How does a Thinkpad machine indentify itself?

[adam777]

Hello.
In IBM's site there's an option to check your warrenty status automatically.
When using that option the site can correctly identify your machine down to the serial number level.
My question is how is it possible? what component in my machine "tells" the site what machine is it dealing with?
If it's related to the Hidden IBM partition - will disabling this partition via BIOS and then format it prevent my machine from being identified correctly?
Thanks, Adam.

(this question is also relevant for IBM drivers that check your machine type)

[GomJabbar]

That information is stored in the BIOS. There is a diskette called the Hardware Maintenance Diskette that is used to put the serial numbers into the BIOS (if they're missing for instance when you install a new system board). This diskette cannot be bought by the general public, but copies of some older versions are floating around on the web. The procedure for using the diskette is somewhat simular to flashing the BIOS.

[adam777]

Thanks, GomJabbar.
Just to make sure i understood - basically the Hidden partition isn't in any way related to this information which is stored in the BIOS and i can safetly remove it (after disabling in the BIOS) without concerns about losing my machine's identity?

PS.
i have no intentions of doing so in the near future...

[GomJabbar]

Yes, you can safely remove the Hidden Partition without losing your machine's identity. Removing the Hidden Partition is not as straightforward as it might seem. See following thread for more info.

Thread with tip for removing Hidden Service Partition