Service Tag lost after bios update

Sorry about the lack of info.

Inspiron 7500, Windows 2000

I have the service tag number from under the computer and have been using this same number for 3 years with no problem.  I've not added any additional hardware or software to the computer recently other than updating my bios yesterday.  Up until then I used the same tag number.  Today when I tried using it I got an error message saying it was an invalid number.   I let the website find the service tag number for me and get somethiing completely different.  Example:  service tag always used "X111Y", now when the website scans my computer for the service tag it gives me "X111YyyyyyNo Asset Tag."  As I said, the only changes made to my computer has been the bios update yesterday so that's why I thought that might have something to do with it.  I'm confused!

Look on the bottom of the notebook for the service tag. Your post is confusing because updating the BIOS has nothing to do with the service tag and the Dell website where you are typing in the service tag. If you are getting the ST from the BIOS then cross reference it with what is on the bottom on the notebook. In any event use the one listed on the bottom of the unit. If this still give you a error try calling tech support.

Also always post the model and some specs of the notebook you are asking a question about. Make it a lot easier on those trying to help.

Message Edited by Ed C on 11-22-2004 11:39 AM

Well Dell is updating there support site, I got a notice about it a week or so ago, so there site could be messing up. I would still call tech support and ask them to check the tag with the ownership of the system.

Thanks.  I appreciate the info and your time.  I will try to call someone because using tech support online by either email or chat returns the same error message that my service tag number is invalid and doesn't allow me to go any further.  It worked fine yesterday when I downloaded the bios update, but now is not recognized, that's why I thought it might have something to do with the bios.

You might download the asset.com program and run it to query what is actually stored in the BIOS area.  What ST does the BIOS report?

The BIOS shows the ST as it is supposed to be....X111Y.  Question:  when the Dell website scans my computer to find the service tag number, where exactly do they get that information from?  If it's the BIOS, why is the information garbled as shown above when the BIOS shows the correct information?

I too think it is the web routine.  Since it reads correctly in the BIOS that is what counts.  BTW, on my old 4000 it just read correctly, but it is an older notebook model.

I think it is a problem on the website. My tag doesn't work either, and my laptop is 6 months old.

Whoa, you have alot of posts, Johnallg. 4 years and 25000 posts later... you must really be dedicated to this site.

Something to do and it helps.  I've slowed down in the last many months both from being busy with travel in the fall, many other very competant posters, and unfamiliarity with the newest models.  But I still remember the info on the older equipment and help many that way....