Password problems

[jimmy274]

Can anyone explain to me why the password removal on Thinkpads is such a touchy theme? I don't see it in the rules (unless you classify it as a warez), and yet the rules state no pricing info... Well, I for one haven't seen anyone respecting the rule about pricing. I mean it's even a Sticky (cheap Crucial modules)! And every other post is about pricing - memory, batteries, wifi etc.
I've known a lot of people that just forget their passwords, and this is sometimes quite a problem. These people have no where else to turn. On the other hand, saving a few bucks and breaking a rule (no pricing!) in return is just kinda selfish for all us Thinkpadders, unless we do our best to help everyone. Especially if the moderators and admins don't even punish these people...
Kinda silly and ironic, isn't it? I'm very curious about the answer I'm gonna get on this one...

[jdhurst]

There are probably two answers:
1. Sofware (Windows usually). Push comes to shove you can boot with a Bart PE CD and fix this problem (although you may lose access to some of My Documents in the process). But it is still a do-it-yourself exercise and assuming it is your machine, legitimate in the circumstances.

2. Hardware (BIOS, Supervisor and Hard Drive). So far as I know, you can clear the BIOS password by removing the CMOS battery and the regular battery and let sit overnight. That has been posted here so far as I recall.

Supervisor and Hard Drive are different. You simply must remember them. I don't use a Supervisor password, but I do use a Hard Drive password and there is no *practical* way to retrieve it.

What I do is use Password Corral and keep all my passwords in there. They are well-encrypted. I keep the data base on two computers in case I lose access to one.

However, in all candidness, I *never* (and I mean *never*) forget my BIOS, Hard Drive and Windows Administrator passwords. It is just not worth the aggravation.
... JD Hurst

[jimmy274]

Well, I need to clarify: I was refering to the BIOS/hdd password - Ray Kawami said that the removal procedure would be contrary to the rules of this forum. I just don't see why - there aren't any rules on this . He even locked the topic, so no one can answer it!
What's the rule that states that this is forbidden?

[Purcy]

I have such a poor memory, that I have all the passwords to protected things written down and stored with my legal papers at my home. I don't use passwords on my laptop as it never leaves my home. But if I did travel with it and had sensitive material stored on my hard drive and passworded it, and say the laptop got stolen - well I would be glad to know the thief could not easily find out how to retrieve a password. Wouldn't you? I am not sure if that is the reason these things aren't discussed here, but I for one am glad they are not.

Ray Kawakami is a moderator on this board and so has the right to lock threads. PM him for his decision if you like.

[rkawakami]

Rule #12 in the FAQ:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=1689

I'm following procedure here since there have been earlier threads locked for the same reason. Removing the power-on password (which, as it turns out, was the problem the OP had; I was told this by email) is allowed to be discussed as that procedure is clearly specified in the Hardware Maintenance Manual. Techniques to bypass/remove either the BIOS password or the hard drive password is not open for discussion per the FAQ. The general reason (as far as I can tell, and somebody correct me if I'm wrong) is that this site does not want to be put into the position of helping someone unlock possibly stolen equipement. Please don't take this as a personal attack on your reputation. The rule, as far as I can tell, has been applied equally across the entire membership no matter what the poster's standing.

BTW, the "pricing" issue I believe has to do with discounts that might be available through certain, selected channels.

[jimmy274]

Ok, I'm shutting up now...