When you call DELL customer support for any help, they will ask for either Service Tag or Express Service Code. You also need service tag to download drivers and documentations from DELL support website.

When you have physical access to the system, you can easily identify the service tag affixed on the body of the server. DELL support site shows the exactly location of the service tag and express code stickers for various DELL equipments.

When you don’t have physical access to the server, you can get the same information remotely from the OS level. Using Windows or Linux command line you can easily get DELL service tag as explained below.

1. Get DELL Service Tag on remote Windows system

Login to the Windows remote-host using VNC or remote desktop connection. Use WMIC on Windows to get service tag as shown below.

C:\>wmic bios get serialnumber
SerialNumber
ABCDEF1

Following WMIC command will give make and model number along with service tag.

C:\>wmic csproduct get vendor,name,identifyingnumber
IdentifyingNumber    Name                Vendor
ABCDEF1              PowerEdge 2950      Dell Inc.

If VNC or remote desktop connection to the remote-host is not available,  execute the following from the local-host to get the service tag of the remote-host.

C:\>wmic /user:administrator /node:remote-host bios get serialnumber
SerialNumber
ABCDEF1
[Note: Replace remote-host with the machine name of your remote-host.]

2. Get DELL Service Tag on remote Linux system

Login to the Linux remote-host using SSH. Use dmidecode on Linux to get service tag as shown below.

[remote-host]# dmidecode -s system-serial-number
ABCDEF1

3. Get DELL Express Service Code From Service Tag

Service Tag is a base-36 integer.  Once you have the Service Tag, you can calculate express service code yourself. Express Service Code is base-10 decimal integer of Service Tag. Dell uses express service code mainly for their support call-routing. When you call dell support, their automated call-routing system may ask you to enter express service code, which you can easily enter in your telephone, as it is just a bunch of numbers, instead of characters.

Use the following online tools to find express service code from service tag and vice-versa.

• Creativyst Dell-Number Widget
• Dell PC service tag/code converter from PowerDog Industries

Computer on the Network with the Same Name

Use the nbtstat -n command to see the name of the computer in the conflict state. The IP address of the node that sent the message is in the data that this command returns. The following example shows what the data may look like in one of these events:

Offset 28 is the IP address of the computer requesting name release. To determine the decimal IP address, invert the four hexadecimal numbers and convert them to decimal numbers separated by periods. Using this method, the IP address of E7 1A 65 16 becomes 22.101.26.231.

The status column of the nbtstat output for the computer in conflict should contain either "Conflict" or "Released."

You can run the nbtstat -a command with the IP address to get the computer name.

Example: nbtstat -A 192.168.1.21

NBTSTAT -A May Return Host not Found Error Message 

To resolve this issue, verify that the NetBIOS Interface device is set to start either Automatically or Manually and that the Messenger service is set to start Automatically. Perform the following steps on the target computer:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Services icon, and select the Messenger service.
3. Click Startup, click Automatic, click OK, and then click Close.
4. Double-click the Devices icon in Control Panel, and select the NetBIOS Interface device.
5. Click Startup, click either Automatic or Manual, click OK, and click Close.
6. Restart the computer.

NOTE: Simply starting the NetBIOS Interface device is not sufficient. The NetBIOS Interface device must be reset by a NetBIOS application such as the Messenger service.
Source from here.

Microsoft has announced on the Skype Blog that Windows Live Messenger is to be retired in Q1 2013 (except for in mainland China). Just a fortnight ago Microsoft integrated Messenger and Facebook messaging functionality into Skype version 6 for Mac and Windows. Earlier in mid-September a public beta version had the same functionality. I’ve used both versions and they seem to work without a hiccup with contacts from either platform.

If you still use Messenger or use both Messenger and Skype clients the Skype blog says that you “just need to update to the latest version of Skype, sign in using a Microsoft account, and your Messenger contacts will be there.” It really is as simple as that. It’s important to sign in with your Microsoft ID (if you have both Microsoft and Skype IDs) to get your Messenger contacts in the contact list.

Microsoft assures us it’s not just about shoving users over to a new platform for the sake of software development economy, Messenger users will get additional benefits over their old platform such as:

• Broader device support for all platforms, including iPad and Android tablets
• Instant messaging, video calling, and calling landlines and mobiles all in one place
• Sharing screens
• Video calling on mobile phones
• Video calling with Facebook friends
• Group video calling

An added benefit Microsoft doesn’t mention is that running Skype rather than Messenger has less impact on your system and start-up (if my PC is in any way typical). Also of course it’s better than running both messaging clients at the same time. Skype v6 was updated for both the modern UI and desktop Windows with the flatter and minimal look and feel of the new OS.

You can download the latest version of Skype here.

In recent times Messenger use has declined as Skype use has picked up, according to the Huffington Post. Skype works better in the wide Microsoft ecosystem as a communications program, on TVs and the Xbox for instance. Combine this with the monetisation opportunities for Skype and it was a natural choice for Microsoft.

Reading around however, not everyone is happy with the Skype Blog’s “good news”. Will you miss some features of Messenger that aren’t catered for by Skype?

To use it:
1.Create a new folder.
2.Rename the folder to

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-82

5C-99712043E01C}

(you can change the “GodMode” text, but the following period and code number are essential)
The folder icon will change — double click it to show the GodMode window.

