Finding computer model number

paddyjoy · 02-14-2006, 11:15 PM

Hi,

Does anyone know how to find out the model number of a computer using just the shell? I have an old compaq computer but I can't find a model number anywhere on the case! Is it stored in the BIOS, can I get it from /proc anyway?

Thanks,
Paddy

btmiller · 02-14-2006, 11:34 PM

Probably not. This is a PC after all, not a nice Sun, or SGI workstation that would be able to do that

. The BIOS is probably the best place to look but most PCs use a generic BIOS from Award or somebody similar that isn't tied to the hardware. Your best bet may be just to look around for a part number on the case itself, there should be one somewhere.

DanTaylor · 02-14-2006, 11:37 PM

Try getting the serial numbers off the hardware(assuming it is all original) and going to the compaq website. You should be able to give tech support that info, and they might be able to at least narrow down the choices. Then maybe do a search on ebay for those models, and see which one looks like yours.

paddyjoy · 02-14-2006, 11:47 PM

Thanks for the replies, I'll try the BIOS out later when I get home. I'm actually trying to find out the max RAM I can put in the machine so on second thoughts maybe I would be better off looking for some sort of identification on the mother board.

Paddy