No Serial No in System Profiler

Last year we had a new midplane and power unit installed for the iMac and affter doing that, there was no serial number listed in the System Profiler, it's just blank.
Is there a way to update the machine to the new serial number?

741/3187
Hi Stephanie,
There is a way to change the serial number in the About this Mac window, by editing this file:
/System/Library/CoreServices/loginwindow.app/Contents/Resources/English.lproj/AboutThisMac.strings
(I don't know about opening it with Xcode or TextEdit, but it works with Property List Editor).
- in ABOUTBOX_SERIAL_NUMBER_FORMATSTRING, replace the value "Serial Number %@" with your "Serial Number XXXXXXXXXXX".
You'll have to enable root first, and most probably change the ownership & permissions. Don't forget to then disable root and repair Permissions.
IMO it is not worth the hassle, because as the others say, the one really important info is the one saved at Apple Support, along with your proofs of purchase, bills and dates.
Also because:
The really important place where you need it (System Profiler, along with the Sales Order Number), can be updated only using a special Apple "Set Serial Number" bootable CD.
Have fun with the file-editing...
or just forget about it if your Support page at Apple is OK
Axl

Similar Messages

Missing Serial number from System profiler

I just noticed that I'm missing the serial number from my System Profiler.
The only reason why I noticed is that I was trying to gather information about the macs on the network via remote desktop and I found several that will not allow me to gather information about the system.
They are all the ones missing the serial number from System profiler.
How can I add it back? Also anyone know why it is missing?

The serial number disappears when the motherboard/logic board is switched out, because the serial number is linked to that piece of hardware.
Authorized Apple repair tech are supposed to use some special software to input the S/N onto the logic board. Possibly they can do it for you.
 Cheers, Tom

No Serial Number in System Profiler

Hi everyone,
I reinstalled Tiger on my 20" iMac G4, along with more memory. I checked to see if it recognized the RAM it in the System Profiler, and noticed that the serial number of my computer is not there. The logic board has never been replaced, so what could have gone wrong? Is there a way to correct this?
Thanks,
-Brian
P.S.- I downloaded the Blank Board Serializer, and followed the directions, but when I got to the booting select screen, the disc wasn't there.. am I doing something wrong with this?

Never mind, had a friend walk me through it.
-Brian

Serial number not showing up in system profiler

hi,
i recently had a problem with my speakers in macbook.
i sent it for service and the service center replaced my main board
now the system profiler is not showing my serial number.
do any one know how to fix this problem.

You would need to send it back to have the serial number burned in to the board. This seems to be a common occurrence when the board is replaced. There should be a number you can call on the paperwork from the repair and discuss it with them.

Missing Serial Number - System Profiler

I have a G4 Tower (mirror door, dual 1.25GHz) and recently the serial number has stopped being displayed in both the System Profiler and under "About this Mac".
It seems to have disappeared around the latest security update for 10.3.9, and was discovered when debugging a video card issue (card failed; Apple Store replaced it).
Is there a way to either enter it so System Profiler sees it again, or to restore it from some preference or setting?
Thank you.
Harry

Harry,
That symptom indicates your logic board was
replaced.
Please read Installed latest upgrade and
serial number disappeared for a similar serial
number mystery.
;~)
Interesting article, thank you. As far as I know, and according to all the paperwork, the logic board has not been replaced.
Over the last year, the Power Supply and Video Card have been replaced, but no other components were worked on. (As it turns out, replacing the Power Supply was unnecessary, because the Cinema Display was the problem.)
The Serial Number just stopped being displayed at some point. I only noticed it because I was on the phone with Apple Care getting to the final indications that the video card failed, looking for serial number to validate Apple Care status.
I really can't pinpoint the time, other than it being about the same time as the last 10.3.9 security update. "About this Mac" shows: Version 10.3.9, Build 7W98.
Curious event. But not serious?
Thank you,
Harry

Serial Number in About This Mac and System Profiler says "System Serial#"

I recently had my hard drive and motherboard replaced under warranty.
I wanted to check the expiration of my warranty so I could buy AppleCare before my year is up. I went first to About This Mac, and then to System Profiler - both of them say my Serial Number is "System Serial#" - any ideas on how to get my real serial number displayed?

How strange! I'm not sure if this will show anything different, but you can also try to get the serial number via Terminal. Just open the Terminal application and copy in this command:
ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber

Serial number disappears from the system profiler... How to get it back?

Hi there,
We have come across a known behaviour where the serial number of the computer disappears from the system profiler and 'about this mac' menu, whwnever the logic board is replaced. Any ideas how to get this information back on the computer(Seems all the macs are affected)
Is it possible to flash the firmware to copy the contents? Heard someone trying to flash BIOS? will this work or will it damage the firmware? Please HELP!!!

