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ThinkPad T400 - Should I "Permanently Disable" Computrace?

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 8:38 pm
by bakery2k
I have just received a second-hand ThinkPad T400. In the BIOS "Anti-Theft" options, "Computrace" was set to "Enabled" but "Not Activated".

Having read about issues with second-hand ThinkPads in which Computrace was "Activated", I have changed the setting to "Disabled". Would you recommend going further and setting it to "Permanently Disabled"?

If so, should I do the same for the other "Anti-Theft" options: "Intel AT-p" and "ConstantSecure"?

Re: ThinkPad T400 - Should I "Permanently Disable" Computrace?

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 9:21 pm
by ji2o0k
I did on both my T430s and T420s.....permanently disabled Computrace....


Not sure why you would keep it on - I would never use the service and even if I resell them, the buyer understands he is getting a 2nd hand unit

Re: ThinkPad T400 - Should I "Permanently Disable" Computrace?

Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 10:13 pm
by TPFanatic
There is a risk that Computrace can enable and activate itself if a Windows environment running Computrace is put in the computer.

If Permanently Disabled kills it for good, it's a good thing to do.

Re: ThinkPad T400 - Should I "Permanently Disable" Computrace?

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 3:02 am
by jaspen-meyer
bakery2k wrote:Would you recommend going further and setting it to "Permanently Disabled"?
It is a rootkit.
It's anyone's guess what, exactly, "Permantely disabled" does or does not do.

Clearly, it's not a 'good witch'; when you click "Permanently Disable" it responds by scaring you by displaying a red screen with white letters.

Re: ThinkPad T400 - Should I "Permanently Disable" Computrace?

Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 8:28 am
by RealBlackStuff
Definitely Permanently Disable Computrace/LoJack and I'd do the same with the Intel Anti-Theft.
Probably just as bad as their ME and AMT.