Changing the Thinkpad X31 startup screen?

[Fritoz]

With this being such a small and lightweight laptop, security is one of the things I'm most concerned about. One thing I've done before with other PC's is to edit the image displayed by the BIOS at startup to include personal contact info.

Will Intel's Splash Screen Utility work with the Thinkpad? I presume this would be the correct program to use. Can anyone confirm this assumption, or point me in the right direction if this isn't the case? Thanks!

 

[stingygrrl]

that's an interesting idea.
I think you want something in case your X31 is recovered so it can be returned to you, but if you can edit the screen, can't the person who steals it?

IBM has 3 embedded password systems, but I haven't looked into the details yet. Something like apower on password, HD password and I forget the other.

 

[Fritoz]

The thinking here is the "average" thief wouldn't know a BIOS from a hole in the ground, and wouldn't be able to change the screen easily. And you're exactly right, this is meant more for the Lost & Found type of situation. I have other measures intended for recovery should it be taken and not returned.

 

[stingygrrl]

Originally posted by: Fritoz
I have other measures intended for recovery should it be taken and not returned.

can you share? this is my first laptop so I'm not as saavy as others.

 

[Fritoz]

Sure, I've been looking at some of the measures talked about here. Basically, I want something that "calls home" on a regular basis. Whether it is something as simple as one of the distributed data clients, or an off the shelf security package that integrates itself into your system, I want something that can at the very least give me an IP address for tracking the person down when they connect to the net. Any features beyond that (remote deletion, shutdown etc.) would be gravy. Just need to decide how I want to proceed.

 

[stingygrrl]

thanks

 

[Wuzup101]

You could always change your Windows XP loading screan... have a look over at www.themeXP.org

 

[jschuk]

Dowload the latest BIOS for diskette. I know that the T40/T41 have an option to create a custom BIOS splash screen on the BIOS diskette.

 

[aakerman]

Fritoz - can you tell me, how you have setup your security on your laptop?
I have an ibm T41 too, and I don't know how to set up all the security systems, to have adequate protection, without being too annoyed by it (ie. I wouldn't like having to enter a password each time I booted my computer)

 

[jst0ney]

Change windows boot screen

 

[aakerman]

Originally posted by: jst0ney
Change windows boot screen

Thanks - that will change the windows boot screen... I wonder if you can change the thinkpad screen also (the one that is shown before windows boot screen) - any ideas ?

 

[jschuk]

Thanks - that will change the windows boot screen... I wonder if you can change the thinkpad screen also (the one that is shown before windows boot screen) - any ideas ?

See my reply above.