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Dell Service Tag Question

A

achilles2828

n00b
Joined
Feb 19, 2004
Messages
19
Hi Everyone,


I work for a small firm that owns several (40+) Dell Dimension systems which are scheduled for disposal (resale) in a few months. For liability purposes, my employer has requested the service tag identifiers be removed prior to resale. However, I am unaware how to permanently modify or erase the service tag data.

I know HP created a serial number and asset tag editor for their systems:

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/f...nload/8388.html

as did Dell for the optiplex systems:

http://support.jp.dell.com/docs/dta/586XMT/00000028.htm

Does anyone know how to perform service tag editing for Dimension systems? Retaining system service tags so the buyers have access to warranty service is a non issue since associated system warranties have expired.

Thanks in advance!
 
I am sure they do, but i don't know how you would get it.

I've seen dell service techs with a bootable cd that does it.

Usually when they put in a new motherboard, they will change the code to match the old one.
 
Did you buy them through the reseller department? I'm not sure if you're actually going to be able to do that legally. I would definitely call Customer Care and talk to them about it -- either you'll get a resounding "NO" and not get anyone in trouble, or they'll tell you how.
 
No, we bought the equipment on ebay to save on aquisition costs. I have called Dell CS but they've given me nothing but the run around. Transferred from one tech to another with no definitive answer.

What is illegal about editing service tag information on machines we own?

I guess I need to talk to a Dell techie. Know of any?
 
Depending on the machine, they may be concerned about someone faking a valid warranty.
Or changing a number on a stolen computer.

Those would be my concerns.
 
Originally posted by mobiux
Depending on the machine, they may be concerned about someone faking a valid warranty.
Or changing a number on a stolen computer.

Those would be my concerns.
Click to expand...

True. But we've already spent 15+ man hours on the phone with Dell CS with no resolution.

Im still at the same place I started.
 
I'd search the registry with a chunk of the service tag - see if you can find it there. If that doesn't work I'd search the registry for "dell" - see if that led me anywhere. Lastly I'd look for Dell folders on the hard drive.
 
The Dell service tag is in the BIOS, no amount of registry or folder searching will help. If you want to edit that value you are going to have to get Dell's help.
 
The service tag is coded in the BIOS somehow, you need some kind of utility to modify it, though I'm not sure where to get it besides a Dell tech. Why exactly is he wanting to get rid of the service tag? I work for a company that buys used computers and refurbishes them and serial numbers/service tags are a usefull item to have. If you bought them used then just wipe all the data off the drives, remove any asset tags you stuck on and resell them or give them away, since you werent the original owner there wouldn't be anything to tie those computers back to you. I just hope your not wanting to remove them so you can toss the computers in the trash.
 
Originally posted by NleahciM
I'd search the registry with a chunk of the service tag - see if you can find it there. If that doesn't work I'd search the registry for "dell" - see if that led me anywhere. Lastly I'd look for Dell folders on the hard drive.
Click to expand...

The service tag is in the BIOS as well, which is a little bit harder to irradicate. I know there're some BIOS editors out there, but what you can do with them is pretty limited for OEM machines. It'd be worth a shot.

Damn, TDG beat me to it.
 
Thanks for the responses everyone!

The service tag edit is being performed because our buyers - and more specfically theirs - can uniquely identify our equipment utilizing the service tag info available on the BIOS. After that, its not difficult to determine exactly where the owner lives, place of business, telephone numbers via fraud. Ect. The systems are being sold to a reseller. Hence the privacy concerns.

Our buyers have no problems purchasing systems lacking serial numbers since the associated system warranties have expired and receipts have been made available to demonstrate proof of purchase. In addition, the prospective clients are aware Dells unlimited technical support (using the term ‘support’ loosely here) for purchased systems is no longer valid. Our prospective clients have consented so retaining service tag info is a moot point.

