If there is, it's a well kept secret, but as long as the system board hasn't been replaced, any information you're likely to find via DOS is available on the first screen of System Setup.  Both the model and Service Tag ID should be there.

As Flooby stated the model number information would be listed on the top of the screen of the BIOS Setup if present.  In order to get this information in a DOS environment you would have to write some sort of batch file that would read the BIOS information and report back the results.  Since this is something that would be more common in a business setting where support personal are managing multiple systems over a network you might consider posting in the Optiplex - BIOS forum.  There have been previous discussions in that forum about using batch files to read the system's asset tag number.  Possibly someone know of a varient of the program that would read the model number.  Another good source would be posting a question in one of the UseNet newgroups.  Possibly someone reading the 24hoursupporthelpdesk or the alt.sys.pc-clone.dell newsgroup could provide an answer.

Hi,

I don't know which operating system you're running but the following applies to Win98 (perhaps Win95 and WinME as well, but I'm not sure).  If I understand you correctly, you can readily find the model number by right-clicking on My Computer and then on Properties.  The information is stored in the OEMINFO.INI file, but you wanted a DOS command.  OK ... try  edit c:windows\system\oeminfo.ini.  This will display your model number and more.  You can even modify and save this information if you'd like.  You can even enter this command in the Start/Run box rather than from a DOS prompt.  Hope this helps.

Jim McNamara 

Jim

The OEMINFO.INI file model number info may not apply to all Dell models.  On my XPS T the "MODEL="  line was blank until I just filled it in now.   Thanks for the tip though!

Message Edited by Majestic on 09-28-2004 10:34 AM

Say Majestic,

You're right actually.  It all depends upon how the intial setup was done of course.  My XPS T had the information already there.  I had some fun with this and wrote a batch file (OEM Logo Manager) that allows you to edit the OEMINFO.INI and select from an assortment of different images to replace the original OEM logo (mosly on the risque side), but the batch file could be modified and your own images substituted.  I have everything all neatly packaged into a self-extracting archive if you're interested.

Jim McNamara

Message Edited by jimmymac_4 on 09-30-2004 11:14 PM

Jim

Thanks for the offer, but I really don't have a need for something like that.  I was more than glad to just be able to add the model number to that screen.  I also used the opportunity to edit some of the information displayed by the Support Information button in order to make it a little more concise.  Thanks again!

If it is not included on the service tag sticker, you could use the service tag number, and this site to trace the model number for your system.