Hello.

I just found out that someone's old laptop/notebook got stolen in Spain
in an airport on a trip. He has already reported to the police over
there about it.

The computer is protected with BIOS, but I am sure computer experts can
find ways around it. The HDD is not fully encrypted (does use TrueCrypt
v4 for some important datas though, but not like songs, photos., etc.).
It is running Toshiba OEM Windows XP Media Center 2004 SP2 with IE6.0
SP2 and all critical updates and optional softwares.

I am not sure what other programs phone home like his iTunes, Toshiba
software, etc. Is there anything else? I know it has an old NAV version
(I think 2004?) that does AutoLU if it is boots up Windows (after
logging in). I wonder if this is even worth finding out the IP address
if it ever gets connected from its boot up. Has anyone tried that?

Are there anything else to try to improve the chances of getting the
stolen laptop/notebook back? Is contacting Toshiba worth trying? I
believe the owner still has the serial number.

I know the chances of getting it back is very slim especially in a
foreign country.

Thank you in advance. :(
--
"We are anthill men upon an anthill world." --Ray Bradbury
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Please remove ANT if replying by e-mail.
( )

ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
> Hello.
>
> I just found out that someone's old laptop/notebook got stolen in Spain
> in an airport on a trip. He has already reported to the police over
> there about it.
>
> The computer is protected with BIOS, but I am sure computer experts can
> find ways around it. The HDD is not fully encrypted (does use TrueCrypt
> v4 for some important datas though, but not like songs, photos., etc.).
> It is running Toshiba OEM Windows XP Media Center 2004 SP2 with IE6.0
> SP2 and all critical updates and optional softwares.
>
> I am not sure what other programs phone home like his iTunes, Toshiba
> software, etc. Is there anything else? I know it has an old NAV version
> (I think 2004?) that does AutoLU if it is boots up Windows (after
> logging in). I wonder if this is even worth finding out the IP address
> if it ever gets connected from its boot up. Has anyone tried that?
>
> Are there anything else to try to improve the chances of getting the
> stolen laptop/notebook back? Is contacting Toshiba worth trying? I
> believe the owner still has the serial number.
>
> I know the chances of getting it back is very slim especially in a
> foreign country.
>
> Thank you in advance. :(

Unless you have the mac address (which can be spoofed), you are not
getting it back.

Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might get
a bite.

In news:JyB5k.10121$uE5.5285@flpi144.ffdc.sbc.com,
GG Willikers typed on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:11:50 -0400:
> ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
>> Hello.
>>
>> I just found out that someone's old laptop/notebook got stolen in
>> Spain in an airport on a trip. He has already reported to the police
>> over there about it.
>>
>> The computer is protected with BIOS, but I am sure computer experts
>> can find ways around it.

Sometimes it costs more than what the laptop is worth.

>> The HDD is not fully encrypted (does use
>> TrueCrypt v4 for some important datas though, but not like songs,
>> photos., etc.). It is running Toshiba OEM Windows XP Media Center
>> 2004 SP2 with IE6.0 SP2 and all critical updates and optional
>> softwares. I am not sure what other programs phone home like his
>> iTunes, Toshiba
>> software, etc. Is there anything else? I know it has an old NAV
>> version (I think 2004?) that does AutoLU if it is boots up Windows
>> (after logging in). I wonder if this is even worth finding out the
>> IP address if it ever gets connected from its boot up. Has anyone
>> tried that? Are there anything else to try to improve the chances of
>> getting the
>> stolen laptop/notebook back? Is contacting Toshiba worth trying? I
>> believe the owner still has the serial number.

I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
some cases.

>> I know the chances of getting it back is very slim especially in a
>> foreign country.
>>
>> Thank you in advance. :(
>
> Unless you have the mac address (which can be spoofed), you are not
> getting it back.
>
> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
> get a bite.

