Thinkpads Forum

I am trying to enter "Safe Mode With Networking" and when the safe mode screen comes up it just shows "Checking Embedded Security Chip" in an endless loop. I have disabled the security chip in bios but the problem still exist. I suspect I have a virus/malware problem and I want to perform a deep system scan with Vipre Internet Security in safe mode with networking. I've done this with another computer and it worked fine. I have a T60 Widescreen w/XP Pro. I read an online posting that said you can enter safe mode from Thinkvantage Rescue and Recovery 3 and I don't see it. I did a regular deep system scan with no infections detected and Vipre said if your still having problems run it in safe mode with networking. I am having system slowdown problems and other odd occurences but overall the computer is still running normally so I don't want to re-install windows or anything else real drastic. I just want to know if it's possible to get into safe mode at all or how to bypass the embedded security chip.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thank-You.

One option would be to put the hard disk in a USB enclosure, and do the virus-scanning from another laptop or PC.

Thanks, I'll Consider that. Would uninstalling Client Security System be a viable option also?

Do the scan first, before you start ripping your Windows and/or programs apart.
Have you got a fingerprint reader?
If so, disable that as well (in BIOS).

Thanks, I did find a SOLUTION and was able to run a Deep System Scan in Safe Mode. I'll pass along what I did in case anyone has a similiar problem.
BIOS>SECURITY>SECURITY CHIP>Changed option to DISABLED (Chip is hidden, not functional). Previously I disabled the fingerprint reader. After the scan I went back into BIOS and changed the chip option to INACTIVE (Chip is visible, not functional) because I kept getting some error messages about CSS not being able to find something on Windows startup and have not had any problems after that.
IN Windows>START>ALL PROGRAMS>THINKVANTAGE>CLIENT SECURITY SOLUTION>ADVANCED>MANAGE SECURITY POLICIES>User Action Pane>LOG ONTO WINDOWS>Select "DISABLE CLIENT SECURITY LOGON INTERFACE.
I am currently researching on the ramifications of uninstalling CSS completely because I didn't use the fingerprint reader or any other of its security options and keep getting a message on Windows startup wanting me to activate CSS.

Sounds good.
Did you find any evil-doers in your scan?
If you don't need/use the FPR, I would uninstall CSS. Maybe even swap the palmrest for one without FPR.
I've never used CSS, did not install it at all, or uninstalled it when found.
It gives more heartaches than benefits IMHO.

No "evil-doers" in my scan. Maybe some other limitations I have'nt considered. I found I didn't have scan for "rootkits" enabled in my Internet Security software so I'm going to go back and do a regular deep system scan.
I believe your right as far as CSS is concerned and in my case it came installed and has been a big headache so I'm going to get rid of it. I have not had any further problems since I disabled it so I believe it will be safe to remove it.
Thanks, Mikey