Maybe buying CF19 Mk4 but

Hi all I've got the chance of buying a Mk4 CF19 but it's got bios password, I have checked with police to make sure the serial number is not on their system, the guy also has a bill of sale with it from where he got it. Question is, is it worth buying and the main thing is can anything be done with it. I understand that this is an open forum and anyone can view it so it's best any solutions are sent via PM


Thanks

 

First thing is, no one here will, or can help with the password.
Before you buy it check with Panasonic, to see what they have in their records as to who owned it or still owns it now.
If you buy it good luck.
The password can be removed, but it is not easy or cheap.

Bob

 

Thanks for the info, good idea about contacting Panasonic, I didn't think of that, as you say they should have all the info

Thanks again

 

They might have the info but will they give it out is the question. My feeling is this has trouble written all over it....I would pass on it.

 

Since the seller has a bill of sale, he should know at least some of the previous owner's contact info. A bill of sale without that information is useless, since a non-specific ambiguous "Bill of Sale" could be typed up by anyone. Why not ask the seller to contact the person he bought it from, and ask what the password is?

 

I would PM the seller, have them contact the owner and get the password. If they are unwilling, cry a few tears and move on to finding one that does not have the BIOS security!!! If they are reputable, they will get the password removed before shipping!!! Good luck.....

 

devil's advocate here,,,,,
Many times these toughbooks are sold off after taken out of service, at auction or sold as multiple units part of a large sale.
If from a government or corporate sell off there is very little chance of even knowing or finding out who used the computer to get the password from them.
If this is the case the new purchaser would be wise to get in touch with Panasonic to see if the computer is stolen or if it is still registered in the previous owners name. After he finds out if it is free and clear then look into getting the password removed (by Panasonic).
The costs involved may be more then just buying a different computer, with no password, but he should look into it before the purchase is made.

Bob

 

Thanks again for all the info, when these laptops are new do they come with the bios password enabled, why would you want to have a bios password anyway, I can understand have a system password

Thanks

 

Well at my work the wifi is disabled in the bios...that's why they has a bios password...well that's one reason

 

And if you don't set a bios password, someone else is able to do so, which is not something you want either corporate or privately owned ones...

 

It won't but we still NEVER DISCUSS PASSWORD REMOVAL ON THIS FORUM!!
CAP

 

sorry, please delete that info if needed

 

done.......

 

Basically, if it's yours, the BIOS password keeps someone from getting into the root settings of your machine. Any drive can be read by certain software carving programs and can find your data, docs, pics, emails, videos, music, etc... It does make it harder to sell your TB though, cause people want a system free and clear. Carving is detailed, takes time, but, with the right software, any drive can be carved and the data, even deleted stuff, pulled up and viewed.

 

This is incorrect. The BIOS password CANNOT be changed or removed! If you send the unit to Panasonic/Heartland, they just replace the motherboard!! NO ONE (NOT EVEN ME) knows how to clear BIOS passwords!

 

Interesting...I would think that Heartland would have the e-prom programmer and could just re-flash the factory bios instead of replacing the whole motherboard. I suppose they make more money selling the whole board...

 

I didnt get it anyway as it was a Mk3 and not a Mk4, thought it was to good to be true, the only reason I wanted the MK4is for the screen, I do a loat of outside work, Im not to worried about processor power as all the automotive programs I have dont need a lot or use a lot

 

MK3 screen = MK4 screen.

 

Thanks for the info, as they say you learn something everyday,
I thought or got told Mk1, Mk2 Mk3 = 470 nits and Mk4 = 1000 nits.
I'll have to look out for another

Thanks Again