Cannot Access Volume Serial Number with 32-Bit File Access

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q113235
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you type "vol" (without the quotation marks) at an MS-DOS command prompt within Windows for Workgroups, only the volume label line is returned. For example, you receive 

   Volume in drive C is MYHARDDRIVE
but you do not receive the volume serial number entry, for example: 

   Volume Serial Number is 16E1-2263

CAUSE

If you have 32-bit file access enabled, you cannot access the volume serial number entry line in an MS-DOS session within Windows for Workgroups or when running MS-DOS-based applications under Windows for Workgroups.

WORKAROUND

If you have a program that requires the serial number, you have two options:

  • Disable 32-bit file access. To do this, choose the 386 Enhanced icon in Control Panel, choose Virtual Memory and Change, and then clear the 32-Bit File Access check box.

    -or-

  • Run the application outside Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

Some third-party software packages use the hard disk drive serial number as part of a copy detection/protection scheme. When the software is installed, it keeps an internal record of the hard disk drive serial number and does not work correctly if you start the software in an MS-DOS session when 32- bit file access is active. The software package checks for the serial number, but since it is no longer available to MS-DOS, the authentication process fails, and the software does not load.

KBCategory: kbenv
KBSubcategory: wfw wfwg
Additional reference words: vfat 3.11 Copy-protect Virtual



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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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