norman.walsh.name: Comments on /2010/03/01/driveKnowshttp://norman.walsh.name/2010/03/01/driveKnows/comments.atom2012-05-23T23:22:48.43574ZComment 1 on /2010/03/01/driveKnowshttp://norman.walsh.name/2010/09/25/oauth#comment00012010-03-02T05:09:03Z2010-03-02T05:09:03ZClaireda39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709

The key for a lot of things (and for sure for Time Machine and iTunes) is the MAC address of the Ethernet port on the motherboard of the machine. If you have a problem that requires Apple to swap the motherboard, you'll have the same problems when you get your machine back.

("Amusingly", they suggest that you deauthorize your iTunes purchases before sending in your machine, which is difficult when the problem is serious enough to require a motherboard swap.)

Comment 2 on /2010/03/01/driveKnowshttp://norman.walsh.name/2010/09/25/oauth#comment00022010-03-02T09:37:53Z2010-03-02T09:37:53ZPedro Moraisda39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709

I had the same problem but managed to get the fan replaced, under warranty.

Watch for the CPU temperature, in my case the system was also overheating quite a bit.

Comment 3 on /2010/03/01/driveKnowshttp://norman.walsh.name/2010/09/25/oauth#comment00032010-03-02T09:49:25Z2010-03-02T09:49:25ZMartin Probstda39a3ee5e6b4b0d3255bfef95601890afd80709

Macs cache a lot of information in the so-called PRAM. It is a common recommendation to "zap the PRAM" when you experience anything that seems weird. To do so, hold Cmd-Opt-P-R while booting.

About Time Machine: I think Time Machine identifies your backup by the Ethernet MAC, which is of course bound to your physical machine, not to the hard drive.