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Computer stolen, possible solution?
DirtyDirtyVagrant
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So my laptop was stolen last week. Right out of my dorm.
It was password locked, but at the user level. Easily defeated.
I'm wondering if it's possible to remotely detect or even remotely disable my laptop (assuming someone has in fact defeated the password) because it's wireless capable and it picks up stray signals all over the place, so odds are good that if it's on and someone's logged in, there's a wireless connection.
It was password locked, but at the user level. Easily defeated.
I'm wondering if it's possible to remotely detect or even remotely disable my laptop (assuming someone has in fact defeated the password) because it's wireless capable and it picks up stray signals all over the place, so odds are good that if it's on and someone's logged in, there's a wireless connection.
DirtyDirtyVagrant on
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I mean, how else are you expecting to remotely identify it?
If you know its MAC address and are the person in charge of the wireless access points it's connecting to, you can see when it connected, assuming you have a wifi AP that doesn't suck. That's the best you can really do.
invest in a good laptop lock with your next laptop purchase... laptops (and other easily concealed electronics) tend to grow feet in dorms rather quickly if unattended
Also, as everyone else has said, or should say. Dorm rooms and student accommodations are basically the most likely place you'll ever be burgled. If you have anything of value, keep it well hidden, and if possible bolted down.
I don't believe it - I'm on my THIRD PS3, and my FIRST XBOX360. What the heck?
The thing is, that only comes into play if the thief A: Takes it to a pawnshop, which they may not be able to do unless they removed the password. Or B: Takes it to a repair shop, because if they reformat it then they're going to face serious driver issues (took me a week or more to find XP-compatible drivers for all the hardware)
The most likely scenario seems to be that they'll dump it.
I wish they'd understand what a losing battle they're in for and just return it. If they returned it right now, and it wasn't broken, I would not press charges (But I might have to have a friend beat some ass).
I mean, I dont want to put myself on a pedestal, but I'm one of maybe a handful of guys here that can actually use and operate a computer.
Yeah dude. Friend's reading over the shoulder, and he says 'handful' is generous.
There's dozens of ways to remove a user password from windows, it's really trivial once you have access to a machine.
rule #2: lock your laptop to your desk when you aren't going to be moving around.
i had a break in when i was in college and the guy only took my backpack (which was mostly empty but did have my graphing calculator in it) because my laptop was chained to my bed.
if it was a school issued laptop they might be able to sell you a 'replacement laptop' for 500 or 1000 dollars, my school did. also you might be able to get a loaner from your computer center untill you can get it replaced. definitly talk to your tech/computer center/central office to see what they can do about replacing it.
This is exactly what I do, the locking it to your desk is very helpful.
Anyways, chances are, they're definitely out trying to sell your laptop now trying to make some quick money.