Getting a computer unique string

[spanga]

Does anyone know a way to get some info that is unique per computer? Like a registry value or something. I have tried the series-number of c: but that aint always unique.

I need a unique string for every computer that doesnt change so I can use that in my script for identifying.

[BigDod]

Does anyone know a way to get some info that is unique per computer? Like a registry value or something. I have tried the series-number of c: but that aint always unique.

I need a unique string for every computer that doesnt change so I can use that in my script for identifying.

Here is something I found a while back. I did not write it but I have no idea who did.

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$wbemFlagReturnImmediately = 0x10
$wbemFlagForwardOnly = 0x20
$colItems = ""
$strComputer = "localhost"

$Output=""
$Output = $Output & "Computer: " & $strComputer & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "==========================================" & @CRLF
$objWMIService = ObjGet("winmgmts:\\" & $strComputer & "\root\CIMV2")
$colItems = $objWMIService.ExecQuery("SELECT * FROM Win32_Processor", "WQL", _
$wbemFlagReturnImmediately + $wbemFlagForwardOnly)

If IsObj($colItems) then
For $objItem In $colItems
$Output = $Output & "AddressWidth: " & $objItem.AddressWidth & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Architecture: " & $objItem.Architecture & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Availability: " & $objItem.Availability & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Caption: " & $objItem.Caption & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "ConfigManagerErrorCode: " & $objItem.ConfigManagerErrorCode & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "ConfigManagerUserConfig: " & $objItem.ConfigManagerUserConfig & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "CpuStatus: " & $objItem.CpuStatus & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "CreationClassName: " & $objItem.CreationClassName & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "CurrentClockSpeed: " & $objItem.CurrentClockSpeed & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "CurrentVoltage: " & $objItem.CurrentVoltage & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "DataWidth: " & $objItem.DataWidth & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Description: " & $objItem.Description & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "DeviceID: " & $objItem.DeviceID & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "ErrorCleared: " & $objItem.ErrorCleared & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "ErrorDescription: " & $objItem.ErrorDescription & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "ExtClock: " & $objItem.ExtClock & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Family: " & $objItem.Family & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "InstallDate: " & WMIDateStringToDate($objItem.InstallDate) & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "L2CacheSize: " & $objItem.L2CacheSize & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "L2CacheSpeed: " & $objItem.L2CacheSpeed & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "LastErrorCode: " & $objItem.LastErrorCode & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Level: " & $objItem.Level & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "LoadPercentage: " & $objItem.LoadPercentage & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Manufacturer: " & $objItem.Manufacturer & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "MaxClockSpeed: " & $objItem.MaxClockSpeed & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Name: " & $objItem.Name & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "OtherFamilyDescription: " & $objItem.OtherFamilyDescription & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "PNPDeviceID: " & $objItem.PNPDeviceID & @CRLF
$strPowerManagementCapabilities = $objItem.PowerManagementCapabilities(0)
$Output = $Output & "PowerManagementCapabilities: " & $strPowerManagementCapabilities & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "PowerManagementSupported: " & $objItem.PowerManagementSupported & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "ProcessorId: " & $objItem.ProcessorId & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "ProcessorType: " & $objItem.ProcessorType & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Revision: " & $objItem.Revision & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Role: " & $objItem.Role & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "SocketDesignation: " & $objItem.SocketDesignation & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Status: " & $objItem.Status & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "StatusInfo: " & $objItem.StatusInfo & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Stepping: " & $objItem.Stepping & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "SystemCreationClassName: " & $objItem.SystemCreationClassName & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "SystemName: " & $objItem.SystemName & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "UniqueId: " & $objItem.UniqueId & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "UpgradeMethod: " & $objItem.UpgradeMethod & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "Version: " & $objItem.Version & @CRLF
$Output = $Output & "VoltageCaps: " & $objItem.VoltageCaps & @CRLF
if Msgbox(1,"WMI Output",$Output) = 2 then ExitLoop
$Output=""
Next
Else
Msgbox(0,"WMI Output","No WMI Objects Found for class: " & "Win32_Processor" )
Endif


Func WMIDateStringToDate($dtmDate)

Return (StringMid($dtmDate, 5, 2) & "/" & _
StringMid($dtmDate, 7, 2) & "/" & StringLeft($dtmDate, 4) _
& " " & StringMid($dtmDate, 9, 2) & ":" & StringMid($dtmDate, 11, 2) & ":" & StringMid($dtmDate,13, 2))
EndFunc

If the auther recognises his/her work they are welcome to the glory.

I wish people would put their name at the begining of their scripts.

