This article reviews how to find and identify a computer's service tag or serial number.
There are multiple manufacturers and models that place this information in a variety of locations and formats.
If you are familiar with the devices, please use the Table of Contents to jump where you need clarification.
Otherwise, please start with
Identifying the Manufacturer
Table of Contents
Identifying the Manufacturer
Locating the Service Tag or Serial Number
Identifying the Manufacturer
Dell Devices
Dell computers are the most common device used at Valencia College. They are identified by the Dell logo on the top of a closed laptop or on the front of a desktop computer.
Dell Laptop
Close the laptop and check the top for a Dell logo as indicated in the example picture.
If not, check the Apple laptop section below.
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Dell Desktop
The silver Dell logo is located on the front of the desktop as indicated in the example picture.
There are a few alternate models with different front covers, however, the Dell logo is usually prominently displayed on the front.
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Apple Devices
Apple devices are less commonly used and are identified by a logo of a partially eaten apple.
Apple Laptop
Apple laptops are rebranded as "Macbooks" by the Apple corporation.
Close the laptop and check the top cover for the Apple logo as indicated in the example picture.
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Mac Pro (desktop)
The Mac Pro has its logo on the side of the desktop tower.
It has a modular, tower-style design with a aluminum chassis, machined handles, and a perforated front for optimized airflow. It is larger and more industrial-looking than other Macs
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Apple iMac
The iMac has its logo on the back of the monitor
It features a minimalist all-in-one design, housing the computer components behind a display. It typically includes a built-in stand, a aluminum enclosure, and comes in a range of colors (in newer models), with minimal visible ports and no separate tower.
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Locating the Serial Number
Dell Devices
Dell Laptop Serial Number Location
On the underside of the laptop is a small black and white sticker with an abbreviation S/T. The Service Tag is the unique identifying Serial Number for Dell devices.
The picture highlights and magnifies the location of the sticker on the bottom of the laptop.
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Dell Desktop Serial Number Location
On the top, narrow part of the desktop tower is a small black and white sticker with an abbreviation S/T. The Service Tag is the unique identifying Serial Number for Dell devices.
Alternatively, there is an additional copy of the sticker located on the backside of the desktop where the connections are located.
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Apple Devices
Apple Laptop Serial Number Location
The serial number is located on the underside written in tiny text. It maybe easier to take a picture on your phone and zoom in to better read it.
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Mac Pro Serial Number Location
The serial number is located on the back side of the desktop tower as seen in the picture as Serial No.
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iMac Serial Number Location
Carefully lay the screen down on a stable surface. On the bottom of the stand is an etching with the identifying information as seen in the picture.
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