# Get hold of the Apple Service Diagnostics DMG (ASD_3S162) for MBPr 2013
# Extract the ASD EFI DMG from within ASD_3S162 DMG and restore it to a USB stick (to make it bootable).
# Get hold of the Blank Board Serializer (BBS) DMG ( v1.1 part number 063-07137) and mount it .
# View hidden files in Finder (type '''SHIFT + CMD + .''' on the keyboard). Do the same to hide again later.
# Copy the hidden '''Apps''' folder & the hidden '''diag.env''' file from the BBS to the root of the ASD on a USB stick.
# Restart and boot from that USB and it will start the Blank Board Serializer App.
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Search the net for Blank Board Serializer instructions (and WARNINGS !)
I rebooted and now About-This-Mac displays the Serial Number and I have access to iCloud, etc.
My theory was that the original BBS’s EFI is too old for the 2013 MBPr’s EFI Firmware to boot it but the BBS App is not. So by utilising the ASD’s EFI boot environment (which is made for the MBP 2013), one can get it to run the BBS App instead of the ASD App (which is controlled by the '''diag.env''' file). My theory was correct.
I hope it helps someone.
I think the serial number issue I had occurred when I upgraded recently from Mojave to Catalina (after a long wait) and during that upgrade there was a firmware upgrade (which Apple always sneaks in during OS updates) that must have got borked due to a power fail which corrupted it and the Serial number.
However, for me I believe I do have a failing Logic Board as occasionally it shuts down abruptly (may be a thermal issue).
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I have uploaded my working BBS for MBPr Late 2013 (and later models) here:[br]
Well I did not give up and created a solution.
These are the steps:
# Get hold of the Apple Service Diagnostics DMG (ASD_3S162) for MBPr 2013
# Extract the ASD EFI DMG from within ASD_3S162 DMG and restore it to a USB stick (to make it bootable).
# Get hold of the Blank Board Serializer (BBS) DMG ( v1.1 part number 063-07137) and mount it .
# View hidden files in Finder (type '''SHIFT + CMD + .''' on the keyboard). Do the same to hide again later.
# Copy the hidden '''Apps''' folder & the hidden '''diag.env''' file from the BBS to the root of the ASD on a USB stick.
# Restart and boot from that USB and it will start the Blank Board Serializer App.
Search the net for Blank Board Serializer instructions (and WARNINGS !)
I rebooted and now About-This-Mac displays the Serial Number and I have access to iCloud, etc.
My theory was that the original BBS’s EFI is too old for the 2013 MBPr’s EFI Firmware to boot it but the BBS App is not. So by utilising the ASD’s EFI boot environment (which is made for the MBP 2013), one can get it to run the BBS App instead of the ASD App (which is controlled by the '''diag.env''' file). My theory was correct.
I hope it helps someone.
I think the serial number issue I had occurred when I upgraded recently from Mojave to Catalina (after a long wait) and during that upgrade there was a firmware upgrade (which Apple always sneaks in during OS updates) that must have got borked due to a power fail which corrupted it and the Serial number.
However, for me I believe I do have a failing Logic Board as occasionally it shuts down abruptly (may be a thermal issue).