is warranty service -- update, I am quite impressed.

[supernova87a]

The mystery surrounding my X31 has cleared a bit -- this was a computer I bought/inherited in non-working condition (motherboard probably dead, hard drive kept by previous owner), and all the identifying labels off the bottom were missing, except the model 2672 label.

So I inspected the system board itself, which has a serial number, and found that the system is a 1.4 P M, so probably a 2672-2BU, based on the information found in the TAbook.

which was produced October 2003 or later, and has a three year warranty! -- which means I might be in luck for a repair.

Now I'm trying very hard to dig up the serial number from the previous owner. But if I don't find that out, without the serial number, will they accept my logic that this computer is still under warranty? Somehow I have the feeling they won't...

I thought maybe I might be able to link the motherboard to a system serial number through IBM, maybe I'll try that on Monday. Do you all have any ideas I could try?

Thanks!

[Pennstate]

Is this the X31 that you bought?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/sys/81621619.html

Can you just ask the guy whether he has any original invoices? If it was bought from IBM, the serial # is on the invoice.

As for the 3-year warranty, not all TPs come with 3 year warranties. THe express models often have only 1 year warranty. Also it could have been refurbished so the model# could be 2672-xx#. Those have anywhere between 3 months to 1 year warranty

[brainpicker]

It is not likely that you will be able to obtain service without a serial number. As a worst case senerio, for example, the laptop could have been stolen (or contain stolen parts) and efforts were made to NOT be able to recover a serial number. In that case all warranty is void no matter what. I'm not saying that is your situation, just that this would be justification for warranty not being provided.

Here's what I would do. First, look on as many parts as you can for the really long bar code numbers. Write down the part name and the code for each part. Next, call IBM service and ask to speak to a supervisor. That is important as the regular service folks usually don't know this is even possible and will deny you. Explain your situation to the supervisor and tell him/her you have made a list of parts from the laptop and would like to have YOUR specific laptop determined from the part numbers. Now, if all the numbers match out as being from the same laptop they will issue you a model number and a serial number under which you can obtain warranty should there be waranty remaining. Most people don't know that when a laptop is pieced together each and every part is registered to the serial number of the laptop. Therefore, IBM can perform this lookup to get you your original information, but not everyone will do this for you and if enough of the important parts don't match they will tell you they can't help. I've had to do it twice. Once was with a corporate sector laptop because some companies remove all serial numbers, even from the BIOS. Another time was from a laptop I suspected may have been stolen or contained stolen parts. Both times IBM was cooperative. Be very nice but speak as if you know of this service and you are likely to meet with success.

When you then make your servie request do so with the information you were given. Write a note to include with your laptop explaining how the serial number was obtained and the name of the supervisor you dealt with. They will re-sticker your laptop while service is being performed. Also ask for the BIOS to be re-flashed with the serial number and UUID. Take the time to give this a try and let me know how you came out.

Good Luck!

Yak

[supernova87a]

Thanks so much for this suggestion -- it worked exactly, and the service center helped me recover the system serial number from the parts. Sending it in for service today!

This board is great!

[supernova87a]

an update for anyone who was curious. I placed the X31 service request on Monday, the packing box arrived on Tuesday and I shipped it out, it was received Wednesday at depot, fixed and shipped out the same day, and I have it back today!

Mind you, this was a motherboard replace, plus some cracked lcd bezel and bottom case latch. From the call center info I was expecting something like several days at the depot being repaired, but this is really impressive. Same day fix, and returned to me!