Does anyone know which BIOS editors could access Dell Dimension service tag info? And where I could go about finding one?
 
hrm.. if it's in the bios could you just flash the bios?

... if it retains the service tag after flashing, then get new bios chips and flash it?
 
Ok, this makes no sense to me at the moment.

According to what you said earlier, "No, we bought the equipment on ebay to save on aquisition costs."
you bought these off ebay, so the information wouldn't be yours anyway.
And if they transfered ownership to you, just transfer the ownership to the reseller via Dell's services.

And if the person who sold them to you on ebay, was worried about it, they should have taken care of it before you got the computers.
 
I'm with Mobiux on this one.

If they are out of warranty, what good is the service tag anyways?

If you realy really wanna get rid of the tag, see if there is a BIOS update available, and maybe find an editor of soem kind to edit out the tag# then load the new BIOS.

Don't forget that tag is located on several places inside the system as well.
 
Somthing is fishy here...

You purchased from E-bay, "No, we bought the equipment on ebay to save on aquisition costs."

But you also say the reason you are getting rid of them is for disposal "...which are scheduled for disposal (resale) in a few months."

Now you want to sell them to 3rd party who will resell them again to a 4th, "...because our buyers - and more specfically theirs..."

How is there any trace of your information on these system? And even if they could lookup the past owners how does that make you liable for anything?
 
Originally posted by achilles2828
Hi Everyone,


I work for a small firm that owns several (40+) Dell Dimension systems which are scheduled for disposal (resale) in a few months. For liability purposes, my employer has requested the service tag identifiers be removed prior to resale. However, I am unaware how to permanently modify or erase the service tag data.

I know HP created a serial number and asset tag editor for their systems:

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/f...nload/8388.html

as did Dell for the optiplex systems:

http://support.jp.dell.com/docs/dta/586XMT/00000028.htm

Does anyone know how to perform service tag editing for Dimension systems? Retaining system service tags so the buyers have access to warranty service is a non issue since associated system warranties have expired.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I work in a department that services nothing but Dells..

I don't really see any liability issue arrising from having the service tags on the computers. The only thing they're used for is getting tech support from Dell. If the warranties are expired then I really see no reason for them to not be on there.. Why exactly do you want them removed again?
 
So the buyers don't know they're stolen!!!!


Just kidding. I think he just wants them off there so there is no trace of his company within the lifespan of the system.
 
But... theres no way to trace it unless you're dell certified. And then it tells you who bought the system and if its under warranty or not.

It just seems wierd to me..
 
There is -no- good reason to want to remove the service tag from a Dell computer.

Not only is it on the BIOS, but its also either printed on the case, or theres a sticker with the service tag information on it as well.

The BIOS also stores any asset tags on the machines as well. If I had to take a guess here, I would say our friend is trying to tinker with that.

EDIT:
The asset tags are there for a reason, to find the owner of the machine - and as far as I know the only people that can remove them are Dell.

If you want to transfer ownership of the machines, you will have to contact Dell to do it.

We ordered a couple hundred D800's and had like 3 guys from Dell sitting in a room adding asset tags to all of them.
 
Originally posted by Phoenix86
Somthing is fishy here...

You purchased from E-bay, "No, we bought the equipment on ebay to save on aquisition costs."

But you also say the reason you are getting rid of them is for disposal "...which are scheduled for disposal (resale) in a few months."

Now you want to sell them to 3rd party who will resell them again to a 4th, "...because our buyers - and more specifically theirs..."

How is there any trace of your information on these system? And even if they could lookup the past owners how does that make you liable for anything?
Click to expand...

good lord. The ownership was transferred from the ebay seller to our firm.

We are auctioning off the equipment. So we wont know WHO the buyers are until after the auction is concluded. Naturally, our buyers want the equipment when they pay for it, so withholding the equipment the 6-8 weeks while Dell performs an owner transfer is obviously not doable given our privacy requirements.

