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Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

X60/X61 and X60t/X61t Series
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zerotetration
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Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#1 Post by zerotetration » Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:49 am

Hello Forum Members,

I understand that this may be a controversial topic for some but the reality is that used Thinkpads--I am especially interested in the situation with X6x and T6x machines--are sold under legitimate circumstances but with security features enabled. These features greatly diminish the value of the machine for refurbishment / parting out.

Specifically I am talking about machines that have (1) a power on BIOS password set preventing all access (2) BIOS supervisor password set preventing changing BIOS settings / possibly, selection of alternate boot device or (3) Absolute Software's Computrace (AKA lojack for Laptops) active and enabled.

As these are 10 or more year old machines the threat of theft is extremely minimal but these security measures sure do cause headaches for persons parting out the machines and for refurbishers. So, does anyone have any experience or knowledge about remedying these problems? (1), (2) disabling a set BIOS password, (3) fully disabling Computrace without calling Absolute and wasting about an hour of time and needing to install Windows to (theoretically) remove their malware?

Or is the only economical option to throw out motherboards with these features enabled?

Cigarguy
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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#2 Post by Cigarguy » Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:55 am

Interesting topic but discussion of bypassing passwords is prohibited here. Their house their rules.

https://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=14339

Compulsory Rules

5. Passwords: Discussion on how to defeat the **password or Security Chip on thinkpads specifically or lenovo/IBM branded computers in general will NOT be allowed. The structure of the security system and how to best secure a thinkpad, etc. is allowed as long as it does not touch on bypassing such security systems. The judgement of the Admin or Moderator in this regard is absolute. There is no appeal except to the Admin or Moderator involved should your post be deleted or moved out of sight.
** EXCEPTION to this rule: Power-On passwords can be cleared as explained below by Lenovo:
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/detail. ... migr-59377
https://support.lenovo.com/en/documents/ht036206
thus discussion of power-on passwords IS acceptable and not covered by this rule.

zerotetration
Posts: 33
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Location: Rochester, New York

Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#3 Post by zerotetration » Mon Apr 09, 2018 3:34 am

Seems that some consideration of the age of the machine should be made....but rules are rules. I suppose if the same methods for older machines also work for current models then it makes some sense to bar discussion.

I guess back in the 1970s and 1980s people had their car radios stolen relatively frequently. So it became fashionable to have a code on radios in the 1990s and more recently. If the battery is disconnected and you don't have the code then you may lose access to your radio.

I don't know any one who has ever had their car radio stolen but I have and have seen others have trouble with the anti-theft code after replacing a battery etc.

Seems like the same type of situation. The market value of a complete t61 is maybe about $100. Very few people are going to risk their freedom and future the steal that but if the motherboard / bios is locked then maybe the total value of the parts in the machine drops to $50.

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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#4 Post by dr_st » Mon Apr 09, 2018 3:46 am

Also, it seems that discussions of how to remove Computrace aka LoJack for laptops are allowed. There is even a very long ongoing thread about it.
Thinkpad 25 (20K7), T490 (20N3), Yoga 14 (20FY), T430s (IPS FHD + Classic Keyboard), X220 4291-4BG
X61 7673-V2V, T60 2007-QPG, T42 2373-F7G, X32 (IPS Screen), A31p w/ Ultrabay Numpad

Cigarguy
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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#5 Post by Cigarguy » Mon Apr 09, 2018 4:16 am

Computrace vs BIOS security password are 2 different things in my book. I hate Computrace and don't use BIOS password on any of my laptops. I've learned to reset password on a few laptops and find the concept works with old and newer laptops.

