The Legacy Algorithms are replaced with the Enhanced Computer ID Algorithms. These Legacy Algorithms are only available for backwards compatibility, and we strongly recommend using the Enhanced Computer ID algorithms instead.
The Legacy Algorithms allow the developer to select a limited number of hardware and Operating System items to bind including the Windows Product ID key, the format serial number of the hard drive, and the MAC Address of the network card. A single Computer ID number is generated from all the selected algorithms, therefore if any one of these items changes then the Computer ID becomes invalid. This can cause unwanted support for re-activating a user after small hardware changes such as reformatting their Hard Drive. The Legacy Computer ID algorithms are still present to allow backward compatibility.
In the Instant Protection PLUS 3 wizard, you may choose from different algorithms to generate the computer ID and combine algorithms as well. When combining algorithms, a computer ID is generated separately for each choice then added together into a single ID.
Calculates a checksum of the ROM BIOS area of the motherboard. Note: The BIOS algorithm is no longer supported and is only provided for backwards compatibility.
Uses Windows ProductID and ProductKey created when Windows is installed. Note: The Windows Product ID algorithm is no longer supported as of Windows 10 and later.
Identifies the drive volume serial number of the specified drive. DOS 4.0 or higher operating systems generate a random volume serial number for a drive during formatting. You can specify a specific drive letter (such as "C"), use "0" (zero) to use the drive letter where Windows is installed, or use "1" (one) to use the drive letter where the executable is located.
Calculates a number based upon the Ethernet (MAC) address of an installed Ethernet LAN adapter. If no adapter is found this algorithm will return a 0 for the computerID.
We recommend always combining the MAC Address with another algorithm.
Identifies the starting location of a non-movable file. It is very unlikely for two computers to store the same file in the same location. A path and filename must be specified.
This algorithm is used with network licensing (no longer supported) and uses the network file server and share name to generate a computer identifier (usually 4-5 digits). You must select this and at least one other algorithm, we recommend Windows Product ID and Hard Drive Serial. When the application is ran from a network share, the NetName algorithm will be used exclusively. When the application is ran locally, such as on the server, the other algorithms selected (excluding NetName) will be used.