[spanga]

I guess this info could be usefull:

$Output = $Output & "ProcessorId: " & $objItem.ProcessorId & @CRLF

Anyone know if this value always exists and really is unique? What I found out about the volume serial number in windows is that computers with the same specs (like any series of the same brand) had the same volume serials.

[BigDod]

I guess this info could be usefull:

$Output = $Output & "ProcessorId: " & $objItem.ProcessorId & @CRLF

Anyone know if this value always exists and really is unique? What I found out about the volume serial number in windows is that computers with the same specs (like any series of the same brand) had the same volume serials.

As far as I am aware the processorid should be unique unless someone else knows better.

[Amen]

Hi spanga.Is proccessor id uniq finally?

Edited November 21, 2005 by Amen

[spanga]

Actually, its very un-unique

I tested it out and ALOT of computers got the same processor id, even if its a different model of the same vendor.

Atm I am using a big random-function to generate a seed to md5. Then I put it in the registry. That way I hope it wont be changed but it's not a good solution...

[Shibuya]

What about MAC address?

I believe MAC address is unique IIRC

but the computer must have a network adaptor installed though

[Confuzzled]

Here is something I found a while back. I did not write it but I have no idea who did.

If the auther recognises his/her work they are welcome to the glory.

I wish people would put their name at the begining of their scripts.

This looks suspiciously like the output of the Scriptomatic program that generates WMI code. Handy utility...

[spanga]

The MAC would be a great shot, but I don't like the idea of building this on removeable parts. I guess the serial number of the system harddrive would be a better case.

[w0uter]

MAC can be spoofed. so can a HD serial.

[themax90]

Perhaps this should be taken into consideration?

#Include <Inet.au3>
#Include <String.au3>
MsgBox(0, "Unique ID", GenerateId())
Func GenerateId()
    #cs; Type 1
    $OSLang = StringLeft(@OSLang, 3)
    $OSVersion = StringRight(@OSVersion, 2)
    $Id = ($OSLang & "-" & _GetIp() & "-" & $OSVersion & "-" & @OSBuild & "-" & @ProcessorArch)
    Return _StringEncrypt(1, $ID, @UserName)
    #ce
;Return _StringEncrypt(1, @UserName _GetIp()); Most Reliable Type 2
;Return _StringEncrypt(1, _GetIp(), @UserName); Type 3
EndFunc

If you look at the text above each finds computer unique values such as operation system(and yes it's unique because not EVERYONE uses the same type/build/etc). Then encrypts it according to certain values and these values can be switched at any given time if you wish to change the way it is formatted. I have found with Type 1 that it returns a rather large string which maybe give unique strings all the time, but seems to have the same few characters/digits in common with Type 3, I do not know if it is the common elemtents and common password or what but I have found that the most reliable and efficent type is Type 2 because it takes not only a GLOBALLY unique ip address but is also encrypts it by the computers logged in user. This thus makes it computer unique AND user unique for issues involving routers and multiple computers on single connection issues. If you do the math and take the maximum amount of Ip addresses in *.*.*.* format which is 4,300,000,000 approx.(4.3 billion!) and combine that with any assortment of letter/digit combination and it comes out to be much larger then anything imaginable. You do the math.

Something else to consider is this:

_StringEncrypt(1, @OSBuild, _GetIp())

There are THOUSANDS of OSBuilds and it could encrypt that with the unique IP and it works computer wide. So if you are looking for a method of computer unique, this would work, but as far as person unique, the other Type 2 would work just as well. Now it's time for my $0.02!

@w0uter

Please do not just come up with the enevitable "It can be spoofed", maybe actually try finding an answer instead of "THAT doesn't work, and I wont tell you how"

@BigDod

Nice code, never seen it anywhere, perhaps it was a while back or something I missed

@spanga

Thank you for asking a nice question, I spent 10 minutes on it and it actually relaxed me, it was nice and simplistic, find something computer or computer/C-User unique. Nice challenge but not to hard

@Confuzzled

Very nice interpretation, I bet the person who wrote it didn't write it and just generated it

I hope you all have a nice day. Just one thing, please try to attempt it using AutoIt before trying to find something prebuilt. Often Prebuilt things are not answers. Only work arounds. Some of you maybe notice a flaw in the Type 2 GenerateID that a person can simply make more users on there machine and keep going, but then Type 4 comes in if you want directly computer specific. Some noticed the flaw, others didn't, and those who noticed it are more talented then others at scripting. If you were writing a chat environment like I am, use Type 2 for BanCUID(Ban Computer-User ID) and use Type 4 as a BanCID(Computer ID) that way if some stupid kid gets mad at being banned just ban that whole IP address. Of course something like this will be implemented into my chat server I have been working on It has been something I have been thinking of for a while and this thread gave me ideas, thank you very much.

