Method for internal mechanical component configuration detection

Abstract

A system and method for detecting a mechanical component and thereby verify any warranty covering the mechanical component includes encoding a mechanical component, identifying an attribute of the mechanical component via the encoding, providing the attribute to detection logic located on a system board, the detection logic providing the attribute to a configuration diagnostic system. A method of detecting warranty violations further includes providing a mechanical component with a unique identifier and transmitting identifying data to diagnostic software that includes a log or marker capable of detecting and logging changes in the mechanical component. The method further includes transmitting the data identifying the change in the mechanical component via a network connection to warranty verification software. A computer system includes a processor coupled to a bus, at least one memory coupled to the bus, a plurality of input/output devices coupled to the bus, an operating system stored in memory, and a mechanical component encoded to identify an attribute of the mechanical component via the encoding. The computer system includes a system board including detection logic that provides the attribute to a configuration diagnostic system.