This is a patch to the Linux 2.2.2 kernel that disables the CPU serial number misfeature in the new Intel Pentium III processor at boot time. If Intel's documentation is correct, the serial number cannot then be re-enabled without resetting the CPU. I.e., the only way to re-enable the serial number is to remove this patch from the kernel, rebuild the kernel and reboot the system.

To install the patch, do:

$ su
# cd /usr/src/linux
# patch -p0 < psn-patch

Remake and install the new kernel. My separate cpuid utility is a handy way to verify that the serial number is in fact disabled.

I've submitted this patch to the Linux kernel maintainers. I'm told that it will eventually appear in a regular release.

psn-patch

Last updated: 29 Apr 1999