Dell Service Tag Question

[Catherine28]

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 (stored in the BIOS and harddrive?) 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/files/LTE/us/download/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 asset tag editing for Dimension systems? Retaining the service tags arnt an issue because the associated system warranties have expired.

Thanks in advance!

 

[vietofmars]

You should be more concerned with wiping all data off the hard disks.

Have you tried calling Dell or using the optiplex software?

 

[Catherine28]

Originally posted by: vietofmars
You should be more concerned with wiping all data off the hard disks.

Have you tried calling Dell or using the optiplex software?

I have called Dell but received nothing but the run around. Transfering from one customer rep to the next.

Would applying the optiplex software service tag editor function to a dimension system possibly harm the machine?

Im not the most tech savvy individual and would prefer using an editor specifically designed for a Dimension system. Perhaps it doesnt matter?

 

[HappyPuppy]

The Service Tag ID means little to nothing on Dell desktops. When we change motherboards on their laptops we flash the ST to the new board. With desktops, however, we never flash the ST over.

What is your employer concerned about?

 

[johnjkr1]

sent you a PM

 

[SagaLore]

Originally posted by: Catherine28
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 (stored in the BIOS and harddrive?) 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/files/LTE/us/download/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 asset tag editing for Dimension systems? Retaining the service tags arnt an issue because the associated system warranties have expired.

Thanks in advance!

You could call in each machine and change the contact/owner info of each machine, so it's not linked directly to your company.

 

[SagaLore]

Would it work if you just pulled out the CMOS battery and moved the CMOS jumper to reset for a few seconds? Then the service tag will be blank, and just be sure to reset the defaults in the BIOS.

 

[Catherine28]

Happypuppy - The service tag edit is being performed because any remote ISP/Web Site 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.

Sagalore - We've already tried to contact Dell, but they've given us nothing but the run around. Transfering from one customer rep to the next. Ever see a dog chase his tail??

"Would it work if you just pulled out the CMOS battery and moved the CMOS jumper to reset for a few seconds? Then the service tag will be blank, and just be sure to reset the defaults in the BIOS. "

This seems like a good suggestion. But Im not a techie. Does anyone know if Sagalores idea could work??

 

[johnjkr1]

removing the battery will not reset the service tag

 

[Catherine28]

johnjkr1 -

did u get my pm? Im online now.