As for car radio, any authorized dealer or service center can get the reset code directly from the manufacturer.

jcvjcvjcvjcv
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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#6 Post by jcvjcvjcvjcv » Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:20 am

zerotetration wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 3:34 am
Seems like the same type of situation. The market value of a complete t61 is maybe about $100. Very few people are going to risk their freedom and future the steal that
Right... that's why they steal canned beer valued at $2 total. :?
W520
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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#7 Post by RealBlackStuff » Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:12 am

zerotetration wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:49 am
So, does anyone have any experience or knowledge about remedying these problems? (1), (2) disabling a set BIOS password, (3) fully disabling Computrace
1) yes
2) yes
3) yes
And I'm not the only one by any means...
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

zerotetration
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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#8 Post by zerotetration » Tue Apr 10, 2018 1:03 am

jcvjcvjcvjcv wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:20 am
zerotetration wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 3:34 am
Seems like the same type of situation. The market value of a complete t61 is maybe about $100. Very few people are going to risk their freedom and future the steal that
Right... that's why they steal canned beer valued at $2 total. :?
So therefore we should keep canned beer in a bank vault?

zerotetration
Posts: 33
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Location: Rochester, New York

Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#9 Post by zerotetration » Tue Apr 10, 2018 1:07 am

RealBlackStuff wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:12 am
zerotetration wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 2:49 am
So, does anyone have any experience or knowledge about remedying these problems? (1), (2) disabling a set BIOS password, (3) fully disabling Computrace
1) yes
2) yes
3) yes
And I'm not the only one by any means...
Respectfully, I am having difficulty understanding the point of this reply. Is it an invitation for me to PM how to bypass these things or is it just you sharing that you know how to without offering to help?

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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#10 Post by RealBlackStuff » Tue Apr 10, 2018 7:45 am

Respectfully, I answered your question to the letter!


(And did you ever read my signature?)
Lovely day for a Guinness! (The Real Black Stuff)
Lenovo: X240, X250, T440p, T480, M900 Tiny.

PS: the old Boardroom website is still available on the Wayback Machine
.

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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#11 Post by jcvjcvjcvjcv » Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:45 am

zerotetration wrote:
Tue Apr 10, 2018 1:03 am
jcvjcvjcvjcv wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:20 am


Right... that's why they steal canned beer valued at $2 total. :?
So therefore we should keep canned beer in a bank vault?
No, it was only a response to "Very few people are going to risk their freedom and future the steal that "
W520
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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#12 Post by Geartooth » Wed May 16, 2018 9:13 pm

jcvjcvjcvjcv wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:20 am
zerotetration wrote:
Mon Apr 09, 2018 3:34 am
Seems like the same type of situation. The market value of a complete t61 is maybe about $100. Very few people are going to risk their freedom and future the steal that
Right... that's why they steal canned beer valued at $2 total. :?
I think the problem here is the fact it's Alcohol, and not a old laptop. The people stealing canned beer are not planning to go and sell it on eBay. The canned beer might be $2 or $50, doesn't make a difference to a homeless alcoholic.
Your local Pony.

My Collection: X60, T60, X61, X200, X200s, X220i, T420, X130e, X330, X240, XPS 9350

Sold:E6320, X1C1

Cigarguy
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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#13 Post by Cigarguy » Thu May 17, 2018 12:40 am

In Calgary, Alberta, Canada beer is more expensive than a T61.

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Re: Bypassing Security Features on X6x / T6x era Thinkpads

#14 Post by madicetea » Thu May 17, 2018 5:06 pm

Cigarguy wrote:
Thu May 17, 2018 12:40 am
In Calgary, Alberta, Canada beer is more expensive than a T61.
Not sure about any alcohol, but ... to be back on topic.

This site offers some help with this service:
https://www.theboardroom.info/password.html
MadIceTea, Thinkpad Enthusiast

Daily: X250 FHD
Museum: PC110 20MB, X61 T9300 SXGA+ LED
Donated: x2001 AFFS i5-530 (to my alma matter)
Past: 701Cs German, 535/X, 760E/XL, i-series 12/14xx, piano s30, R60e, X60, X61, T60, T61, X200 P8700, X121e

That chicken sure looks funny.

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