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.
- What Is The Serial Number Of My Asus Laptop
- What Is My Laptop Serial Number Lookup
- What Is My Laptops Serial Number Acer
This wikiHow teaches you how to find the model number of your HP laptop. You can use this number to specifically identify your device to people attempting to service it, or to ensure that a piece of hardware (e.g., a battery) is compatible with your laptop. How can the answer be improved?
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.
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.
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.
Related Articles
- 1 Get Information on Laptops
- 2 Check a Compaq Laptop's Warranty Information
- 3 Check a Router Model
- 4 Activate Microsoft Office Professional 2007 on a Laptop That's Not Connected to the Internet
If your business requires you to be on the move frequently, chances are you rely heavily on your HP laptop. Over time and with plenty of wear and tear, your model might require adjustment or repair. To expedite your repair work and locate the replacement parts required, the manufacturer may request your model number. Depending on which model you own, your model number can be found using several different methods.
On the Underside of the Laptop
On most HP models, the sticker on the underside of the laptop contains your model number, along with other important information. Turn your laptop upside down and place it on a soft, clean surface such as a chair or couch cushion. Locate the white or silver sticker on the underside of the laptop, toward the middle of the casing. Read the sticker and look for the prefix 'P/N.' The number following this prefix is your computer's model number.
On the Inside of the Battery Compartment
If the sticker on the underside of the laptop has been scratched off or purposefully removed, another place to check is inside the battery compartment. Turn the laptop upside down and locate the battery compartment near the screen hinge. Depress the lever to unlock the battery and lift it gently upward to remove it. Look for a white or silver rectangular sticker, either on the battery or in the compartment. Locate the 'P/N' prefix and record the number that follows it.
Beneath the Laptop's Bottom Casing
If you can't locate the model number on the battery or on the bottom of the computer, you may need to remove the casing on the underside of the laptop to find it. Ensure that the laptop is powered off and the battery is removed. With a small Phillips-head screwdriver, remove all of the perimeter screws from the casing. Place the screws in a secure location and gently lift up the casing. Near the left corner of the laptop, you'll see a square of information and specifications. Locate the 'P/N' prefix and record the number that follows. Replace the casing and re-install the screws.
Using System Information
Another way to locate the model of your HP laptop is by using the System Information screen. Press 'FN-Esc' to open the HP System Information window. A lot of information will be displayed within this window, but all you'll need to look for is the 'Product Number' heading. The number will contain the '#' symbol and is slightly different from a model number, but it will still provide all of the necessary information to the manufacturer or repair service.
Using HP Support Assistant
If you have the HP Support Assistant software installed, you can use it to quickly find your computer's model number. Click the Windows 'Start' button and type 'HP' in the Search field. Choose 'HP Support Assistant' from the displayed results. Your model number and other information will be displayed along the bottom edge of the Support Assistant window.
References (2)
About the Author
Brandon Getty began writing professionally in 2008, with columns appearing in 'Thrasher' magazine. He received a Bachelor of Arts in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and lives in Stockton, Calif.
Cite this Article