If the serial # is rubbed off a laptop, is there another serial # that can be used to identify that laptop?

Question

My laptop was confiscated by the very corrupt Sacramento County sheriff's dept., because they said it was illegal for the serial # to be removed. I haven't seen the alleged defaced serial #, but I do have the receipt for the computer. I bought it at Fry's and there is no reason that I would have for removing the serial #. The sheriff's dept. says that even though I have a receipt for the exact same model (Fujitsu N 6000 series), They will not give me my computer back because they don't have a serial # to identify it as mine. There has to be some kind of electronic serial # or something. They are basically stealing my laptop from me and there is nothing I can do about it. This is not right and now I am out the $1700.00 that I paid for it, not to mention all of my personal photos and very important files. Please help me stop this. The sheriff's dept here is known for their corruption and inmate beatings. I only want them to do what's right. Can they really get away with this? Thank you.

Answer 1

best thing you can do is go to the store and tell them about it or show a couple of photos of yours

next best thing would be, if they have no resoning behind taking your laptop or didn't have a warrant to take it in the first place you could sue the department for misconduct!

although it'll cost you a couple of hundred dollars on getting a lawyer but its better than losing out on $1700!!!

Answer 2

was the computer registered to you, in other words. did you register it with the manufactures? for after sale service and warranty
You would have had to register windows XP. anyway, and microsoft will have those serial number details.

yes there are many serial numbers within a computer, each part of a computer, has a serial number,
CPU
Memory
Motherboard
graphics card chip
sound chip
modem
hard drive
cd drive
windows
The Bios

now when you register your windows each serial number of every item in your computer is registered with microsoft, That way they know if windows goes down because of an hard drive they can check that it is the hard drive or some other component within the computer, when you reinstall windows and re register the rest of the serial numbers are the same,

check it out..... you should ALWAYS register your computer with the manufactures

another question comes to mind

how would the police know it if it is or is not registered to you even if there was a serial number on the computer, they would not know... get a lawyer on the job....

Answer 3

Some manufacturers have a utility in their preinstalled programs with the serial number or service code, and some include it in the BIOS. You might try asking the law section of YA if it really is illegal to have a laptop which is missing the serial number sticker -- unless you were traveling in/out of the country I can't see why. Does the receipt have a detailed breakdown of parts which might have serial numbers listed, so you could check the serial number on the mobo or hard drive?

Answer 4

go to the shop where u bought the laptop,they will have a record of the information.

Answer 5

hey my friend ,
this is what you are looking for
downlod this free tool and install it on the laptop and it will give you the sn and so many details of the laptop

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

good luck
Amjad

Answer 6

call the department store where you purchased the laptop, they should have a record of the information.

Answer 7

y dont u get them and show some of ur photos for proof!
obviously no1 else would have ur photos and if they do their ur friends and well ye

Answer 8

They should be able to find it within the PC software.

Answer 9

the mac # on the mb should be traceable.