Z8 w/no Serial Number?

[SteveWDI]

I purchased a 'bare bones' HP Z8 G4 on eBay, and over the last several months purchased everything required to get it up and running.  This morning I successfully installed all components along with a new copy of Windows on the machine (I'm writing this on it right now), but when it boots, it complains that the "Product Information Is not Valid'.  When I boot to BIOS, the serial number for the machine is blank, and there does not appear to be a product ID label where it should be according to the Maintenance Manual.  Am I missing something?  How does one get the Serial number (and Feature Byte, Build ID, etc) for this machine?  Is it hidden somewhere?

[NonSequitur777]

@SteveWDI,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

I am sorry to hear you're encountering the "Product Information Is Not Valid" error on your HP Z8 G4 Workstation. This issue is not uncommon with barebones HP workstations bought from third parties. The "Product Information Not Valid" message indicates that the BIOS is missing system identifiers such as the serial number, feature byte, and build ID. These values are typically stored in the DMI (Desktop Management Interface) data, which can be lost if the system board was replaced or refurbished.

Here's how you can address this:

1. Locating the Serial Number:

Typically, the serial number is found on a label affixed to the exterior of the computer. According to the HP Z8 G4 Maintenance and Service Guide, each computer has a unique serial number and product ID number located on its exterior. If this label is missing or damaged, and the BIOS doesn't display the serial number, retrieving it becomes challenging.

 

2. Restoring Missing BIOS Information:

HP utilizes a proprietary tool known as the DMI Tool (Desktop Management Interface) to input system information like the serial number into the BIOS. However, HP has decided to not make that tool available publicly; changes that require this tool now have to be done by HP service centers.

3. Recommended Actions:

Given the circumstances:

• Contact HP Support: Reach out to HP's customer support or visit an authorized service center. They have the necessary tools and expertise to reprogram the BIOS with the correct system information.

• Provide Proof of Ownership: Be prepared to present any purchase receipts or documentation to verify your ownership, especially since the workstation was purchased from a third-party seller.

• Consult the Seller: If possible, contact the eBay seller to inquire if they have records of the original serial number or any related documentation.

Attempting to use unofficial methods or tools to modify BIOS information can be risky and may lead to further complications. It is advisable to rely on official HP channels to resolve this issue safely.

I hope this helps you restore your workstation to full functionality.

Perhaps @BeemerBiker has something to add to this discussion.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[SteveWDI]

NS, Thanks for your help.  Unfortunately, I believe that the Product Identification sticker, which according to the Service Manual, should be located on the top of the case, is absent.  I will contact support.  Getting the purchase documentation won't be a problem.

[NonSequitur777]

@SteveWDI,

You are welcome!

Please follow up to add to this discussion thread if you don't mind!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@SteveWDI,

Please take a look at this discussion, in particular @SDH's contribution: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Business-PCs-Workstations-and-Point-of-Sale-Systems/DMI-Tool-Branding/....

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[BeemerBiker]

Yes, thank you @NonSequitur777 

@SteveWDI You should be able to write any any of those missing items.  There are two ways to do it.  I have used the BCP program to write missing items to an Omen type motherboard.

BIOS Configuration Program (BCP)

On some newer HP systems the BIOS can program HP product information as shown in this video

BCP can be found and downloaded here

Download, run the install, and put the files at C:\SWSetup\bcp

After installing you use the windows administrator command prompt to browse to the location
C:\SWSetup\bcp

Run the following application to get your configuration report

C:\SWSetup\bcp>BiosConfigUtility64.exe /get:config.txt

You can use notepad to edit the configuration and then write it back out. 

C:\SWSetup\bcp>BiosConfigUtility64.exe /set:config.txt

if you know the feature byte you can try writing it.  On my eBay motherboard the feature byte location was read only so I was unable to update it.   I guessed at the feature byte by looking at various eBay system and picked on that looked good. AFAICT you can makeup any serial or build ID you want.  I would advice against making a warranty claim based on a made up serial number.  😀

If you get it to work better than I did then let us know what you did.