I have a number of applications that perform this type of serial number checking. The most notable are Adobe products, Photoshop, in particular. I don't see what the big deal is. If you use the products legally, you'll never have a problem. But, thanks, kupa, for the timely explanation. It must suck to have to periodically kiss the collective butts of the users of this forum. I would find it demoralizing. People sure seem to want a lot for a couple hundred bucks. --ratta