AutoIt Smith

Edited November 25, 2005 by AutoIt Smith

[LxP]

Sorry AutoIt Smith, but IP addresses can vary on a per-connection basis, especially for dialup users.

[themax90]

Well it was worth a try!!! Perhaps this:

$OSLang = StringLeft(@OSLang, 3)
$OSVersion = StringRight(@OSVersion, 2)
$Id = ($OSLang & "-" &"-" & $OSVersion & "-" & @OSBuild & "-" & @ProcessorArch)
$Unique = _StringEncrypt(1, $ID, @UserName); Or _StringEncrypt(1, @UserName, $ID)

This way it does not involve ip addresses and the only way to have the same id is exact same everything which probably wouldnt happen much. Just another idea I am sure SOMETHING can be found that is unique and can be generated simply. My point in the previous post was to point out that no one is trying and just saying No that doesn't work instead of giving more then one reason or explaining it.

Edited November 25, 2005 by AutoIt Smith

[Buffo]

Only an idea:

What about adding the times and dates of the following files together to a string:

c:\io.sys (it should be the a date/time in the beginning of win setup)

c:\recycler (will be created later than boot.ini in dependence of the speed of your inputs while win setup and the pc-speed)

@HomeDrive & "\LocalService\ntuser.ini" (will be created between the first two steps

Example (it's german time/date format can vary)

C:\io.sys -> 16.08.2005 08:32:26

C:\recycler -> 16.08.2005 08:47:32

@HomeDrive & "\LocalService\ntuser.ini" -> 16.08.2005 08:42:13

Then all points, colons and spaces will be removed and this is your unique ID: 160820050832261608200508473216082005084213

I think it nearly will be impossible to get all three values the same.

What do you think?

Regards,

Buffo

[Geert]

You could use the computer serialnumber

; Get the serial number and asset tag of a computer
; 25 November 2005 by Geert (NL)
; Translated VBScript source code: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/wmisdk/wmi/wmi_tasks__computer_hardware.asp
; AutoIt 3.1.x Beta needed

$strComputer = "."
$objWMIService = ObjGet("winmgmts:" _
    & "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\" _
    & $strComputer & "\root\cimv2")
$colSMBIOS = $objWMIService.ExecQuery _
    ("Select * from Win32_SystemEnclosure")
For $objSMBIOS in $colSMBIOS
    MsgBox(0,"","Part Number: " & $objSMBIOS.PartNumber)
    MsgBox(0,"","Serial Number: " & $objSMBIOS.SerialNumber)
    MsgBox(0,"","Asset Tag: " & $objSMBIOS.SMBIOSAssetTag)
Next

[themax90]

Serial numbers can be spoofed. We need to find a unique string and encrypt or modify it genericly. This unique string needs to be within the computer consisting of CONSTANT values that cannot be spoofed and happen to be one of the most fundemental variables in there system. For example taking everything about the machine, rearranging it and encrypting it will make a unique id. But the question then comes to, Can any of those values be spoofed. If they can then it is not unique.

This is a dilemma!

[themax90]

Could this possibly work?

_StringEncrypt(1, StringRight(@OSVersion, 2) & @OSBuild, _StringEncrypt(1, @ProcessorArch, @OSLang))

Or This?

_StringEncrypt(1, StringRight(@OSVersion, 2) & @OSLang, @ProcessorArch)

Edited November 25, 2005 by AutoIt Smith

[LxP]

Buffo, your solution adopting timestamps is ingenious and I can see it being quite effective (perhaps not for the entire world of computers but I suspect that the original poster might want this for e.g. computers within an organisation).

[Valik]

Serial numbers can be spoofed.

It's a hell of a lot better than your stupid method which will likely produce the exact same results on multiple PC's in workshops where all the hardware is identical (Not uncommon).

[Buffo]

Buffo, your solution adopting timestamps is ingenious and I can see it being quite effective (perhaps not for the entire world of computers but I suspect that the original poster might want this for e.g. computers within an organisation).

Where is the problem? The files I mentioned will never be changed. With admin rights you could be able to change the attributes but not with user-rights how it certainly will be in an organisation. But: why?

I think it's a very unique thing ;-)

_StringEncrypt(1, StringRight(@OSVersion, 2) & @OSBuild, _StringEncrypt(1, @ProcessorArch, @OSLang))

_StringEncrypt(1, StringRight(@OSVersion, 2) & @OSLang, @ProcessorArch)

What should be unique here? I think at least 75% of the pcs today are xp, most of them with sp2 (build) and there are only 3 different return values of @ProcessorArch...

Regards,

Buffo

Edited November 26, 2005 by Buffo