DOCUMENT:Q113235  25-SEP-1999  [win3x]
TITLE   :Cannot Access Volume Serial Number with 32-Bit File Access
PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows 3.x Retail Product
PROD/VER:WINDOWS:3.11
OPER/SYS:
KEYWORDS:

======================================================================
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

Additional query words: vfat 3.11 Copy-protect Virtual

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbWFWSearch kbWFW311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.11

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS
PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.  MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS
ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  IN NO
EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF
MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION
OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.