You need to tie your software license to one specific computer, and the volume ID or partition label Windows gives you changes whenever someone reformats. GetDiskSerial DLL reads the real serial number of the hard disk instead, so you can build a stable machine ID.
Quick facts
- Vendor: Devlib,Inc.
- Type: Standard Windows DLL, shareware with a free trial download
- Price: $39.95
- Platforms: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Key features
Read the real disk serial, not the volume ID
The DLL returns the hardware serial number of the hard disk. It is not the partition ID or the volume ID. The vendor says this number is unique in the world, which makes it a good basis for a machine ID or an encryption number.
No administrator rights needed
Your application can read the serial without running elevated on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10. Your customers don't have to approve a UAC prompt.
Works from the language you already use
It is a plain Windows DLL with no dependence on "support" libraries. The vendor lists Delphi, C++Builder, VC, C#, VB, VB.NET, PowerBuilder, Visual FoxPro and Clarion.
Several physical disks and extra drive details
You can read more than one physical hard disk. You can also get the model number, firmware revision, buffer size, cylinders, heads and sectors per track.
Who it's for
It suits developers who ship Windows software and want copy protection, licensing or machine binding. It also fits anyone who needs a hardware identifier without writing low-level disk code.
Pros and cons
- Pro: Reads the true disk serial, so it survives reformatting.
- Pro: Needs no admin rights and has no extra library dependencies.
- Pro: Works with many development languages.
- Con: It is a Windows-only 32-bit style DLL.
- Con: The ID is tied to a disk, so replacing the drive changes it.
- Con: It is paid software after the trial.
FAQs
Is the serial number the same as the volume ID?
No. It is the real serial number of the hard disk, not the partition or volume ID.
Do I need administrator rights?
No. The vendor says it works without them on current Windows versions.
Which languages can I call it from?
Delphi, C++Builder, VC, C#, VB, VB.NET, PowerBuilder, Visual FoxPro and Clarion are listed.
Can I try it first?
Yes. A free trial download is offered, and the full license costs $39.95.
System requirements
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10. No additional requirements are listed.