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c++usbuniqueidentifierserial-number

how to get the serial number from the USB device on Unix-like systems

The binary file is located on a USB key used as a dongle.

I need to get a unique identifier from the key. VendorID + DeviceID is out of the question because they may be the same if the USB key's models are the same.

Using Windows, I use a the function GetVolumeInformation() which gives me a serial number that is changed eachtime the device is formated (not a problem).

Using Unix, to get the same serial number, I need to read the corresponding mount file in the /dev/ directory. But this operation requieres a root access, or at least I need to be part of a specific group.

The unique identifier could be different than the serial number found on Win32 systems. But it must be different for each USB key I will use for delivery.

Any ideas ?

Solution

  • I have managed to retrieve the serial number by getting the /dev file using df command

    Than used this code and modified it a little bit :

    USB-drive serial number under linux C++

    3rd answer (Orwellophile's)

    I'm not sure this will work on every Unix systems, but it is fine for now.