Unique Computer ID

[Bluejay07]

Hello,

Is there a way to get a unique ID or serial number for any computer?

Here is my thoughts:
I want to create a registration package for a program I am working on; however, I want to control who uses the program (meaning I don't want person A to give the program to person B and have person B use the program on their own computer.) This is where a unique computer value would come into play. I don't want any one to use the program if they haven't purchased a product licence.

Would anyone have any idea on how to obtain a unique value for each computer my program is to be installed on? I do not care how long the value is, just as long the value is different for every computer and that value never changes for that computer. (even in the program is uninstalled and reinstalled at a later time.)

Thanks,
Cory

 

[DaveInIowa]

No unique id for the computer itself but there is for each Network Interface Card (NIC):

http://www.thescarms.com/dotnet/WMI.aspx

 

[Sorwen]

First let me say generally that is a bad idea. The reason is that if they have to update their system for any reason they are going to be contacting you because their software no longer works. Companies like Microsoft can do this because the can afford the kind of support calls this type of situation is going to generate. A few other companies I know do this because the type of software they handle the can almost insure the equipment is not going to be upgraded or at most once every 5 to 10 years. They generate the key by using the hardware ids of several key components together.

A key is then usually generated from something like the CPU, Motherboard, and memory or NIC IDs. This is generated at the time of install and then passed back to the company via the Internet. Ofthen it comes with a cd key at the time of install and the ID sent then checked to see if the key has already been used if they register the product. Those systems that require registration often will not come with a key, but send them a cd key after registration. Some times this key is directly linked to the hardware like the 4th number in the CD key will equal the 6th number in the CPU's ID. Google search came up with something like this is an example of getting the hardware ID:

http://www.azsdk.com/hardwareid.html

There are quite literally hundreds if not thousands of different ways to secure your product and none of them are going to be full proof. I suggest looking at what is right for the customers you hope to have as much as securing your sales. Take into account what their needs are likely to be along with what technical knowledge level they might be at. This type of authentication can be a real turn off for certain groups and they could be the very people your product targets.

-I hate Microsoft!
-Forever and always forward.
-My kingdom for a edit button!

 

[Jasen]

As software dev and an end user, I hate these protection schemes on consumer level products.
If I have to contact the company every time I change a component on my computer or reinstall Windows, I'd just rather not use the product. There's always an alternative product that does the same job but won't annoy me. I know I'm not alone in this sentiment.

As most of my software is used in industrial settings, I do know the frequency of a workstation or server being upgraded or changed out is low, so in a case like that it may not be a big deal to implement something like this. As Sorwen said, it depends on the target customer base.

 

[Bluejay07]

Thanks all for your comments.

The users for my program will most likely not be the most technical people and most of their computer parts will probably never get replaced.

I have found this site that seems to work alright.

http://www.freevbcode.com/ShowCode.asp?ID=8191

I do take all your warnings and suggestions very seriously and I thank you for them.

For the moment, I think I will continue trying to have a unique value, however, this will probably be removed in the future in it creates too many conflicts.

Thanks.