--
Bill
Gateway Celeron M 370 (1.5GHZ)
MX6124 (laptop) w/1GB
Windows XP Home SP2 (60GB HD)
Intel(r) 910GML (64MB shared)

>>> I just found out that someone's old laptop/notebook got stolen in
>>> Spain in an airport on a trip. He has already reported to the police
>>> over there about it.
>>>
>>> The computer is protected with BIOS, but I am sure computer experts
>>> can find ways around it.
>
> Sometimes it costs more than what the laptop is worth.
>
>>> The HDD is not fully encrypted (does use
>>> TrueCrypt v4 for some important datas though, but not like songs,
>>> photos., etc.). It is running Toshiba OEM Windows XP Media Center
>>> 2004 SP2 with IE6.0 SP2 and all critical updates and optional
>>> softwares. I am not sure what other programs phone home like his
>>> iTunes, Toshiba
>>> software, etc. Is there anything else? I know it has an old NAV
>>> version (I think 2004?) that does AutoLU if it is boots up Windows
>>> (after logging in). I wonder if this is even worth finding out the
>>> IP address if it ever gets connected from its boot up. Has anyone
>>> tried that? Are there anything else to try to improve the chances of
>>> getting the
>>> stolen laptop/notebook back? Is contacting Toshiba worth trying? I
>>> believe the owner still has the serial number.
>
> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
> some cases.

OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).


>>> I know the chances of getting it back is very slim especially in a
>>> foreign country.
>>>
>>> Thank you in advance. :(
>>
>> Unless you have the mac address (which can be spoofed), you are not
>> getting it back.

True.


>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>> get a bite.

What did you mean by that?
--
"We are anthill men upon an anthill world." --Ray Bradbury
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Please remove ANT if replying by e-mail.
( )

In news:4856fb93$0$5725$4c368faf@roadrunner.com,
ANTant@zimage.com typed on 16 Jun 2008 23:47:32 GMT:
>>>> The HDD is not fully encrypted (does use
>>>> TrueCrypt v4 for some important datas though, but not like songs,
>>>> photos., etc.). It is running Toshiba OEM Windows XP Media Center
>>>> 2004 SP2 with IE6.0 SP2 and all critical updates and optional
>>>> softwares. I am not sure what other programs phone home like his
>>>> iTunes, Toshiba
>>>> software, etc. Is there anything else? I know it has an old NAV
>>>> version (I think 2004?) that does AutoLU if it is boots up Windows
>>>> (after logging in). I wonder if this is even worth finding out the
>>>> IP address if it ever gets connected from its boot up. Has anyone
>>>> tried that? Are there anything else to try to improve the chances
>>>> of getting the
>>>> stolen laptop/notebook back? Is contacting Toshiba worth trying? I
>>>> believe the owner still has the serial number.
>>
>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>> some cases.
>
> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).

The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:

Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os

Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com customers
with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to speak with a
Toshiba customer service representative, please call 888-255-7816,
Monday – Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm PST.

[...]

>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>> get a bite.
>
> What did you mean by that?

I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
offer like a $3000 reward for it.

--
Bill
Gateway Celeron M 370 (1.5GHZ)
MX6124 (laptop) w/1GB
Windows XP Home SP2 (60GB HD)
Intel(r) 910GML (64MB shared)

On 6/17/2008 6:26 AM PT, BillW50 typed:

>>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>>> some cases.
>>
>> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
>> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
>> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).
>
> The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:
>
> Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os
>
> Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com customers
> with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to speak with a
> Toshiba customer service representative, please call 888-255-7816,
> Monday – Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm PST.

Thanks! Someone else told me its fax number and the owner was able to
send the required information (e.g., police report). I doubt it will
ever be found. What sucks more is that, he also lost his not so old iPod
and digital camera. Ouch. :(


> [...]
>
>>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>>> get a bite.
>>
>> What did you mean by that?
>
> I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
> offer like a $3000 reward for it.

Ah, for the thief/thieves. :(
--
"After World War III, the ants will still be around." --unknown
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phil/Ant @ http://antfarm.home.dhs.org (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Remove ANT from e-mail address: philpi@earthlink.netANT
( ) or ANTant@zimage.com
Ant is currently not listening to any songs on his home computer. Go
Los Angeles/L.A. Lakers!

Ant wrote:
> On 6/17/2008 6:26 AM PT, BillW50 typed:
>
>>>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>>>> some cases.
>>>
>>> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
>>> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
>>> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).
>>
>> The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:
>>
>> Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
>> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os
>>
>> Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com
>> customers with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to speak
>> with a Toshiba customer service representative, please call
>> 888-255-7816, Monday – Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm PST.
>
> Thanks! Someone else told me its fax number and the owner was able to
> send the required information (e.g., police report). I doubt it will
> ever be found. What sucks more is that, he also lost his not so old iPod
> and digital camera. Ouch. :(
>
>
>> [...]
>>
>>>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>>>> get a bite.
>>>
>>> What did you mean by that?
>>
>> I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
>> offer like a $3000 reward for it.
>
> Ah, for the thief/thieves. :(

Hopefully lesson learned.

