Set up hardware password reset with CSS ?

[xfn]

Does anyone try the "Set up hardware password reset" function? which claims that it can prepare a method in advance to reset power-on and hard disk passwords for you, without taking the system back to IBM or doing something to those little feet of a CMOS chip.

(You can reach this button via the "advanced" menu item of the "Client Security Solution" application, when Rescure and Recovery and Client Security Solution are installed on your Thinkpad, and security chip is activated. )

What happened to my t43 2686 is a popup message box saying that:
"The Set up hardware password reset fuction is intended for Thincentre and Thinkpad computers only and is only supported on selcted models".

Two weeks ago a Thinkpad tech support had issued me a case number for this problem, but no further info received thereafter.

A similar case:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... word+reset

[davidspalding]

I've set this up, without problems.

So you have an open case with tech support ... tried calling back for an update?

[cerebral_mamba]

I get the same message on my T43. have you resolved it?

[xfn]

Thanks,

So it got to be something wrong...
I did divide the default partition C: into C: and D: using partition magic(uninstalled it later). maybe I should tell the tech support about this...

Have you guys ever changed the partitions on your hard disk drive?

[davidspalding]

Yes. Partition Magic 8 used to shrink C:, created W:, P:, U:.

[xfn]

Today I called IBM tech support again. This time the answer is that model T43 2686M7U does not support the dear "hardware password reset" function due to different security chip version (there are 3 types of security chips). Supprise

I then asked for official document to confirm the result but the support told me the document is not available at this time, although on IBM CSS webpage, there is a note saying "*Hardware Password Reset function is only supported on select models (Refer to BIOS documentation for supported version.)"

It's always nice to let customers know what're included in the basket before they pay the bill. The only reason for me to install Client Security Solution? is to prepare a "hardware password reset" method... I do have a couple of days for playing "return and buy another", but I think that's also cruel...

[xfn]

Update from an IBM support lady:
At this time, only some security chips in Thankpad R51 support the "Setup Hardware password reset" function in Client Security Solution.
Sigh... So stay with your T series... and forget about the power-on/hard-disk password reset thing but not those passwords.

[davidspalding]

I brought this up out of curiosity, and it took me to a dialog that managed certificates for security e-mail, etc. I don't have any, so....

I know that elsewhere in the utilities is the way to store a password recovery using three questions. I've done that. I can't easily rmember where that is, but I've found it on my rescue and recovery discs. Is that perhaps what you're thinking of?

Gee, I almost launched into a complaint that the Thinkpads come with too much of these utilities and programs for managing it. Considering the alternatives, that's an empty gripe.

P.S. That you are getting concise, literate information from support is a Good Thing. Other manufacturers route your inquiries off-shore, where the idiots ask you what part number is on your box, or version Windows you're using, have you run Windows Update, anything but something relevant. Count yer blessin's....

[xfn]

Thanks David , setting up 3 security questions for windows logon / RnR area password reset does work, while I was told that the "set up hardware password (i.e. power-on and hard-disk drive password) reset" function is only supported by some R51 models.

The button for setting up windows logon or RnR passphrase reset questions is in the first window of the Client Security Solution application. If click the "advanced" menu item on that window, the second window will pop up with the "Set up hardware password reset" button in it.

I don't think those hardware passwords are easy to forget during daily use, but from the design point of view, I like this scheme - offering users a way to reset power-on & hard disk password without sending thinkpads back to IBM, a reasonable solution.