MAC Address changeability/reliability

[battler.]

Hi all,

How reliable is the MAC address?  I'm using it to grant access to my applications.  I find it using ipconfig/all, do some very basic (perhaps too basic) string search and return it then manipulate the Physical Address to form a passord which I give to the customer.

I noticed there is more than one(1) physical address.  Which one should I be using and what is the difference between the others?

What sort of issues could I run into with using the physical address for verification purposes?  Will it ever change?  What about with networked computers; what if the network configuration changes?  Will the physical address change if they change their ethernet card (if thats what it is based on)?

Your help is much appreciated.

Battler.

[Dennis_Knutson]

Yes, the MAC will change when a nic is replaced. No, it will not change if the network configuration changes.

[smercurio_fc]

You've asked the SAME related question in about 4 threads now. Can you please keep the discussion in ONE place?

[Dennis_Knutson]

And it does not appear that the questions are even related to LabVIEW.

[battler.]

You still haven't answered my question, that's why.  I'm surprised how little experience people have with this issue.

I'm using LabVIEW to develop these applications, thus keeping you in a job.  For most people these forums are about getting a job done, not discussing the wonders and all the facets of LabVIEW.  Getting good answers to these questions puts me in a position to justify buying it again, which I can't at the moment.

I have only followed the rules of the forum which are to:

1.  Search for a related thread; and

2.  If you can't find one similar then post your own.

Satisfied with that?  We may take it further if need be.

Yes, I still do not have any answer after 4 threads.

Thank you.

[Neil.Pate]

battler.

I think you may have missed something here. The people on these forums are volunteers, not employed by NI. There is no financial incentive for answering posts, just the desire to help others!

For non LabVIEW related questions (and this one clearly is), just google it, really...

[rolfk]

There are tools out there for just about every major ethernet card manufacturer to change its MAC adress to whatever the person would like. So no it is not a very secure nor reliable means to protect your application!

Rolf Kalbermatter

[battler.]

Thanks.

What about the Machine GUID?  Is that more reliable?

Is the GUID a fixed number?  Does it ever change? - the one under Windows\Cryptography I mean.

[rolfk]

Please ask that on a Microsoft forum. They are the only authoritive source for such information.

Rolf Kalbermatter

[battler.]

Sorry, I'm looking for anybody with experience in this area.

Please don't respond if you do not.

Thanks.