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Hardware ID Options

The Hardware ID Options workspace allows you to define the “DNA” of a user’s computer. By selecting specific physical components, you create a unique System ID that prevents the unauthorized sharing of license keys across different machines.

Hardware ID Options dialog in VBA Padlock

🧬 Digital Fingerprinting

Section titled “🧬 Digital Fingerprinting”

VBA Padlock Studio can sample several hardware layers to generate a resilient and unique identifier. choosing the right combination is key to balancing security with user convenience:

  • Processor (CPU ID): High stability. This ID only changes if the user replaces their entire motherboard or CPU.
  • System Drive (Volume Serial): Standard stability. This is tied to the software volume ID of the primary drive. It is resilient to hardware swaps but changes if the OS is reformatted.
  • Physical Disk Serial: Maximum security. Tied to the factory-recorded serial number of the hard drive itself.
  • Network (MAC Address): Lowest stability. While unique, MAC addresses can be volatile due to virtual adapters, VPNs, or network card changes.

⚖️ Strategy & Recommendations

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How much “uniqueness” does your software require?

Standard (Recommended)

CPU ID + Volume Serial. The best balance for commercial software. Stable during most upgrades but unique enough to prevent piracy.

High Security

CPU ID + Physical Disk Serial. Used for high-value enterprise tools where license sharing must be strictly eliminated at the cost of less flexibility.

🔄 The Fingerprinting Workflow

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  1. Strategize: Decide on your balance between stability and security.
  2. Select: Check the desired components in the Hardware ID workspace.
  3. Deploy: Compile your project to bake the new formula into the DLL.
  4. Confirm: Ask a test user for their System ID and verify it remains stable across a machine reboot.

See Also

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