You might want to take a look at this Developer Tech Note:
http://developer.apple.com/technotes/tn/tn1103.html
Specifically, this quote:
"Caveats for using the serial number
It is possible for a system to lose its serial number so that it will no longer appear either in System Profiler or the I/O Registry. Repairing a system by swapping hardware components is one reason this can happen. Apple does not document the specific details of how a machine can lose its serial number. Once the serial number has been lost there is no means to restore it to the machine."
It sounds like there may not be an easy (or documented) way to put the serial number back.
Steve

"Serial Number" and "Sales Order Number" back in System Profiler

After a logic board replacement, my Serial Number didn't show anymore in "About This Mac" and in System Profiler.
I know this is normal and nothing to worry about, but still, I would like it to show like before.
Here
(Re: Mac serial number missing after main logic board replacement!?)
is how to show it again in "About This Mac",
now,
do you know how to show it again also in System Profiler,
and how to show the "Sales Order Number" too?
Thanks!
Axl

Thanks Mikey-San for naming those strange terms.
I could then make a Google search and find a solution!!!
Easy:
I just have to use a "Set Serial Number" bootable CD...
... as soon as I find it back from where I've put mine aside...
Oh well, if there is no other solution, as it very much looks like, at least next time my iMac goes to Apple for repairs I know exactly what to ask and I'm sure it is feasible.
Cheers!
Axl

Hack to make serial number appear in System Profiler after logic board swap

Hello All,
We've graduated to a slightly different topic in another thread. So, I thought I would place the current question under it's own topic in hopes that someone might see the subject and have an idea / answer.
In the thread at:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=1511437#1511437
We've been discussing ways to make the serial number appear in the "About this Mac" box under the Apple Menu.
The solution is successful.
But, is there a way to similarly make the serial number appear again in the System Profiler?
The convenience is great, and I am so used to the System Profiler that I'll remember it is there.
If anyone knows of a way (even if it has to be re-done when you install OS X again), I - and many others - would love to hear about it.
Here's hoping there is a software trick.
Thank you in advance for any ideas.

Well, after all this time, I guess there must not be a way to do this. I've since gotten another machine anyway, so it's not really an issue anymore.

Serial No. no longer shows in system profiler after new logic board..!

My Macbook had to go in to my Apple Service centre to get the random shutdown fault fixed. They fitted a new logic board and last night I noticed that the System Profiler no longer show the computers serial number. Instead it says "systemserialnumb" where before it listed the Macbooks serial number. Does anybody know whether this will affect my 3 year Applecare warranty as normally they check your machines warranty status by confirming the serial number? I have all the documents but would not normally carry them all if away from home.

I love this board..ask a question and someone always knows the answer..! Mort..thanks, at least now I know it has happened to other people and also that the serial number is also to be found under the battery which for repair and service purposes is good. I am a little surprised that the engineers don't routinely reset it at the time of repair though as it is one of the pretty relevant bits of information in the "about this computer" button.
thanks

IPod not recognized by iTunes & Disk Utility - Recognized by System Profile

I have a 40GB iPod Clickwheel (4th Gen?) that i'm trying to fix back to life since my mini was just stolen and i'm out on the road on tour all the time. my iPod actually powers up by itself just fine, the battery life is just peachy, and it can run independently without songs (i'm able to look around just as though i had songs on there - i can play games, alter settings, etc etc.).
However, there's a few things i've noticed!
When i go to the iPod's about menu (when disconnected from the computer), it shows there's no songs, that there's 0 capacity, 0 available - shows that the version is 3.1.1, the serial and model numbers, but the format is unknown.
I've tried plugging the dang thing into my computer to much avail - IF iTunes recognizes it, it says it needs to be restored -- GREAT! so i try to restore the iPod, however, i almost instantly get an error: The iPod cannot be restored because it is currently busy. When i clicked the help tag, it says it's a common problem in iTunes 7.0 - great, i have 8.0.2; and i've tried running everything from a restart on the ipod to a restart on the computer, updating all my system files, running the iPod in disk mode, etc, but nothing seems to make it want to restore.
when i look in system profiler; it shows that the iPod is hooked up to my USB port (which is just fine, and i've never had problems running a click-wheel iPod through that before); however both Disk Utility and iTunes do not acknowledge it's existence. what gives?
is my iPod a goner? how would i go about restoring this so i can use it? I've tried it on my Power PC (Specs below) as well as trying it on an iBook and iMac; with the same results every time. i know it's not the cable, because the iPod actually charged via that cable last night!
any help!?

