RHEL 5- installation number stored on server?

[Courtney Duncan]

Hi everyone,

For Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 there is a new concept of using an installation number made by Red Hat at installation.
I have a couple of questions.

1) Is there any use for the installation number after installation at any time (I've read somewhere that possibly you will need it in the event you call IT tech solution for help. They might ask for the number for validation and to verify what packages you have. Even so, is this absolutely necessary, or even true?)I want to be more clear on the use of the number after installation, if any. Do I need to have the number in the future event of getting an upgrade?

2) Is the installation number accessible after installation, meaning is it stored on the server itself or would I have to write it down and keep it. I don't know?

Please offer any information that you believe is helpful.

~Thanks in advance

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom,

I'd keep the number handy, because RH is probably going to try and use it to enforce its license agreement which requires support on all systems.

I believe it is stored on the server, but you'd do well to keep a copy handly in case the server dies.

SEP

[Courtney Duncan]

Thanks for responding.

I'd like to know how sure are you percent-wise that it's stored on the server?

[Courtney Duncan]

only because I have to tell my manager.

[Courtney Duncan]

Thanks anyway

~cad

[Steven E. Protter · Accepted solution]

Shalom again:

http://www.redhat.com/support/resources/faqs/installation_numbers/

This page says its used for subscription management. I can't see how that could be done without storing a copy on the system.

So I'd say I'm 99% certain its going to be on the system. As to where to find it, I have yet to figure that out.

I'm trying to look at a system right now.

SEP

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom,

Key fact:

Are all installation numbers unique?

Installation numbers are unique per transaction; not per system. The installation number represents the Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscription features. It is primarily used to configure the installer. You can install multiple systems that have identical subscription features and SLAs with identical installation numbers.


The number is essentially useless because you can have multiple systems with the same installation number.

Sometimes it pays to read before posting.

SEP

[Courtney Duncan]

I actually did read that same excerpt before posting. I guess I didn't fully understand what it meant.
I figured it was useless but I had to be sure to tell my manager, that's why I asked.
I'm not an administrator, I'm just an intern.

But thanks for your help.
I appreciate it.

~cad

[Steven E. Protter]

I wasn't criticizing you with my remark about posting.

I was criticizing myself, because my initial answer was proven wrong after a more careful reading.

SEP