service tag removed

Question

i recently bought a used d610. the service tag sticker has been removed, and no service tag is displayed on the system info screen of the set-up utility. for service tag, asset tag, and ownership tag, i have : {none}

1) why would a seller have done this?

2) i understand that there is a way to re-enter a service tag, but i don't know what it was. is there a way to find out what it was?

3) Assuming there is a legitimate reason for the service tag to have been removed, should i care that i don't have a service tag? i have read that you can't set an admin password, but i don't care about that.

4) if i need a service tag for the computer to function correctly, can i just make one up, and use a utility to enter it? thanks.

Message Edited by jegefe on 07-06-2007 12:25 PM

Message Edited by jegefe on 07-06-2007 12:26 PM

Rollie_R · Answer

jegefe,   There is no legitimate reason for removing the Service Tag.  Without the Service Tag number you will not be able to get service or support for your system.    I would get with the seller for an explanation.  In order to transfer the ownership of the system to your name, you need the Service Tag number, and the information about the previous owner, so you may need to contact the seller anyway.   One possible explanation is that the system is stolen.  Without the Service Tag number, we cannot even tell if the system was reported as stolen.

notladstyle · Answer

+1 more than likely stolen or running bootleg software and the owner did not want it traced back to them. Message Edited by notladstyle on 07-07-2007 12:03 AM

Bay Wolf · Answer

I'd say get your money back.  It does sound fishy to me.

jegefe · Answer

I've been told that a new motherboard was installed.

notladstyle · Answer

If dell installed the motherboard, the service code would show the hardware replacement. The sticker on the outside is linked to every service call on the laptop.

Rollie_R · Answer

jegefe,   I have seen cases where the motherboard was replaced, and the Service Tag number was not reentered in the BIOS, however, the problem still remains that without the Service Tag number, then we cannot look up the system in our database, and Dell will not provide support for the system.   Ownership Transfer   This is the form to transfer ownership of the system to you.  Please note that you need information about the previous owner, as registered in Dell's database, not the seller.  Unless you have this information, then you need to contact the seller and get it.  If they cannot give you this information, and the Service Tag number, then I would return the system and get your money back.

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service tag removed

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