[Tfug] Thinkpad passwords and loading Linux

[Bexley Hall]

--- JD Rogers <jdrogers at email.arizona.edu> wrote:

> > 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.

Yes, but on many thinkpads getting to the jumper
(DIP switch, often) requires a fair bit of
surgery.  Unless you are comfortable taking apart
things with lots of plastic fasteners (that like
to BREAK if not coerced properly), you won't
like this option...

> Worst case, I imagine you
> can take out the
> main battery and cmos battery for a day or so and
> the bios will reset.

On many TP's the CMOS battery is also quite
inaccessible.  Some embed it in the *keyboard*
assembly (I've broken one keyboard while
replacing a CMOS battery -- stupid design!)

> 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.

Hard disk password is reset when you clear it.
Which renders the contents of the disk trash
(no big deal if you plan on installing from scratch)
 
> 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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