What’s fishy about it? Never heard of a company purchasing computer equipment and after the associated warrantees expire, reselling that equipment to a asset disposal firm (aka one of our bidders) ???

This happens ALL the time. You’re obviously not too familiar with the asset disposal aftermarket to suggest dubious intent about INDUSTRY STANDARD residual value reclaiming procedure. Its called maximizing your ROI (Return on Investment).

I have already stated WHY we are planning to erase the serial tag info. Do the board a favor and scroll so I don’t have to post redundant information.

A few former clients have confirmed they were able to ascertain the original owners of used dell equipment because they had a established relationship with dell and pulled a few strings. Similar methods could yield identical results. Which is what we're trying to avoid.
 
Originally posted by achilles2828
good lord. The ownership was transferred from the ebay seller to our firm.

We are auctioning off the equipment. So we wont know WHO the buyers are until after the auction is concluded. Naturally, our buyers want the equipment when they pay for it, so withholding the equipment the 6-8 weeks while Dell performs an owner transfer is obviously not doable given our privacy requirements.

What’s fishy about it? Never heard of a company purchasing computer equipment and after the associated warrantees expire, reselling that equipment to a asset disposal firm (aka one of our bidders) ???

This happens ALL the time. You’re obviously not too familiar with the asset disposal aftermarket to suggest dubious intent about INDUSTRY STANDARD residual value reclaiming procedure. Its called maximizing your ROI (Return on Investment).

I have already stated WHY we are planning to erase the serial tag info. Do the board a favor and scroll so I don’t have to post redundant information.

A few former clients have confirmed they were able to ascertain the original owners of used dell equipment because they had a established relationship with dell and pulled a few strings. Similar methods could yield identical results. Which is what we're trying to avoid.
Click to expand...

LOL - so let me get this straight. You're worried that someone who has an established relationship with Dell will buy your machines and get contact information - just to perform identity theft or commit some personal attack on the previous owner? I find that highly unlikley.

If you don't want to wait 6-8 weeks for Dell to perform an ownership transfer then don't sell the systems at all. Find a big sledge hammer and crush the hell out of the BIOS's so your information cant be traced back.

I certainly don't have a relationship with dell but the most information I can find out from a service tag is the company whos bought the computers.

I've dealt with Dell a lot before the place I work for finally forked over some money for certifications and I know that even after a two hour session with the call centers in India on the phone I get results from them.

So either
a.) Your phone skills with Dell absolutley suck
b.) Theres something you're not telling us
c.) You've over paranoid about something you shouldn't be worried about.

Seriously
You should call Dell back and explain your situation and not settle for no or a runaround or destroy the computers.
 
Originally posted by three_sixteen
I work in a department that services nothing but Dells..

I don't really see any liability issue arrising from having the service tags on the computers. The only thing they're used for is getting tech support from Dell. If the warranties are expired then I really see no reason for them to not be on there.. Why exactly do you want them removed again?
Click to expand...

Unscrupulous end buyers could access and use our company info and owner info for a variety of fraudulent purposes. In addition, if the computers are used for illegal activities, litigation could be initiated - however unsuccessful - against our firm. Unfortunately, we live in a country that still requires defendants to pay their attorneys for services rendered - whether they win or not. This means even frivolous lawsuits can cost significant coin. Which is what we're trying to avoid. Ever hear about the old lady who won millions from Mac Dicks because they served coffee that was 'too hot'? Or the guy who successfully sued a motor home manufacturer for 1mill because they didn’t specify cruise control didn’t enable the vehicle to drive itself???

This forms the basis of our reasoning and exemplifies why we're exercising our due diligence.

And the reason why we don’t transfer ownership using Dells program is because it takes a MASSIVE amount of time and energy to wade through their bureaucratic nightmare. Ever see a dog chasing his tail???
 
Originally posted by three_sixteen
LOL - so let me get this straight. You're worried that someone who has an established relationship with Dell will buy your machines and get contact information - just to perform identity theft or commit some personal attack on the previous owner? I find that highly unlikley.
Click to expand...

