Why remove serial numbers

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Level 1

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Why remove serial numbers

Just want to see what you think. I have a client that provided a contractor with four Macbooks. When the contract was over the laptops were returned but they were misising the serial number plate. Also, when you look at the OS to get the serial number it has been erased. Why would someone do this? The only reason I can think of is perhaps they gave back out of warranty refurbs (with serial numbers removed) and kept identical units under warranty. Can anyone think of any other reason to remove the numbers?

Macbook

Posted on Sep 2, 2009 10:11 AM

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Answer 1

Mac-Medic

Level 6

17,301 points

Sep 2, 2009 10:42 AM in response to unevenload

Can you see it in the System Profiler? Were the units ever serviced or logic boards replaced?

Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

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Answer 2

unevenload Author

Level 1

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Sep 2, 2009 10:47 AM in response to Mac-Medic

The system profiler has been altered. It says "unregistered". To our knowledge they have not been serviced. The contractor will provide no further information.

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Answer 3

Mac-Medic

Level 6

17,301 points

Sep 2, 2009 10:59 AM in response to unevenload

Has your client got the paperwork from when he bought the computers? He could get the serial numbers off there and call Apple to see if they ever were serviced. Maybe Apple could shed some light on how the numbers could have been removed also.

Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

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Answer 4

unevenload Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 2, 2009 11:44 AM in response to Mac-Medic

I will look into that. I don't think Apple would remove the metal plates under the battery though.

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Answer 5

Sep 4, 2009 10:44 AM in response to unevenload

I smell foul play here.

there is no sensible reason that the serial number plate should be removed or the serial numbers being erased from system profiler unless someone is intentionally trying to cover up the original numbers of the laptops.

i would suggest that you chase the contractor up on this matter.

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Answer 6

JasonFear

Level 5

4,965 points

Sep 4, 2009 11:53 AM in response to langy1987

There's one reason that I could see where a polycarbonate MacBook would not have the serial number sticker and that's after a top case replacement. The "plate" is not actually a plate, but rather a sticker that is on the bottom of the top case. If you replace the top case then the sticker has to be transferred over to the new top case and I've seen several scenarios where that stepped is missed/forgotten by an Apple Retail Store / Authorized Service Provider.

Regarding the modification of the SN# in System Profiler, that's only done via a tool that runs on a CD which boots into EFI and allows you to write into that field. That "tool" isn't something you can just grab off the Internet and would only need to be done after a hardware repair is performed on the logic board.

Definitely need to follow up with who sold you the units as without identification it'll be very difficult to get any sort of support from Apple (in or out of warranty status).

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Answer 7

Sep 4, 2009 2:20 PM in response to JasonFear

Are you sure that they are the same macbooks they leant out?!?

could these four with no serial number be stolen laptops and they've swapped them for the legit ones?

something very dodgy is going on. you might want to contact the fuzz, I believe they have specialists in high tech crime who might be able to help you.

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