How to read Serial number from mobile device using C#?

Question

How I can read Serial number from a Windows mobile and WinCE mobile device using C#?

Solution

You really shouldn't be using the old KernelIoControl method.

You should use the newer GetDeviceUniqueID API. Here is a blog entry on why to use it and how to use it from C#.

Comments

[John Saunders]

Interesting. I take that article to imply that some devices may not have a unique id. It seems to be something that "can be used by OEMs who need unique identifications". Also, the article was a bit old. Do you know if that IOCTL is still valid in later versions of Windows CE, or if maybe there's a better method in later versions?

[ConsultUtah]

As far as I know there is nothing built-in. You must call native methods to get it - I have been away from the CompactFramework for a while though...

[John Saunders]

Right. I meant are there better native methods.