>>> >>>>> Can any one help me? >>>>> >>>>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in >>>>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial >>>>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. >>>>> Most of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that >>>>> work return stupid numbers. >>>>> >>>>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird >>>>> number (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard >>>>> disk, the Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and >>>>> Server. >>>>> >>>>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? >>>>> >>>>> Thanks >>>>> >>>>> Please post reply here. >>>>> >>>>> NC. >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> >> >> -- >> Met vriendelijke groet, >> Yours friendly, >> >> >> Hans Heezemans >> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> schreef in bericht >> news:4a251b03$0$13532$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >>> And what about the MAC address of the NIC? Is it the better solution? >>> >>> NC >>> >>> "Cor Ligthert[MVP]" <Notmyfirstn***@planet.nl> wrote in message >>> news:e9B7nx04JHA.5616@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >>>> Be aware that this serial number is not by every manufacturer put in >>>> the bios of the main boards and hard disk (in fact it would be a hell >>>> of a job to do) >>>> >>>> Probably something that has been an idea to get a kind of prevention to >>>> use with authentication. >>>> >>>> (The more tried is with the processor, which failed AFAIK as well) >>>> >>>> Cor >>>> >>>> "NC" <oceano.web***@netmadeira.com> wrote in message >>>> news:4a24433c$0$13536$a729d347@news.telepac.pt... >>>>> Hi there, >>>>> >>>>> Can any one help me? >>>>> >>>>> I'm trying to retrieve the motherboard or hard disk serial number (in >>>>> hard disk not the volume serial number but the manufacturer Serial >>>>> Number) without using the WMI (since in most cases it doesn't work. >>>>> Most of the classes proprieties don't work under XP) and the ones that >>>>> work return stupid numbers. >>>>> >>>>> I've tryed to use the WMI, but for motherboard it returns a weird >>>>> number (1234567890) and in some cases (0000000 or empty) and for hard >>>>> disk, the Serial Number Propriety is not supported under XP, 2000 and >>>>> Server. >>>>> >>>>> Is there any way with WinAPI to achieve this? >>>>> >>>>> Thanks >>>>> >>>>> Please post reply here. >>>>> >>>>> NC. >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> >> >> > "Rick Rothstein" wrote in message
>I won't buy software that requires activation from small or single-person Even if it's only $10-20 and solves a short term need?>companies. I take your point though. Curiosity, how would a small company ever get to a "size" it can sell it's wares. Regards, Peter T Guys....Guys....
Don't start a fight because of me, Ok? You all have a piece of truth. As a mather of a fact, a mearly place this question, because I was a bit curious about this subject since, I have seen a lot of programs, that use this technic, and so far, the only process that I came across the web, fail, since in most ocasions the SN of the MB is null. NC Show quoteHide quote "Peter T" <peter_t@discussions> wrote in message news:ubvSd4D5JHA.3476@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... > "Rick Rothstein" wrote in message > >>I won't buy software that requires activation from small or single-person >>companies. > > Even if it's only $10-20 and solves a short term need? > > I take your point though. Curiosity, how would a small company ever get to > a "size" it can sell it's wares. > > Regards, > Peter T > > > I won't buy software that requires activation from small or single-person And *maybe* they'll still activate it. Unless> companies. Why? What if the principal programmer gets hit by a bus (thus > causing the company to close)... what am I supposed to do then when my > system needs to be rebuilt with new hardware or I buy a new computer? I have > to tolerate activation from the large companies (like Microsoft, Adobe, > Symantec, etc.), but I fully expect the company to still be there when I > next need to re-activate the software. of course you put in a new, different motherboard on an OEM box....or you bought an OEM box or CD, then had a hardware failure, and the company claims (with dubious legal and moral footing) that your copy is limited to one machine/motherboard....or the company (maybe MS with XP?) just plain decides to go back on their word and close all avenues of activation in order to sell new product. (I know....Microsoft promises to release a public activation code when XP goes out. What if that's in 2015? What if they're just plain lying? XP Home is already overdue to be "end-of-lifed".) I use an email address to create a code. It's a bit of an inconvenience, but it's personalized and the customer has the option to make a backup copy of my software, along with their activation. There's no limitation that prevents installing to a different machine, and my license encourages that the product is licensed to a person and therefore usable in any context where that person needs it. After all, plastic panels with semi-conductors pasted to them are really not capable of entering into a contract. The claim that they are, and that companies can attach any sort of Mickey Mouse rules to their license, is a legal and ethical quagmire that's yet to be straightened out. (Of course, most big companies are hoping to gradually eliminate software installation and move to the "cloudism" profit model before it all gets straightened out.) > to tolerate activation from the large companies (like Microsoft, Adobe,I have Symantec, etc.), but I fully expect the company to still be there when I next need to re-activate the software. That the company is large is my protection that they will still be around in the future if/when I need them > It seems your real point here is the first one: Youfeel that you have to tolerate mistreatment by the likes of Microsoft, Adobe, etc. because you want their software and you feel powerless to change the way they sell their software. The part about them being around later is really just a face-saving device to soften the blow of volunteering to be swindled. I do agree with you up to a point, though: I won't buy software from sleazeball companies who claim I don't have a right to install that software on my next PC (or even on my next hard disk) without buying a second licence. :) 
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