[Thinkpad] A20M New system board

[Glen Tophen]

Through a series of misadventures, the polarity was reversed to my A20M, and subsequently it no longer functions.(Works off of the battery, but not external power) I have determined that I need to replace the system board, which should not be a problem. In my research into this,tho', I have come across references to the UUID or recording S/N's to the EEPROM on the new board. Is this mandatory, and if so, am I SOL because I cannot access the SN's from the old system board?
    Also, may I have some opinion as to the neccessity of using new screws in the assembly.?
Thanks,Glen