I notice that under certain fault conditions some Seagate models identify themselves as ST_M13FQBL with a serial number of QNR_BFW.

Here is one such example:
seagate-st3500320ns-recognized-m13fqbl-t11403.html

I had always wondered why Seagate chose such a strange serial number. It now occurs to me that the reason could be related to SeaTools.

As part of the RMA process, a user needs to obtain a SeaTools "test code". This code is an encoded hexadecimal number which is unique to each drive. It is generated from the drive's serial number and the number of the failing test.

http://web.archive.org/web/201204061721 ... 48090aRCRD

My understanding is that the second last digit identifies the failing test, as follows:

xxxxxx4x - SMART Fail
xxxxxx5x - Long Test, long LBA test
xxxxxx6x - Short Test, short LBA test
xxxxxxAx - Self-Service SeaTools Test Code
xxxxxxCx - Short Generic
xxxxxxDx - Long Generic
xxxxxxEx - Short DST
xxxxxxFx - Long DST

In the case of the subject drive in the abovementioned thread, the SeaTools codes are 606060C0 and 606060D0. IMHO these numbers are too "round" for them to be a coincidence. Instead it appears that Seagate chose a SeaTools test code for "internal" errors, and then worked backwards to obtain a corresponding serial number.

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A backup a day keeps DR away.

Solution?

excellent topic

It's only strange if you don't know what it means
FYI: you conclusion is incorrect.

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SAN, NAS, RAID, Server, and HDD Data Recovery.

Yes, I've since come to the same conclusion. It appears that SeaTools treats this serial number as a specific case. Instead I believe that "QNR" is a reference to the drive's modular ROM firmware, but of course that a commercial secret. :o

_________________
A backup a day keeps DR away.