A serial number is a unique, identifying number or group of numbers and letters assigned to an individual piece of hardware or software. Other things have serial numbers as well, though, including banknotes and other similar documents.
The idea behind serial numbers is to identify a specific item, much like how a fingerprint identifies a specific person. Instead of some names or numbers that specify a whole range of products, a serial number is intended to provide a unique number to one device at a time.
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Hardware serial numbers are embedded in the device, while software or virtual serial numbers are sometimes applied to the user who will be using the software. In other words, a serial number used for software programs are tied to the purchaser, not that specific copy of the program.
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The term serial number is often shortened to just S/N or SN, especially when the word precedes an actual serial number on something. Serial numbers are also sometimes, but not often, referred to as serial codes.
Serial Numbers Are Unique
It's important to distinguish serial numbers from other identifying codes or numbers. In short, serial numbers are unique.
For example, a model number for a router might be EA2700 but that's true for every single Linksys EA2700 router; the model numbers are identical while each of their serial numbers is unique to each particular component.
As an example, if Linksys sold 100 EA2700 routers in one day from their website, every one of those devices would have 'EA2700' somewhere on them and they would look identical to the naked eye. However, each device, when first built, had serial numbers printed on most of the components that are not the same as the others bought that day (or any day).
UPC Codes are common as well but are actually not unique like serial numbers. UPC Codes are different than serial numbers because UPC Codes are not unique to each individual piece of hardware or software, as serial numbers are.
The ISSN used for magazines and ISBN for books is different as well because they're used for whole issues or periodicals and aren't unique for every instance of the copy.
Hardware Serial Numbers
You've probably seen serial numbers many times before. Nearly every piece of the computer has a serial number including your monitor, keyboard, mouse and sometimes even your entire computer system as a whole. Internal computer components like hard drives, optical drives, and motherboards also feature serial numbers.
Serial numbers are used by hardware manufacturers to track individual items, usually for quality control.
For example, if a piece of hardware is recalled for some reason, customers are usually made aware of which particular devices need service by being provided a range of serial numbers.
Serial numbers are also used in non-tech environments like when keeping an inventory of tools borrowed in a lab or shop floor. It's easy to identify which devices need to be returned or which ones have been misplaced because each of them can be identified by their unique serial number.
Software Serial Numbers
Serial numbers for software programs are usually used to help ensure that the program's installation is only performed one time and only on the purchaser's computer. Once the serial number is used and registered with the manufacturer, any future attempt to use that same serial number can raise a red flag since no two serial numbers (from the same software) are alike.
If you're planning on reinstalling a software program you've purchased, you'll sometimes need the serial number to do so. See our guide on how to find a serial key if you need to reinstall some software.
Sometimes, you might find that a software program can attempt to make a serial number for you that you can use to activate a program illegally (since the code wasn't legally purchased). These programs are called keygens (key generators) and should be avoided.
A serial number for a piece of software is not usually the same as a product key but they are sometimes used interchangeably.
Finding Serial Numbers - Various Laptop Computers
This doc explains how to find the service tag number on your Windows computer whether it is on or off.
An Acer serial number is a 7 or 22 character string containing letters and numbers.
If Your Computer Turns On
- Open up the command prompt window on your computer. You can do this by searching for 'cmd' or right clicking on the windows home icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the command window type in 'wmic bios get serialnumber'. The serial number will then be displayed.
If Your Computer Doesn't Turn On
Acer serial numbers may be located in one of these locations.
- The sticker on the base of the computer directly below the barcode after 'S/N'.
- For desktop models, the sticker located on the side of the machine near the bottom directly after 'S/N:'.
An Asus serial number is a 10, 12, or 15 character string containing letters and numbers. Baixar xforce keygen. All Asus serial numbers can be found on the original packaging also.
Where To Find Serial Number On Ezgo Golf Cart
If Your Computer Turns On
- Open up the command prompt window on your computer. You can do this by searching for 'cmd' or right clicking on the windows home icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the command window type in 'wmic bios get serialnumber'. The serial number will then be displayed.
If Your Computer Doesn't Turn On
Asus serial numbers may be located in one of these locations.
- The sticker on the base of the computer directly below the barcode after 'SN:'.
- For desktop models, the sticker located near the ports on the back of the machine after 'SN:'.
A Dell service tag is a 7 character string containing numbers and letters. All dell service tags can be found on the packaging as well.
If Your Computer Turns On
- Open up the command prompt window on your computer. You can do this by searching for 'cmd' or right clicking on the windows home icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the command window type in 'wmic bios get serialnumber'. The serial number will then be displayed.
