The Mac Admin

Continuing with the concept of automated server deployment, here is a small script that changes the serial number in a Mac OS X Sever installation.

A server system that has been deployed via disk imaging or automated deployment systems will boot, but to use the server features, a valid and unique serial number must be entered.  Luckily, Apple provides a command line utility to set the serial number.

The script, as written, is intended for use with The Casper Suite.  Replacing $4 with a static value or using another method of passing a value would be necessary if you are not using The Casper Suite.

#!/bin/bash

##### HEADER BEGINS #####
# scr_sys_setServerSerial.bash
#
# Created 20081231 by Miles A. Leacy IV
# miles.leacy@themacadmin.com
# Modified 20081231 by Miles A. Leacy IV
# Copyright 2008 Miles A. Leacy IV
#
# This script may be copied and distributed freely as long as this header

# remains intact.

#
# This script is provided "as is".  The author offers no warranty or

# guarantee of any kind.
# Use of this script is at your own risk.  The author takes no responsibility

# for loss of use,
# loss of data, loss of job, loss of socks, the onset of armageddon, or any

# other negative effects.
#
# Test thoroughly in a lab environment before use on production systems.
# When you think it's ok, test again.  When you're certain it's ok, test

# twice more.
#
# This script sets a Mac OS X Server installation's serial number to the value
# provided in $4 by Casper.
# Run as an "at reboot" script when imaging with Casper, making sure to type
# double-check the serial in the script parameters before imaging.
#
##### HEADER ENDS #####

# Change serial to $4 from JSS

/System/Library/ServerSetup/serversetup -setServerSerialNumber "$4"