Clean install = Saved serial #s

[creator2456]

I am in the process of completing a clean install of Leopard. At the point now where I am reinstalling some of my apps/pref panes/etc.

Some of the apps and preference panes have retained my serial # and information even after the fresh install (all the way back to 10.5.0).

How/why is this possible?

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

Interesting.

Did you do a clean install/ archive install/ upgrade?

You most likely did not do the HD wipe?

Let us know what process you applied. I will do the same thing when SL comes out and so it would be good to hear of your experiences.

 

[GuillaumeB]

Could you have sync'ed them OTA with MobileMe or any other data backup services?

 

[crazzyeddie]

This interests me... I was under the impression that most apps these days stored their serial numbers NOT in preferences files as to prevent easy tampering...

I would like to do one last reinstall of Leopard and do a manual reinstall of all my files before Snow Leopard, but serials was one of my concerns (even though I have them backed up, I just don't want to type them all in again).

 

[creator2456]

I did a fresh install but did not format the drive beforehand. I do also backup with MobileMe, although I doubt that 3rd party serials are stored. So far I have not had to re-enter info for: Sticky Windows (pref pane), Shovebox, smcFanControl, CandyBar, iStat menus (pref pane), WeatherDock, and MenuMeters (pref pane). I'm sure I'm missing a couple that just worked after re-downloading and installing.

My process:
Install Leopard 10.5 from retail disc > 10.5.7 Combo Update > All other software updates > iLife '09 > Software Updates > Bring in personal documents off external HD > download/install all apps/pref panes

 

[Jethryn Freyman]

Did you copy over any old preference files?

If not, you can't have done a 100% clean install.

 

[creator2456]

Did you copy over any old preference files?

If not, you can't have done a 100% clean install.

Did not copy over anything other than word docs, music/video files, and plugin preset files for CS3.

Popped in the Leopard disc and made sure to pick Erase and Install when I had the choice.

Also add Audio HiJack Pro to the list of apps that had saved serial info.