>>>I must be confusing detection methods :) But I've been reading about a plan to use computer serial numbers to catch perps (and other uses, as well)...are these the same serial numbers this thread is about?
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>>AFAIK, the discussion has revolved around either software-based identifiers like GUIDs, or the CPU serial number being embeded in CPUs like the Intel Pentium IIIs.
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>Yes, I'm pretty sure that's it, a CPU number, it's definitely something residing on a specific machine. It's hard to tell from media reports sometimes...

I think Office will imbed the MAC address of the machine in a document for proof-of-ownership purposes (and - I believe - this can be turned off). I think this was how they traced the originator of the Melissa virus.

IAC, any hardware based serial/identification number only identifies a machine - not a user... and not even that if the number can be simulated via software.

Paul "The Perp" M.