Is this a good idea to share a service tag for a Dell laptop?

I am selling a Dell laptop and got this question from someone:

"What is the Service Code on the bottom of the unit for plugging into the Dell website to find out the specs of the build?"

Is there any reason NOT to give it to them? I am not talking about being passive aggressive or otherwise being a jerk "just because", I am just concerned about any way it might be misused, especially if someone other than this person buys it and then runs into issues.

A Google search gave me this link about Dell's sensitivity to posting service tags on forums but is this just overkill on their part?

Thx

I've assumed that it's overkill, but to be on the safe side:

He is probably wanting to look up the specs for the machine. I might just run the report for him, and give him the results (Sans service tag if you're worried there)

I can't see any reason not to provide the service tag. It only provides specs on the build.

The express service code beneath it can sometimes be used to reveal the original purchaser of the machine. Even that isn't critical info but it is a little more along the lines of personal information.

I would be more concerned about completely wiping the drive with a three pass overwrite BEFORE reselling any laptop or tower. It's easy enough to download & install a clean ISO for whatever operating system the machine is using. (You can use the service tag on a Dell to obtain any missing drivers that are specific to the machine. )

I have found service tag is not always accurate

The service tag just lists the specs for when the computer was new. If I open up an old Dell desktop with 1GB of RAM, and upgrade it to 4GB, the service tag will still list the system as having 1GB of RAM.

I would also imagine that it would include any factory done services to the machine.

Ummm ... i duno ... the Dell support is okay but it isn't great. They're kind of coy about providing information. If you use Dell and HP support pages on a regular basis you'll start to see a noticeable difference.

Yes ... you can get the original product specs on a Dell but they're presented in a way that's difficult to understand. It's a good bet that your average buyer isn't going to be able to comprehend the information they get from having the service tag.

One thing is easy for them to understand though .... the approximate date that the laptop was shipped.

That gives you a good idea of how old the machine is.

Just so I understand this correctly, you are "selling" this on ebay, correct? Meaning, you are willing to hand over the entire machine, service codes and all, to a complete stranger if they pay for it. If you are willing to do that, what difference does it make to give out a service code? Personally, I always provide the service codes. As stated above, it only gives the build specs. No harm in it, so dont let it worry you :)

Warranty claims and service should show up, as will upgrades if done by a Dell-Authorized shop.

I think the date is what they want. People don't understand that power means more than age. Let's have a towing race between a new F150 and a 15 year old F350 with e 73 PSD. I know who I'd put my money on.

They still make single core computers. An old Q6600 machine will still wipe the floor with it, even though it's 7 years old.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shendog

Just so I understand this correctly, you are "selling" this on ebay, correct? Meaning, you are willing to hand over the entire machine, service codes and all, to a complete stranger if they pay for it. If you are willing to do that, what difference does it make to give out a service code? Personally, I always provide the service codes. As stated above, it only gives the build specs. No harm in it, so dont let it worry you :)

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My only concern is giving the tag to person A, selling the unit to person B, and person B having some type of issues when trying to use the tag for something because person A used it first. Sort of like those Windows codes. I know, this sounds like a case of paranoia on my part, but I don't know what I don't know so I am trying to know more.

It's not like an activation code. It can be referenced hundreds of times. I don't know what they offer other than specs and warranty status, but I'd be fine with sharing one. If you're not, then I'd run the specs report for them.

Product Support | Dell US

This is a report for a computer that I'll be taking apart tonight. It was involved in a flood recently, so it won't be used again. As you can see, this machine has a Pentium Dual Core CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and an internal card reader. There's no harm in that.