If you can get it to show up in Disk Utility, try reformatting (erasing) it in Disk Utility. If that process completes without stalling or errors, quit Disk Utility and run iTunes. Immediately attempt to do another Restore to install the iPod's software and initialize.
If the iPod does not erase successfully (it should take less than one minute for a standard erase) in Disk Utility, the iPod's hard drive may be faulty.

On my Macbook pro 15 2011, System Profiler is suggesting that it uses SATA III for the hard drive and SATA II for the Optical Drive. Is that true?

On my Macbook pro 15, 2011, System Profiler is suggesting that it uses SATA III for the hard drive and SATA II for the Optical Drive. Is that true?

That is correct. The tech specs indicate:
Hard Drive Interface
6.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA)
Optical Drive Interface
3.0 or 6.0 Gbps Serial ATA (SATA)

System profiler recognizes ipod but not in finder or itunes

My ipod is recognized on system profiles but it does not appear on finder or itunes! what do i do?HELP!

Josie20 wrote:
nothing happens when i reset it and the computer doesn't see it!
Ummm...earlier you said System Profiler saw it. Did/does it look like this or something different:
iPod:
Capacity: 495.62 MB
Removable Media: Yes
Detachable Drive: Yes
BSD Name: disk3
Version: 10.01
Bus Power (mA): 500
Speed: Up to 12 Mb/sec
Manufacturer: Apple
OS9 Drivers: No
Product ID: 0x1300
Serial Number:
S.M.A.R.T. status: Not Supported
Vendor ID: 0x05ac (Apple Computer, Inc.)
Volumes:
WALKINGSHUF:
Capacity: 495.59 MB
Available: 239.25 MB
Writable: Yes
File System: MS-DOS FAT32
BSD Name: disk3s1
Mount Point: /Volumes/WALKINGSHUF
<Edited by Moderator>

Internal HD disappeared from my iMac Desktop, & System Profiler

I use an iMac from 2011 running Mac O.S. X Version 10.6.8. It contains an internal SSD (the boot drive), and an internal 2TB hard drive called HD2.
The iMac underwent a diagnostic check at the Genius Bar last week, and everything checked out okay.
HD2 has disappeared from my desktop. Restarting the iMac has not brought it back.
The HD2 used to show up under Serial-ATA: Intel 6 Series Chipset in System Profiler, but no longer does.
Disc Utility no longer shows HD2.
Time Machine has been backing up both the SSD and HD2 on 6TB of external storage. But I do not see HD2, no matter how far back I go into Time Machine.
Spotlight searches do not turn up stuff that is on HD2.
I get a "The disk was not ejected properly" message when properly ejecting external drives.
Any idea what is going on?

If OS X iwas installed on HD2, you can start from an install dvd & use 'Restore From Time Machine Backup' with the external as the target. For data files, I'd use TM's interface if possible : try Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions 17. How can I see my backups, or the Backups for a different Mac?
since it seemingly doesn't show as expected.
http://pondini.org/TM/15.html covers restoring selected items.
Hard Drives do sometimes just stop. no warnings.

IPod shows up in system profiler but not in /dev and disk utility

Hi,
I have a Problem with my iPod. It works perfectly when I connect it to other macs.
Though on my mac it appears only in the system profiler, but not in itunes, /dev or diskutilities. Other USB devices are working correctly.
I already reseted my ipod but this doesn't solve the problem. Neither did the update of the iPod firmware.
Does somebody know this Problem? What can I try to solve it?
Thanks.
About my iPod:
It's an iPod Touch, system Profiler is telling:
Version:          0.01
Bus Power (mA):          500
Speed:          Up to 480 Mb/sec
Manufacturer:          Apple Inc.
Product ID:          0x1293
Serial Number:
Vendor ID:          0x05ac (Apple Computer, Inc.)
iTunes says:
serial number: 910952nua75j
Running the system 4.2.1
About my Mac:
It's a MacBook Pro, 2,16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, running 10.4.11

I'm pretty upset. It seems that the only solution to this problem is to buy some new mac products!
I have Applications on my computer that will not work on a new system and I don't want to update my system + all expensive apps just because my ipod refuse to downgrade.
I used to be a mac fan and I still like it, but this kind of "tricks" are unacceptable. I bought an ipod because I didn't want to spend time on fixing some stupid problems and now I already spent weeks trying to make my expensive ipod work on my mac (and all this because of a stupid firmware problem). I am now really disapointed.
So if anyone should have an idea on if it's possible to downgrade my ipod (or other solution?) in order to make it work again with my system, please post it here. Thanks.

No Serial No in System Profiler

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