Where exactly is computrace located?

[randoomkiller]

Hey,

I just bought a "new" Thinkpad X1 carbon 3rd gen, with 16GB ram, and the first thing that I read when I boot it up is that "This machine has computrace enabled, please contact the services (phone number)"

I have bought it with a known locked bios, however in the description there was no clue that it has computrace enabled.
First thing that I do on Monday will be to call them,

HOWEVER : I am really curious. How does it work? in terms of which physical hardware piece is it located? My strong guess is that it is in the bios chip, but please confirm.

I have chosen this exact ebay listing because I had almost the same model (but the 8GB model from one year earlier, not the dual dye mikron memory one) that died recently (long story, I was stupid), and thought that getting through the bios lock would be as simple as replacing the bios chip from my old one.

I know that reflashing it would not help because it is in a hidden piece of hardware.

I have also found a lising on ebay that said T460 computrace disable bios chip.

My aim is to have an X1 carbon in working condition as soon as I can, but obviously I will do the neccessary steps if it is stolen.

Thank you for your help

[RealBlackStuff]

Depending on model, CT is either in an EEPROM or in one of the BIOS chips.
More CT here: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=114641

[randoomkiller]

Depending on model, CT is either in an EEPROM or in one of the BIOS chips.
More CT here: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=114641

Thank you, I already found that post (to be fair that post was the reason why I choose to ask it on this forum), but it did not specify what would happen if I were to replace the bios chip (not reflash, replace). Because of my understanding it is likely to be hardcoded into that chip itself.

The model is a BT20 X1 Carbon.

[mikemex]

Return the laptop if you still can... or cut your loses and part the machine out.

[RealBlackStuff]

Replacing a chip on such a machine won't do it.
If you can't return it, check eBay, there's a Dutch outfit that can help you.

[randoomkiller]

Good news
I called computrace and the device is not stolen

The message I got was just a general warning that the device has this software

However now I have to bake a new bios because it is apparently bios locked
BUT luckily I already have nice clean BIOS images of this model so that should be fine

Thank you all for your help

[RealBlackStuff]

That means: CT is only enabled, but NOT activated.
Wait till the password is gone, then you can Permanently Disable it.