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 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 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

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

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.