LoJack on Laptops

IsuckLife · #1 2007-07-19, 22:17

Alright, I acquired a laptop and I have reason to believe it has LoJack or any other similar security device enabled on the laptop. How would I go about disabling it? Also, the laptop says it contains a "radio device" - does that mean it has a GPS? It also says that it is WiFi enabled on the laptop.

Thanks.

MunkeyQ · #2 2007-07-19, 22:21

Reformatting would get rid of the LoJack software. Don't connect it to the internet in the meantime and you'll be ok - the software can't do a thing if it can't call out to the base station.

IsuckLife · #3 2007-07-19, 22:43

Well, it's FRESH out of a box. It had a shipping label on it and everything. Is there any way I could check?

MunkeyQ · #4 2007-07-19, 22:46

If it's a good program, it will be undetectable, i.e. it won't show up. I'd just reformat - it's not worth taking the risk if there's a chance it may have the software.

Brimstone · #5 2007-07-19, 23:03

Maybe use Knoppix to get around it for the time being? I don't know...could that work?

IsuckLife · #6 2007-07-20, 04:57

I'm interested in putting linux on it.

Could that work?

Volcanbaru · #7 2007-07-20, 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by IsuckLife

I'm interested in putting linux on it.

Could that work?

IF it is stolen laptop, is it possible for cop to trace it by using IP?

Just an idea, I've heard cops busting people over laptop IP, so be careful.

IsuckLife · #8 2007-07-20, 07:37

So..After reformatting the laptop, can it be traced in ANY way?

So does Lojack has to be manually installed? By the owner or the Toshiba company?

I've heard lojacks are embedded into BIOS.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/26486

MunkeyQ · #9 2007-07-20, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volcanbaru

IF it is stolen laptop, is it possible for cop to trace it by using IP?

Just an idea, I've heard cops busting people over laptop IP, so be careful.

Ahh, very good point - almost. IP addresses can change but I guess it would be possible for the police to trace it via MAC address. This is a unique address assigned to every piece of networking hardware and in theory it would be possible, albeit very diffcult to trace a computer this way.

However, you can change the MAC address of most hardware.

LoJack can't be installed into the BIOS. No software can be embedded at that level - and if it was, it would be useless as there is nothing to drive it.

reidy- · #10 2007-07-20, 08:29

I have heard of companies installing hardware 'tracing' component's in laptops so a format wont help you nor would using knoppix. but TBH you'd be pretty unlucky to find a laptop like that.