[Tfug] Thinkpad passwords and loading Linux

[sitkaa at email.arizona.edu]

Thanks y'all. Perhaps I am trying to make a mountain out of an anthill, but I
have had to go through technical stuff before to get things working, so 
I think
it is better to hammer things out ahead of time. The last time I loaded 
linux on
my computer, and then had to go back to M$ Window$, it took me three weeks to
figure out how to clear the formatting from linux, so Window$ would load. I
ended up using a Linux program, then DOS to to clear all that up.  Of 
course, I
wasn't aware of TFUG then.

Mayhap the best way to go about this is to make sure that any passwords 
that are
asked upon start-up are available. Is the bios password asked for upon 
start-up,
or just when trying to modify the bios?

Thanks again your comments : )
Michael
(by the way, I am definately a technical newbie)



Quoting JD Rogers <jdrogers at email.arizona.edu>:

>> Anybody have any comments? Know of some work-arounds. Or are used 
>> thinkpads on
>> ebay all stolen?
>
> I've not heard of issues with this password problem. I would expect
> that (like desktops) there is a jumper or so that would allow you to
> reset any bios passwds. Worst case, I imagine you can take out the
> main battery and cmos battery for a day or so and the bios will reset.
> As far as a hard disk passwd, that would sound like encryption in
> which case not knowing the passwd just means you can get at the data,
> but you would be able to format and start fresh. Again, I'm only
> guessing here as I haven't seen or heard of this issue until now.
>
> That said, you may want to look at certified-used thinkpads from IBM.
> In my experience, they are only marginally more expensive that the
> final going price on ebay, and you would be certain what you are
> getting since it is through IBM.
> http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=-840&langId=-1&categoryId=2576396
> The cheapest t40 right now is only $622, but I would go with something
> with more ram if you can afford it.
> Cheers,
> JDR
>
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