Missing Dell Service Tag....

Question

Please someone tell me I'm not the only poor sap who's run across this problem, I cannot install some vital programs to my computer because windows does not recognize the Dell Service Tag, it claims that it is missing.  I know my Dell Service Tag number, but apparantly it needs to be embedded or what not in the software programs, any feedback on this would be great. Message Edited by Phuzion on 12-16-200602:03 PM

simpswr · Answer

Did you let it install the activeX so it can detect the number?   What programs that depend on the Service Tag are 'Vital'? Message Edited by simpswr on 12-16-200602:31 PM

simpswr · Answer

When you ask it to find the service tag what happens?

Phuzion · Answer

Active X is installed, programs such as McAfee, Dell Support Software and a couple others

RoHe · Answer

You didn't mention the model PC, but run BIOS setup (F2 before XP starts to load) and search around for the screen where the service tag is supposed to be entered. If the number is missing or incorrect on that screen, go to Dell's Drivers and Download page for this model PC and see if they offer a small program that allows you to insert the service tag number into BIOS.

It's available for some systems, but not all, and I don't think you can just use any version of that software on other Dell PC models.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 12-16-200605:32 PM

SHAKER555 · Answer

you can fine it on down

Phuzion · Answer

Inspiron 2200, as far as 'asking it to find' the service tag, I'm not quite sure I follow you on that one?  I had believed, that there was a certain order you were suppose to follow according to fresh install to avoid this problem.   RoHe, I wasn't aware there was a spot in BIOS that it belonged there, so I'm not really sure where to look while in setup, but I can certainly look around.  But I have in the past searched Dell's Site for downloads regarding Service Tag errors.  That's why I am now here :smileyvery-happy: I couldn't find what I needed there.

RoHe · Answer

Hang on a minute here. Fresh install of what? Windows? Are you talking about drivers (eg, chipset driver should be installed before all other drivers)? Even if you did a fresh XP install that shouldn't affect the Service Tag number, assuming it was entered into BIOS.

Are you sure these apps are asking for your Dell PC Service Tag number or are they asking for their own Product Key which proves that the app is authentic and legal? Product Keys are usually on the case or envelope that the installation disk came in. Each installation disk will have a uinque Product Key number.

I looked on Drivers & Download page for the 2200, and there's no software to insert the Service Tag number into BIOS, so that's not going to be a solution.

I've never heard of software asking for Dell Service Tag number. When motherboard in my 8400 got replaced, it had no Service Tag number entered in BIOS. None of Dell's preinstalled software or any that I added ever asked for the Dell Service Tag.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 12-17-200611:06 AM

simpswr · Answer

' Inspiron 2200, as far as 'asking it to find' the service tag, I'm not quite sure I follow you on that one?' . . .   Click on Drivers and Downloads in the left panel of this page . . where it asks for the Service Tag, click on 'Find my Service Tag'   While you are there, look in downloads for your notebook . . under System and Configuration Utilities . . install the Notebook System Software . . not sure if it cures the problem you are having, but you need it installed just after the chipset drivers.   McAfee and the Dell Support Software, are two of the first things I uninstall on a Dell, so I can't help you with those.

Phuzion · Answer

I am aware chipset is to be installed first thing after a clean windows install and I did that, I believe that's where the Dell Service Tag installs so I don't run into this issue.  And yes I am referring to the Dell Service Tag not product keys.    Like I said I had encountered this problem once before and the issue was just installing the chipset before anything else, but I installed chipset first thing once windows was done clean install.  But McAfee and Dell Support Software needs the Dell Service Tag??

zoodog · Answer

yep i'm too. i was needing it for something the other day myself. bummer

Phuzion · Answer

Well I guess I'm just out of luck then, cause I did the search and all it
gave me were .'s so at this point I think I'm just over it all

sorry to whomever saw the previous "initialed" post, I didn't think anything of it

RoHe · Answer

The chipset driver does not install the Dell Service Tag number.

Grab yourself a free copy of Belarc Advisor from here. It should report the service tag number installed on your system under heading "System Model". And it tells you a lot of other useful stuff too.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Ron

zoodog · Answer

bummer...the number they provided didn't work, thanks anyway...:smileyindifferent:

zoodog · Answer

thanks so much!!! exactly what i was looking for, now i'm off to see if the service tag will work:smileywink:

BRIANBORU · Answer

look at this please http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems_info/en/express_service_code?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Windows General

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