R40 Machine Type-Model & System Unit Serial Number

[gcapnias]

I own a IBM ThinkPad R40 2722BDG.

Recently, the system was freezing unexpectedly, and I had it serviced. The service depot changed the motherboard in order to correct the problem.

After the repair, they forgot to update machine's type-model & system unit serial numbers (You can see the screenshot from the “ThinkPad Configuration” utility). IBM's “ThinkPad Software Installer” does not work without these numbers, as well as all the on-line utilities by IBM.

When I asked the service depot to correct the problem, they answered the machine was passing all the hardware tests, so everything was all right. They had replaced many boards in the past, and no customer had made a complain as mine - to install the serials again! So, they did nothing!

Can someone help me to restore these numbers? There supposed to be a utility for this reason. Is there one? Are the instructions using it?

Thank you,
George J.

http://www.capnias.org/systeminfo.jpg

Edited by Moderator: Links, not images, unless you put a warning in the subject line.

[daeojkim]

Call IBM support. You can find the number on the IBM website.

You need a Hardware Maintainence Disk, which is used by service personnels and are not usually just given out to to endusers because it allows you to change serial numbers.

Instead of calling depot call IBM directly. 1-800-IBM-SERV

Tell them bout what happened and that you cannot convince depot people that this is necessary. IBM will send someone to your house.

[gcapnias]

I do understand that this is an issue that can be resolved only by an IBM authorized depot.

The problem is, IBM Hellas provides service through two indepent service agents. I can not find someone in IBM Hellas' service department in order to submit any complains.

George J.

[Gar]

gcapnias:
I'm surprised they would tell you that. Running the maintenance program is very easy, just takes a couple minutes.

daeojkim
Just wondering, as an alternative, would it also be possible to change the model/serial number by flashing the bios?

[JoolsM]

I'm in much the same situation except I bought mine second hand without the serial number and machine type installed. I have no idea why this happened but the store I bought it from buys up thousands of laptops from corporate business and reconfigures them . . . the store has changed hands since I bought it and is in any case in the UK while I live in Spain!

It's frustrating as hell to know that a little diskette would solve the problem in minutes and no way of getting hold of it. Not least because when you ask for help people assume you've got a stolen laptop - that smarts when you've paid 600 quid for it!

Just having a grumble