Read much? Ive already said several time the majority of the equipment is being sold to RESELLERs!

But thanks for coming out.
 
Originally posted by SarverSystems
So the buyers don't know they're stolen!!!!


Just kidding. I think he just wants them off there so there is no trace of his company within the lifespan of the system.
Click to expand...

Wow. Someone actually has a brain on this thread!
 
Originally posted by three_sixteen

We ordered a couple hundred D800's and had like 3 guys from Dell sitting in a room adding asset tags to all of them.
Click to expand...

And Im sure you work for a fortune 500 that had gobs of money to throw at the problem.

I work for a small, cash strapped firm. That means we dont have the time to be sitting on hold while Dell CS plays hot potatoe with our request.
 
Originally posted by achilles2828
Wow. Someone actually has a brain on this thread!
Click to expand...

Now we're getting somewhere.

The 'history' of the machine only has the current owner on it. So if you bought these machines used from ebay, which I suspect you did, the only person who would be able to be found through the service tag would be the previous owner unless they transferred ownership.

Theres no way to see the 'history' of owners of a machine by service tag.

Not only that, but if you're selling the machines to a reseller then you shouldn't have to wait 6-8 weeks for Dell to transfer ownership, they should.

Why would you sell your machines to a reseller who has no 'due dilligence'?

If you're so concerned about your information getting traced back, clear the ownership yourself through Dell and sell them yourself for the price that the reseller would sell them.

Infact, if you're so lazy and don't want to sit on the phone you can buy a Dell certification for me and I'll do it for your company - for half of the price of that reseller.

If you want me to show you all of the information publicly available about those machines give me one of the service tags and I'll show you. Easy as that.
 
Originally posted by three_sixteen

If you don't want to wait 6-8 weeks for Dell to perform an ownership transfer then don't sell the systems at all. Find a big sledge hammer and crush the hell out of the BIOS's so your information cant be traced back.
Click to expand...

Thats a fantastic way to save money. U must be multimillionaire by now!



Originally posted by three_sixteen
I've dealt with Dell a lot before the place I work for finally forked over some money for certifications and I know that even after a two hour session with the call centers in India on the phone I get results from them.
Click to expand...

Obviously you've never visited the Dell forums. Teeming with people who get jerked around all the time by Dell and fall through the cracks. You probably get preferential access with their tech support because you previously identify yourself as a Dell "certified' tech with some special little number.

My phone skills suck? Do they sound like they suck??

Geesh. Just say you dont know how to solve the problem and leave the thread.
 
Originally posted by achilles2828
And Im sure you work for a fortune 500 that had gobs of money to throw at the problem.

I work for a small, cash strapped firm. That means we dont have the time to be sitting on hold while Dell CS hot potatoe with our request.
Click to expand...

Im a student employee of a University - I get paid 6.50 an hour to do onsite technical support for a client base of about 3000 people. Its 97% Dell's (GX150's-270's)

I've worked there for almost a year now, and I've probably spent hundreds of hours on the phone with Dell and their call centers in India
 
Originally posted by three_sixteen
Now we're getting somewhere.

The 'history' of the machine only has the current owner on it. So if you bought these machines used from ebay, which I suspect you did, the only person who would be able to be found through the service tag would be the previous owner unless they transferred ownership.

Theres no way to see the 'history' of owners of a machine by service tag.

Not only that, but if you're selling the machines to a reseller then you shouldn't have to wait 6-8 weeks for Dell to transfer ownership, they should.

Why would you sell your machines to a reseller who has no 'due dilligence'?

If you're so concerned about your information getting traced back, clear the ownership yourself through Dell and sell them yourself for the price that the reseller would sell them.

Infact, if you're so lazy and don't want to sit on the phone you can buy a Dell certification for me and I'll do it for your company - for half of the price of that reseller.

