How Do I Change Memory Card Serial Numbers?

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Memory cards are most commonly used in cameras, phones and other hand-held devices.

A serial number is an identifying code assigned to a piece of hardware. All electronic storage devices, including memory cards, have such a number. If you have reason to change the serial number on your memory card, you will need the VolumeID utility. This free Microsoft program allows you to edit the serial number of any storage device. The changes to your memory card will not be visible until the next time you reboot your computer.

Advertisement

Step 1

Download the VolumeID .zip folder from the Windows Systinternals website (see Resources). Create a new folder on your desktop named "VolumeID." Extract the contents of the .zip folder to the new VolumeID folder.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Insert your memory card into a card reader. Plug the card reader into a free USB port. A pop-up will appear asking if you would like to view the contents of the folder. Select "No." Alternatively, if a window displaying the card's contents appears automatically, close the window. Do not open any files stored on the memory card during this process.

Advertisement

Step 3

Double-click the .exe file within the VolumeID folder to run the program. This will open a command prompt window.

Advertisement

Step 4

Type the following into the command prompt window: "volumeid driveletter: xxxx-xxxx." Replace "driveletter:" with the drive letter of your memory card. Replace "xxxx-xxxx" with the new serial number. Close the window when you're finished.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references & resources