HT201581: Find your Mac's serial number in About This Mac or System Information

Learn about Find your Mac's serial number in About This Mac or System Information
ndapple
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Q: Where do i find the serial No on a IMac 4.1 please? I have looked on the "about this Mac" but it does not have the serial No on it!

Where do i find the serial No on a IMac 4.1 please? I have looked on the "about this Mac" but it does not have the serial No on it!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Posted on Apr 7, 2012 4:11 AM

by a brody,Solvedanswer
a brody a brody
Level 9 (66,889 points)
Classic Mac OS
A:

Until last July, the model identifier on every Intel Mac would tell you exact minimum and maximum expansion in terms of RAM, retail operating system, and any system specific required firmware updates, video and audio expansion capabilities, and patches for Wifi available.  The serial number is only of consequence if you wish to date a Mac down to the week.  This can help in determining system specific disks, available warranty, and exchange/repair program eligibility.  Outside of that the year and month can usually be narrowed down to a six month period with model identifier alone on all except MacPros.  So my question is, is it really that relevant for your needs?

Posted on Apr 11, 2012 2:26 PM

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ndapple

Q: Where do i find the serial No on a IMac 4.1 please? I have looked on the "about this Mac" but it does not have the serial No on it ... more

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  • by Texas Mac Man,Helpful

    Texas Mac Man Texas Mac Man Apr 7, 2012 9:37 AM in response to ndapple
    Level 8 (46,611 points)
    Apr 7, 2012 9:37 AM in response to ndapple

    Should be About This Mac>More Info>Hardware Overview

     

    Is it not shown there? If not it probably indicates that the logic board has been replaced and the S/N was not loaded. There should also be a S/N sticker somewhere on the case of your iMac.

     

     Cheers, Tom

  • by ndapple,

    ndapple ndapple Apr 7, 2012 12:02 PM in response to Texas Mac Man
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 7, 2012 12:02 PM in response to Texas Mac Man

    Nigel. London UK.

    Tom,

    Thank you for taking the trouble to reply. Not sure about the replacement of the logic board as I bought this new from an Apple dealer. No sticker so I am still stuck! Any other way I can find the serial No? I cannot find the original paperwork or bill of sale.

    Regards,

    Nigel.

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Apr 11, 2012 11:34 AM in response to ndapple
    Level 9 (66,889 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Apr 11, 2012 11:34 AM in response to ndapple

    A 4,1 is completely out of any warranty program and dates from 2006. Not to mention it is not upgradeable to Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, nor is it upgradeable to 802.11n via its Airport.  That should answer most of your questions. You can upgrade it to Snow Leopard if that's your desire:

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2455

  • by a brody,Helpful

    a brody a brody Apr 11, 2012 11:35 AM in response to a brody
    Level 9 (66,889 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Apr 11, 2012 11:35 AM in response to a brody

    Note an iMac 4,1 can't be running Mac OS X 10.4.1.  10.4.1 does not equal 10.4.10, and is less than 10.4.11 as well.  10.4.4 is the minimum system for such Macs.

  • by ndapple,

    ndapple ndapple Apr 11, 2012 2:15 PM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 11, 2012 2:15 PM in response to a brody

    Dear a brody,

    I am totally confused. I have asked where I can find  the serial No on an I Mac 4.1 and your reply talks about something that seems to have no relevance to where I can find a serial No?? Could you please explain further?

    Regards,

    Nigel Durant

  • by ndapple,

    ndapple ndapple Apr 11, 2012 2:17 PM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 11, 2012 2:17 PM in response to a brody

    Dear a brody,

    Once again somewhat confused.  I have asked where I can find  the serial No on an I Mac 4.1 and your reply talks about something that seems to have no relevance to where I can find a serial No?? Could you please explain further?

    Regards,

    Nigel Durant

  • by a brody,Solvedanswer

    a brody a brody Apr 11, 2012 2:26 PM in response to ndapple
    Level 9 (66,889 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Apr 11, 2012 2:26 PM in response to ndapple

    Until last July, the model identifier on every Intel Mac would tell you exact minimum and maximum expansion in terms of RAM, retail operating system, and any system specific required firmware updates, video and audio expansion capabilities, and patches for Wifi available.  The serial number is only of consequence if you wish to date a Mac down to the week.  This can help in determining system specific disks, available warranty, and exchange/repair program eligibility.  Outside of that the year and month can usually be narrowed down to a six month period with model identifier alone on all except MacPros.  So my question is, is it really that relevant for your needs?

  • by ndapple,

    ndapple ndapple Apr 12, 2012 12:58 AM in response to a brody
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 12, 2012 12:58 AM in response to a brody

    Dear a brody,

    Thank you for your explanation. Certainly this puts the above points in a more understandable context, however for insurance purposes I need the serial No to be identified. So I am back to my original question. Can anyone help please?

    Regards,

    Nigel Durant.

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Apr 12, 2012 2:40 AM in response to ndapple
    Level 9 (66,889 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Apr 12, 2012 2:40 AM in response to ndapple

    You may not be able to get the serial number, however if you haven't erased anything, search for all folders created in 2006, and look for the first significant gap in dates, which would be the first folder you created.  Search by date created.  Use FindAnyFile if Spotlight can't find it.  If you have erased your system, the only other chance is checking your financial purchases made in 2006.  Otherwise you are probably out of luck.  Once the logicboard is replaced like that, and no serial number is on the underside of the foot, most anything else that dates it is software.  In the future always take down your serial number the day you get it.