Update Model and Serial number in bios - older computer

[lordcorey07]

Hello, I am repairing/restoring an older HP Media Center m8167c computer. I had to replace the motherboard in it, I got the factory correct HP motherboard from a donor unit. Is it possible to change the model and serial number in the BIOS to match my machine? Are there tools available for a machine this old (from 2007). It has bios version 5.07, looks to be Award BIOS.

[Deep_World]

Hi @lordcorey07,
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

Sorry for the inconvenience caused .HP does not officially allow customers to change the model or serial number in BIOS, even on older machines. The system will still run fine with the donor board, but the identifiers will reflect the donor unit rather than your original.

Attempting to use third‑party BIOS modification tools is possible but risky, and HP does not recommend or support it.

HP does not officially provide end‑user tools to change or rewrite the model number or serial number stored in the BIOS.Those identifiers are set at the factory and are intended for warranty, support, and inventory purposes.Modifying them is not supported and can cause issues with HP utilities, recovery media, or future updates.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[lordcorey07]

Bummer, but that makes sense! Would an HP service provider be able to update it on something this old? I do have my original windows vista recovery media from back then and it does check the model number and wont run since it sees a different model now. Other than that the computer does run again and boots to windows 10.

[Deep_World · Accepted solution]

Hi @lordcorey07,

Thanks for your response. 

If the computer is functioning with Windows 10, you can continue using it without the BIOS update, though the recovery media will remain incompatible until the identifiers are corrected.

Sometimes, third-party repair shops claim they can rewrite BIOS information, but HP does not recommend or support that route, as it can cause permanent damage if done incorrectly.
 

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World