The window shows nearly 50 sections with quick links to configuration options.
Frankly speaking, it’s not a God Mode since all the options are available elsewhere.
It’s more a “all tasks” list — but you may find it easier than stumbling through Windows numerous screens and panels.

other godmodes for Window 7 are:
GodMode.{00C6D95F-329C-409a-81D7-C46C66EA7F33}
GodMode.{0142e4d0-fb7a-11dc-ba4a-000ffe7ab428}
GodMode.{05d7b0f4-2121-4eff-bf6b-ed3f69b894d9}
GodMode.{1206F5F1-0569-412C-8FEC-3204630DFB70}
GodMode.{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
GodMode.{241D7C96-F8BF-4F85-B01F-E2B043341A4B}
GodMode.{62D8ED13-C9D0-4CE8-A914-47DD628FB1B0}
 

try them all ;)

Here is another secret shortcuts ,
Create new folder and name it : 
GodMode. { string from listed below } 
 
Administrative Tools
{D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524153}
All .NET Frameworks and COM Libraries
{1D2680C9-0E2A-469d-B787-065558BC7D43}
All Tasks (Control Panel)
{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
AutoPlay
{9C60DE1E-E5FC-40f4-A487-460851A8D915}
BitLocker Drive Encryption (Ultimate edition only)
{D9EF8727-CAC2-4e60-809E-86F80A666C91}
Computer Folder
{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}
Default Programs
{17cd9488-1228-4b2f-88ce-4298e93e0966}
Ease of Access Center
{D555645E-D4F8-4c29-A827-D93C859C4F2A}
Font Settings
{93412589-74D4-4E4E-AD0E-E0CB621440FD}
Get Programs
{15eae92e-f17a-4431-9f28-805e482dafd4}
Manage Wireless Networks
{1FA9085F-25A2-489B-85D4-86326EEDCD87}
Network and Sharing Center
{8E908FC9-BECC-40f6-915B-F4CA0E70D03D}
Network Connections
{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}
Network Folder
{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}
Parental Controls
{96AE8D84-A250-4520-95A5-A47A7E3C548B}
Performance Information and Tools
{78F3955E-3B90-4184-BD14-5397C15F1EFC}
Personalization
{ED834ED6-4B5A-4bfe-8F11-A626DCB6A921}
Power Options
{025A5937-A6BE-4686-A844-36FE4BEC8B6D}
Programs and Features
{7b81be6a-ce2b-4676-a29e-eb907a5126c5}
Sync Center
{9C73F5E5-7AE7-4E32-A8E8-8D23B85255BF}
System
{BB06C0E4-D293-4f75-8A90-CB05B6477EEE}
User Accounts
{60632754-c523-4b62-b45c-4172da012619}
Windows Firewall
{4026492F-2F69-46B8-B9BF-5654FC07E423}
Windows SideShow (Warning, caused my system to slow down briefly)
{E95A4861-D57A-4be1-AD0F-35267E261739}
Windows Update
{36eef7db-88ad-4e81-ad49-0e313f0c35f8}

Here I will posting 3 methods to have any desired wallpaper as background image in any folder in Windows XP:

A. Using Desktop.ini Hack to Set a Wallpaper as Folder Background Image:

1. Open Command Prompt and set folder attribute to "system". Suppose there is a folder "Setup" in "C:\" drive, in which you want to set a wallpaper as background image. So give following command in Command Prompt:

attrib +s C:\Setup

It'll change the attribute to "system".

2. Now open Notepad and paste following code:

[ExtShellFolderViews]

{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}={BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}

[{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}]

Attributes=1

IconArea_Image=path_of_the_wallpaper

IconArea_Text=0x00000000

Now change "path_of_the_wallpaper" to the exact path of the wallpaper which you want to set as background. Suppose the wallpaper is stored in "D:\Wallpaper\Image1.jpg", then the code will be as following:

[ExtShellFolderViews]

{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}={BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}

[{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}]

Attributes=1

IconArea_Image=C:\Wallpaper\bp.jpg

IconArea_Text=0x00000000

NOTE: If you copy the wallpaper in the same folder which you are editing, then you can simply put the wallpaper name in the file. e.g. if you copy the "bp.jpg" file in "Setup" folder, then the code will be as following:

[ExtShellFolderViews]

{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}={BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}

[{BE098140-A513-11D0-A3A4-00C04FD706EC}]

Attributes=1

IconArea_Image=bp.jpg

IconArea_Text=0x00000000

"IconArea_Text" stands for the text color, you can change it to white, yellow, blue, black or any other color. You just need to know the hexa-decimal number of the color and then replace the code in "IconArea_Text" section. A few most used color codes are as follows:

Black - 0x00000000

White - 0x00FFFFFF

Green - 0x0000FF00

Blue - 0x00FF0000

Purple - 0x00C000C0

Red - 0x000000FF

Yellow - 0x0000FFFF

Indigo - 0x00FFFF00

3. Now save the file with name "Desktop.ini" (including quotes) and copy the file in the desired folder which is "Setup" in our example.

4. Thats it. Close the folder and re-open it. Now it should show the wallpaper as background.

B. Using the Same Method of "IEShwiz.exe" file used in Windows 9x/NT/2000:

1. Copy "IEShwiz.exe" file from Windows 98/Me/NT/2000 and paste in "%windir%" directory (C:\Windows, if your Windows is installed in C:\ drive).

2. Now open regedit and goto:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Directory\shell\

Now under this key, create a new key "Customize This Folder". Now select this newly created key and create another key under it with the name "Command". Select this new key "Command" and change the value of "Default" in right side pane to IESHWIZ.EXE %1

3. That's it. Now open any folder and right-click, you'll get an option "Customize This Folder". Click on it and follow the wizard and you'll be able to set a wallpaper as the background and to change font color.

C. Using 3rd party software "Windowpaper XP" to do the task easily:

1. Download "Windowpaper XP" from following link:

Download Link

2. Install the software and you can easily change the folder background and font colors.