If you want me to show you all of the information publicly available about those machines give me one of the service tags and I'll show you. Easy as that.
Click to expand...


It doesnt surprise me ur a dell certified tech. Ever hear of fraud, identity theft, frivilous lawsuits?

Next.
 
Originally posted by achilles2828
It doesnt surprise me ur a dell certified tech. Ever hear of fraud, identity theft, frivilous lawsuits?

Next.
Click to expand...
What does that have to do with anything?

You obviously have no idea what you're doing. Why your 'firm' has made you responsible for this is beyond me.

For the final time
- Theres no way to steal someones identity from a Dell service tag
- What possible frivilous lawsuit could come from selling a Dell computer to someone?
- What possible fraud could come from selling a Dell computer to someone?

At most, they'll get the contact information of the person who bought the computer initially - which wasn't you - unless the initial owner transferred ownership to you.

Your worries are totally unfounded.
Want me to prove it? Give me a service tag.
 
Originally posted by three_sixteen
What does that have to do with anything?
Click to expand...

That basically sums up you're argument. You haven’t the slightest clue how fraud, identity theft and frivolous lawsuits can ultimately result in significant costs for the targeted party. Further, because Dells 'official' policy is to refuse disclosure of original ownership info upon service tag number submission, you think it never happens?!?

You're either very naive (read: young) or live under a rock.

I've answered all your remaining questions in the thread. Thanks for all the help!
 
Unlike the rest of the forum I see nothing fishing at all about trying to erase your companies information from a machine before you sell it for liability purposes. I build all my computers, but rest assured when they are sold - they are sold without a harddrive or a new harddrive. Since I build them they don't have any such service tag information, however, it would be illogical for a firm to NOT buy complete systems.

Anyways, have you solved the problem yet? Have you tried flashing the bios or putting in new bios chips and flashing them like I requested earlier?

Depending on the motherboard, should be fairly simple to get a new bios chip. I've gotten a few from Asus and ePox before, and I'm fairly sure I've seen similar chips at Radioshack before. This solution would be fairly cheap, as the chips i got from the board manufactures were cheap, and the ones at Radioshack don't cost very much at all.

However, I'd say the best bet for new chips is to go directly through dell.

On another note related to what I said earlier, are you selling this computers with the harddrives? Standard is to ZERO them out and format them 7 times so no data is recoverable. (ZEROing a harddrive out is NOT the same as formatting. Formatting essentually marks all space as free and usable, doesn't erase anything. Zeroing an HD out is using a special utility available from many harddrive manufactures and many 3rd part sources to write 0's to the entire harddrive.)
 
Originally posted by achilles2828
That basically sums up you're argument. You haven’t the slightest clue how fraud, identity theft and frivolous lawsuits can ultimately result in significant costs for the targeted party. Further, because Dells 'official' policy is to refuse disclosure of original ownership info upon service tag number submission, you think it never happens?!?

You're either very naive (read: young) or live under a rock.

I've answered all your remaining questions in the thread. Thanks for all the help!
Click to expand...

I can't believe how paranoid you are.
You must be one of the people who follows the governments security tips for anti-terrorism.

Have plastic sheets and duct tape in the closet do we?

Why on earth would people pay real money to buy a used computer just to ruin someone elses life? Theres far more efficent/cheaper ways to steal someones identity/commit fraud then buying used computers from a reseller.

Give me a break.
 
Originally posted by plot
Unlike the rest of the forum I see nothing fishing at all about trying to erase your companies information from a machine before you sell it for liability purposes. I build all my computers, but rest assured when they are sold - they are sold without a harddrive or a new harddrive. Since I build them they don't have any such service tag information, however, it would be illogical for a firm to NOT buy complete systems.

Anyways, have you solved the problem yet? Have you tried flashing the bios or putting in new bios chips and flashing them like I requested earlier?

