Using Electronic Serial Numbers; To Ensure Serial Number Security - HP OmniBook XE2 Evaluator Manual

Using Electronic Serial Numbers

Beginning with the OmniBook 3000 and OmniBook 800 notebooks,
Hewlett-Packard ships OmniBooks with an electronic serial number. This will
be continued on all future products.
An electronic serial number can help IT managers track assets and software
configurations. The serial number can also be used for tracking lost or stolen
notebooks.
The Desktop Management Interface (DMI) TopTools application shipped with
our new products can be used to read the serial number locally or remotely
across a network.

To ensure serial number security

To support electronic serial numbers, HP will check for the serial number at
configuration of the Motherboard, in manufacturing, and through support
services.
Manufacturing
All OmniBooks will have electronic serial numbers set in manufacturing.
Service
If an OmniBook motherboard is replaced, the HP authorized repair facility must
program the electronic serial number before returning the unit to the customer.
OmniBook motherboard Configuration
If for some reason the electronic serial number is not set, the OmniBook will
prompt with the following message and wait for a key press when powered on
for the first time:
Invalid Electronic Serial Number
Press any key to continue
After a key press, the OmniBook continues the normal boot process.
Hewlett-Packard has also provided a utility called ESN.EXE in the
C:\OMNIBOOK directory to set the serial number. This program must be run
in MS-DOS. This Utility does the following:
1. Checks to make sure no electronic serial number is set.
2. Prompts to confirm that you want to set the serial number.
3. Prompts for the serial number and gives the location (bottom of unit).
4. Confirms the Serial Number is valid. If it is, it asks you to verify the serial
number. If it is not correct, it prompts for the serial number again.
Features and Support Information
Using Electronic Serial Numbers
8-15