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What should i do? Xps stolen :( - Page 3

post #41 of 52
5/8/06 at 2:10am
Yes, I believe Computrace works even with a replaced HD, but you need to have BIOS A05. At least that was one of the enhancements I read about for A05. I am pretty sure it is a BIOS thing.

You should call Computrace to see if they can do anything for you.
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post #42 of 52
5/8/06 at 3:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Penguin1257
Yes, I believe Computrace works even with a replaced HD, but you need to have BIOS A05. At least that was one of the enhancements I read about for A05. I am pretty sure it is a BIOS thing.

You should call Computrace to see if they can do anything for you.

So what exactly is computrace? Like lojack except already pre endorsed by dell and the option built into the bios? I haven't seen the option.
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post #43 of 52
5/9/06 at 12:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flav_cool

If lojack works even after a reformat, i'm getting it. Can anyone confirm?

So what exactly is computrace? Like lojack except already pre endorsed by dell and the option built into the bios? I haven't seen the option.

"During the last year, Absolute inked partnership agreements with most major laptop vendors to include Computrace code in the BIOS.

With this code active and in place, the software agent will automatically get reinstalled to the operating system, even if the hard drive has been wiped clean or replaced outright.

Dell allows users to manually engage or disable the code from the BIOS configuration pages, so administrators must make sure to configure a BIOS-level password.

Even without the BIOS component, we found the Computrace software agent to be fairly resilient. In one test case, we reimaged the operating system partition of a Computrace-protected laptop.

Nonetheless, the agent reappeared when we booted up the fresh system image."

"The Computrace Data Protection service includes remote data deletion capabilities plus hardware, software and license-tracking information.

Also available is ComputraceComplete, which includes the Data Protection features plus laptop tracking with a $1,000 recovery guarantee.

Pricing will vary depending on the type of Computrace service purchased and whether the service is bought directly from Absolute Software or from a laptop manufacturer."

More info at:
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1950209,00.asp
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post #44 of 52
5/9/06 at 12:43am
I should add that Absolute Software basically markets Computrace to corporations and LoJack for Laptops for home/office use.

You can check the differences in their software here:
http://www.absolute.com/
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post #45 of 52
5/9/06 at 1:33am
This whole computrace thing sounds really great in theory and all, but is there anything that guarantees that once the laptop is traced that the police will respond to the call? Around here its hard enough to get a cop to even come to your house to file a report for a stolen car let alone chase some crooks for a little laptop.
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post #46 of 52
5/9/06 at 3:23am
So does the 9300/XPS2/M170/M1710/9400/E1705/M90 have computrace, and if it does, which "features" of it? I'm gonna check the bios but I'm too lazy to reboot.

Uh oh I don't like this:

"The IT department at CTU utilizes Absolute Software for more than stolen laptop
recovery. Butler also uses ComputraceComplete inventory reports to track the use
of unauthorized software, such as music sharing applications, instant messaging
and gaming."

AND the "remote data deletion" lol. Seems like CompuTrace Complete pretty much can spy on your laptop, not to mention your location.
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post #47 of 52
5/9/06 at 4:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flav_cool
So does the 9300/XPS2/M170/M1710/9400/E1705/M90 have computrace, and if it does, which "features" of it? I'm gonna check the bios but I'm too lazy to reboot.

Uh oh I don't like this:

"The IT department at CTU utilizes Absolute Software for more than stolen laptop
recovery. Butler also uses ComputraceComplete inventory reports to track the use
of unauthorized software, such as music sharing applications, instant messaging
and gaming."

AND the "remote data deletion" lol. Seems like CompuTrace Complete pretty much can spy on your laptop, not to mention your location.


That's enough to make me not want to buy it.
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post #48 of 52
5/9/06 at 4:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flav_cool

Seems like CompuTrace Complete pretty much can spy on your laptop, not to mention your location.

Well, yeah.... That's the whole idea. How else are they going to track it once it gets stolen?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ASUDevil

Around here its hard enough to get a cop to even come to your house to file a report for a stolen car let alone chase some crooks for a little laptop.

Agreed. That's the weak link in the deal alright....
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post #49 of 52
5/9/06 at 6:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by odious_m
"During the last year, Absolute inked partnership agreements with most major laptop vendors to include Computrace code in the BIOS.

With this code active and in place, the software agent will automatically get reinstalled to the operating system, even if the hard drive has been wiped clean or replaced outright.

Does that mean it only works with the OS shipped with the computer? For example, if you switch to Linux or even upgrade to Vista, it won't work any more?
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post #50 of 52
5/9/06 at 7:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flav_cool
So does the 9300/XPS2/M170/M1710/9400/E1705/M90 have computrace

My M1710 has it, but it is disabled and cannot be enabled in the BIOS setup. I wonder whether the notebook has to be purchased with Computrace from the start, or whether it can be activated later?
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post #51 of 52
5/9/06 at 7:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by darkloki
I found the perfect solution, just buy a Targus Defcon 1 lock and just lock your notebook to your chair or desk or something heavy. This way if they steal your laptop they gotta take the chair with it, or spend the 10-15 mins to cut it open. HaH that works fine.


Highspeed Dremel tool with a metal wheel cutter eats those thin cables up in couple seconds.
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post #52 of 52
5/9/06 at 11:34am
Thread Starter 
well the good thing is i have homeowner's insurance and will be getting a sum of money for my loss

ill be buying a m1710

i will get lojack even though they spy on ppl :O

i will get better security for my home

im buying a metal locable cabinet and keeping my lappie in there whenever im not home

ill get a little laptop cable just an extra thing if there is another thief, to deal with

is there anyway to get a webcam to take pics or record footage whenever something moves? i would want to set a webcam up in my room as added security, as well as about 5 actuall security cameras around the outsides

thanks for the support guys, i love you guys
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