Depending on the motherboard, should be fairly simple to get a new bios chip. I've gotten a few from Asus and ePox before, and I'm fairly sure I've seen similar chips at Radioshack before. This solution would be fairly cheap, as the chips i got from the board manufactures were cheap, and the ones at Radioshack don't cost very much at all.

However, I'd say the best bet for new chips is to go directly through dell.

On another note related to what I said earlier, are you selling this computers with the harddrives? Standard is to ZERO them out and format them 7 times so no data is recoverable. (ZEROing a harddrive out is NOT the same as formatting. Formatting essentually marks all space as free and usable, doesn't erase anything. Zeroing an HD out is using a special utility available from many harddrive manufactures and many 3rd part sources to write 0's to the entire harddrive.)
Click to expand...

Dell uses proprietary mother boards. You won't be able to get a new BIOS chip for a Dell motherboard. You can only get a new Dell motherboard.

Flashing the BIOS will not reset the service tag.

He will have to call Dell to learn how to change the service tags on their computers. But for a little perspective - it would be like buying a gun and filing off the serial number so it can't be traced.

To achilles:
Because I'm a nice guy and you obviously have no idea how to deal with Dell

Call (800) 234-1490
Press 1
Press 69077

They'll ask for a service tag from a machine, confirm your identity and should assist you from there.
 
Here, try this thread;)
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=32&threadid=1252952

Read:
http://technologyreports.net/enterpriseinnovator/?articleID=1889

Read
http://www.partstockpc.com/disposal.htm

There are some services I have linked that specialize in this sorta thing.

You bought the pc's used, off of ebay, not form dell. Ownershipw as transfered to you via dell. Dell does not have your financial info since you did not buy them form dell. What kind of company do you run, that, your worried someone might get your phone number and call you up?

If you are so worried about fraud, the best and ulimate way to be safe, would be to distroy the computers, take a drill and drill thru the platters, burn the rest.

But, if you ask me, your too much of a sally. I see why you get no where with dell, you need to say listen here habeeb, I want to clear all of my company info....

I could possibly get the cd they use to input the asset/service tag numbers.

I would leave in the service tag, and remove the asset number.

Oh yeah, if you decide you want to replace the mohterboard to get rid of the current numbers, they will program the current numbers into the new one, so your screwed there...
 
I have never heard of a company doing this. Most corporations prohibit the resale of their equipment. They have it destroyed with a certification to back it up for the reasons you have given for a retag.

I feel your pain but if you dont want to toss the equipment as required you will have to loose the mother boards and just sell of the components. IT beats allowing the stuff to go to waste.(wich is what most large companies do that dont submit to the "recycle
' extorsion that the oem suppliers try to pass off as concern for the environement.
 
Originally posted by three_sixteen
Dell uses proprietary mother boards. You won't be able to get a new BIOS chip for a Dell motherboard. You can only get a new Dell motherboard.

Flashing the BIOS will not reset the service tag.
Click to expand...

because it was dell and they don't like doing anything standard so they can keep a corner on there market, i figured that would probably be the case.

more and more i see dell do this shit, the less and less i'm willing to refer people to them. good computers, but this proprietary shit is BS.
 
Originally posted by plot
because it was dell and they don't like doing anything standard so they can keep a corner on there market, i figured that would probably be the case.

more and more i see dell do this shit, the less and less i'm willing to refer people to them. good computers, but this proprietary shit is BS.
Click to expand...

It's a standard form factor, just a custom made board... normally straight from Intel, as it turns out.

Again, the service tag only tells what parts are in the system that you can look up. They won't give any more info out, or you can sue DELL. I've had to fix things for people and getting dell to talk to me if I didn't buy the system is a PITA.
 
Dell no longer uses anything proprietary. When they did, it was the power supply, toherwise, it is full atx with an atx psu. The p2/p3 era is when they changed over to a stanard atx.

I should know in a few days if can get the dell cd that they use to change asset/tag numbers;)
 
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