If Your Computer Doesn't Turn On
- If the command window can't be accessed, or the computer doesn't turn on, Dell Laptops also have the serial number printed on the laptop. Newer Dells like the XPS models have a flap on the bottom that can be lifted up to reveal the serial number.
- If there is no flap, the serial number is still printed somewhere on the bottom case identified by the white sticker and bar code.
- On Desktop models, the Serial Number sticker is usually placed either on top of the machine, or on the back by the ports (see below).
A HP serial number is a 10 or 12 character string containing letters and numbers.
If Your Computer Turns On
- Open up the command prompt window on your computer. You can do this by searching for 'cmd' or right clicking on the windows home icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the command window type in 'wmic bios get serialnumber'. The serial number will then be displayed.
If Your Computer Doesn't Turn On
HP serial numbers may be located in one of these locations.
- On the bottom or back edge of the laptop.
- If the battery is removable, inside the battery compartment.
- If the laptop separates into a tablet, on the edge where the tablet connects to the keyboard.
- For Desktops, the serial number is found on the side of the desktop.
- For 'all in one' models, the serial number is either located on the back of the screen or under the base.
A Lenovo serial number is a 7 character string containing letters and numbers.
If Your Computer Turns On
- Open up the command prompt window on your computer. You can do this by searching for 'cmd' or right clicking on the windows home icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the command window type in 'wmic bios get serialnumber'. The serial number will then be displayed.
- If the command prompt doesn't work, go to Lenovo Support and click on 'Detect My Product'.
If Your Computer Doesn't Turn On
Lenovo serial numbers can be found in the following locations.
- The sticker on the base/bottom of the computer.
- For desktop models, the sticker located near the ports on the back of the machine.
Where To Find Serial Number On Alienware Laptop
A Microsoft serial number is a 12 digit string containing only numbers. All Microsoft serial numbers can be found on the original packaging as well.
If Your Computer Turns On
- All surface devices should have the 'Surface' app installed. Open the surface app.
- Click on the 'Feedback' button on the left side.
- Under 'Your Surface Device' you will see your serial number listed.
If Your Computer Doesn't Turn On
- For Surface Pro models, and the Surface 3Open the kickstand and look for the string of numbers near the base.
- For the Surface BookThe serial number is located on the bottom edge of the clipboard where it attaches to the keyboard. It is also located on the bottom of the keyboard next to the rubber foot.
- For the Surface StudioThe serial number is located on the bottom of the base.
A Toshiba serial number is a 9 or 10 character string containing letters and numbers.
If Your Computer Turns On
- Open up the command prompt window on your computer. You can do this by searching for 'cmd' or right clicking on the windows home icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the command window type in 'wmic bios get serialnumber'. The serial number will then be displayed.
- If the command prompt doesn't work, click here to download the TOSHIBA Product Information utility to retrieve your serial number.
If Your Computer Doesn't Turn On
- Toshiba laptops have the serial number either printed on a sticker located on the bottom of the laptop, or laser etched into the bottom case directly.
Keywords: | serial, number, broken, warranty, repair, fix, sony, hp, acer, asus, dell, lenovoSuggest keywords | Doc ID: | 14596 |
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Owner: | Ray S. | Group: | DoIT Tech Store |
Created: | 2010-07-05 19:00 CDT | Updated: | 2018-11-05 12:00 CDT |
Sites: | DoIT Help Desk, DoIT Tech Store | ||
Feedback: | 3525CommentSuggest a new document |
Your SNID and serial number are located on a label on the bottom of your product. These numbers can be used online to help locate downloads and other resources for your product. They also help us correctly identify your product specifications and warranty, so please have them at hand when you contact us.
Acer SNID numbers are 11 or 12 digits and do not contain letters. Acer serial numbers are 22 alpha-numeric characters, and will always use zero and never the letter O.
Note: Acer 2-in-1 Switch products are labeled on the bottom edge of the tablet.Your serial number is also available in your system BIOS, and accessible via the Acer software programs listed below:
Serial Number Detection Tool (All Windows Versions)
- Download and run the Serial Number Detection tool.
- Both serial number and SNID will be displayed.
Acer Care Center:
- Press the Windows () key.
- Type care center and press Enter.
- Both serial number and SNID will be displayed in the application.
Acer Identity Card (Windows 7):
- Double-click the Acer Identity Card icon available on the desktop.
- Both Serialnumber and SNID code will be displayed.