Each hard disk drive (even a USB flash drive) has a volume ID (like a Serial Number). To view a drives current Volume ID you can just perform a dir <drive>: and the volume ID is shown on the second line down, e.g.

 

Volume in drive E is system
Volume Serial Number is BC09-8AE4

 

The Serial Number can be changed with tools and if a drive is imaged, the volume ID is also imaged

 

Pros/Cons

+ Always available and always works

+ Works in single user and network environment

- After reinstallation of Windows, the volume ID changes

- Volume ID’s are always the same when a image tool is used to set up a drive

- Allows to install the application multiple times on the same server / computer

 

Recommendation

•Good for applications used by home users because the criteria is always available

•Only choice if the license file is stored on a memory stick