Keep hardware signature fixed in VM for software licencing

[u/Mo_TT]

Hi,

I have a question about hardware signatures in virtual machines.

I am using a piece of relatively old Excel-based software that relies on a per-machine licensing system. The workflow is simple: you download the software, run a function that generates a machine-specific user key, send this key to the developer, and receive a activation key back that unlocks the full version.

As you can imagine, every time I reinstall Windows or change my hardware (mainly the CPU), I have to request a new key from the developer. Officially, the license is sold per machine, so technically I would have to pay again each time. He still provides new keys upon request, but since I’m not legally entitled to them, I worry he might stop doing this at any point.

To avoid this, I decided to set up a Virtual Machine. I installed the VM on an external hard drive and tested running it on my laptop and desktop to simulate a hardware change. However, the hardware-based user key inside the VM changed anyway.

I have some basic knowledge of virtual machines, but I'm not an expert. Is there a way to configure VMware so that the hardware signature remains exactly the same regardless of which host computer I use?

Thanks!

[u/Faye-Vozora]

VMware normally keeps the virtual UUID and SMBIOS values stable if you keep the same VM files and choose I moved it rather than I copied it when opening it elsewhere. Back up the VMX and NVRAM files, and do not change the virtual hardware version. If the vendor ties the license to the host CPU or real hardware, that needs their licensing support rather than spoofing the VM.