Hello [NAME] , I am a Dell computer owner like you, and I am not a Dell employee.  For whatever the reason you needed the information, I hope that I can help you with my knowledge. With the obvious date code of 20120420, I guess it was year 2012, month of April and 20th date.  You can verify this information if you have the service tag (don't post that information here).  You can go on Dell.com and under Support, select Support Home.  You can enter your service tag in the box Search Support.  The result page will display several information, select View details and look for Ship Date.  For all intent purpose, it was considered the same as manufactured date or build date.  Chino,
Hello, I have an Optiplex 790 with a build date code of 20120420. I went to Dell to translate it for me and they blew me off because it's warranty service date had expired. Well, so what? I still use it and still need that date. It's so maddening. At least they could have given me the translation instructions and I would have promised to never bother them again. The codes should be thrown away anyway. Just put the real build date on the tag....no need for secrecy here anyway. Can someone at this kind community help me here? Thank you for all the help you give us members. T'care, Mike & Linda
Optiplex Build Date Code Translation