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Disc Serial Number

Anonymous
2010-07-01T14:21:49+00:00

I need to find out what my disc serial number is so I can install and run new software. How do I find this? (Windows Vista)

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-07-01T15:06:35+00:00

    After pulling all my hair out looking for answers I finally found a simple, sane answer.

    1. In Start menu
    2. In Search Box (bottom box) type CMD (return)
    3. DOS command window opens
    4. type VOL (return)
    5. Serial Number is displayed (XXXX-XXXX)

    Thanks to Me :)

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-07-02T12:18:29+00:00

    Thanks, Noel.  I re-read the original post and realized the OP actually did want the disk serial number as opposed to the Product Key (which I thought was what was needed to re-install  Vista but that wasn't the actual issue or question).  I'm not sure why software requires the VOL code, but apparently some exist out there.  I've deleted that post since I now know it to be incorrect.  Thanks again for all the research you did on this issue - it was helpful and is good to know.

    Have a good one!

    Lorien - MCSE/MCSA/Network+/A+ --- If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-07-02T11:49:43+00:00

    "Lorien - One" wrote in message news:6bfb9039-db80-435f-88b7-ed593e7d8f93...

    The serial number you found is of no value for that (in fact, I'm not quite sure what value it serves).  I'm sorry, but you''ve marked the wrong reply as the answer.

    FWIW, the VOL command returns the partition's serial code - which is AFAIK not used for anything at all, but is a hang-over from the very early days of DOS, when floppies had to be ID'd. I doubt very much that altering the serial number of a partition would cause problems - but I still wouldn't advise doing it in a live system!

     I just had a play in XPSP3 VM - created a second VHD, and formatted it FAT32, ran the VOL command and got the expected response 2A10 13EF - closed the XP VM committing changes to the HD's

    Then I opened a DOS 6.22 VM, and reformatted the drive there. This forced a new VOL response - 164-13FE.

    Saved the changes, then reopened the XP VM. - the drive was still recognised at boot (which I wasn't expecting!), so it would appear that it's no longer used as a drive recognition tool by windows. (or it may be a peculiarity of the way VM's work). The VOL response was correct.

    --

    Noel Paton | Nil Carborundum Illegitemi | CrashFixPC

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  4. Anonymous
    2010-07-01T15:04:27+00:00

    What you need is the Product Key.  It is a 25-digit alphanumeric code in 5 sets of 5 digits separated by dashes.

    If it is an OEM disk, it can ONLY be installed on the computer it came with (even if that computer breaks) - and the code should be on a label on the sides, back or bottom of the computer.  If it is a retail copy of the disk, then the Product Key would have come with the disk.  If that Product Key is installed currently on a running system, you can downloadhttp://www.belarc.com/free_download.html and it will provide you with the Product key.  But keep in mind it can only be installed on ONE computer at a time - you can't install it on more than one computer or you will not be able to activate (and it is illegal and a violation of the license agreement).  If the Product Key is not installed on any machine and you can't find it, then you are pretty much out of luck because you need the product key to do the installation and it is not on the DVD but it was included in the DVD case.

    Here's Microsoft's policy on lost or replacement software: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246.

    I hope this helps.

    Good luck!

    Lorien - MCSE/MCSA/Network+/A+ --- If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.

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