On 6/16/2008 8:28 AM PT, GG Willikers typed:

>>>>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>>>>> some cases.
>>>>
>>>> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
>>>> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
>>>> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).
>>>
>>> The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:
>>>
>>> Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
>>> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os
>>>
>>> Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com
>>> customers with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to speak
>>> with a Toshiba customer service representative, please call
>>> 888-255-7816, Monday – Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm PST.
>>
>> Thanks! Someone else told me its fax number and the owner was able to
>> send the required information (e.g., police report). I doubt it will
>> ever be found. What sucks more is that, he also lost his not so old
>> iPod and digital camera. Ouch. :(
>>
>>
>>> [...]
>>>
>>>>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>>>>> get a bite.
>>>>
>>>> What did you mean by that?
>>>
>>> I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
>>> offer like a $3000 reward for it.
>>
>> Ah, for the thief/thieves. :(
>
> Hopefully lesson learned.

Hopefully, yes. I warned him about these things and using TrueCrypt
fully. Did he do it? Nope!
--
"Forbear, thou great good husband, little ant." --Richard Lovelace
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phil/Ant @ http://antfarm.home.dhs.org (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Remove ANT from e-mail address: philpi@earthlink.netANT
( ) or ANTant@zimage.com
Ant is currently not listening to any songs on his home computer. Go
Los Angeles/L.A. Lakers!

Ant wrote:
> On 6/16/2008 8:28 AM PT, GG Willikers typed:
>
>>>>>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>>>>>> some cases.
>>>>>
>>>>> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
>>>>> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
>>>>> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).
>>>>
>>>> The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:
>>>>
>>>> Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
>>>> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os
>>>>
>>>> Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com
>>>> customers with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to
>>>> speak with a Toshiba customer service representative, please call
>>>> 888-255-7816, Monday – Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm
>>>> PST.
>>>
>>> Thanks! Someone else told me its fax number and the owner was able to
>>> send the required information (e.g., police report). I doubt it will
>>> ever be found. What sucks more is that, he also lost his not so old
>>> iPod and digital camera. Ouch. :(
>>>
>>>
>>>> [...]
>>>>
>>>>>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>>>>>> get a bite.
>>>>>
>>>>> What did you mean by that?
>>>>
>>>> I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
>>>> offer like a $3000 reward for it.
>>>
>>> Ah, for the thief/thieves. :(
>>
>> Hopefully lesson learned.
>
> Hopefully, yes. I warned him about these things and using TrueCrypt
> fully. Did he do it? Nope!

Well True Crypt doesn't get the devices back. How bout insurance and LOJACK.

Just for future reference, you can be assured that a foreign traveler's
stolen electronics is about as important to a police force as jaywalkers.

>>>>>>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>>>>>>> some cases.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
>>>>>> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
>>>>>> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).
>>>>>
>>>>> The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:
>>>>>
>>>>> Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
>>>>> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os
>>>>>
>>>>> Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com
>>>>> customers with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to
>>>>> speak with a Toshiba customer service representative, please call
>>>>> 888-255-7816, Monday ??? Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm
>>>>> PST.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks! Someone else told me its fax number and the owner was able to
>>>> send the required information (e.g., police report). I doubt it will
>>>> ever be found. What sucks more is that, he also lost his not so old
>>>> iPod and digital camera. Ouch. :(
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> [...]
>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>>>>>>> get a bite.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> What did you mean by that?
>>>>>
>>>>> I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
>>>>> offer like a $3000 reward for it.
>>>>
>>>> Ah, for the thief/thieves. :(
>>>
>>> Hopefully lesson learned.
>>
>> Hopefully, yes. I warned him about these things and using TrueCrypt
>> fully. Did he do it? Nope!
>
> Well True Crypt doesn't get the devices back. How bout insurance and LOJACK.

Yes, but people won't be able to use the datas if they can't crack the
encryption/security. :P Yeah, I told him to check the insurance part. I
had a distance computer friend who lost 30K of electronics from home
(computers, cameras, etc.) and only got like 5K. Ouch. :(

LoJack would be a good idea. Do new notebooks/laptops usually come with
this preinstalled from local retail stores and online? I am trying to
see if any Internet programs would phone home like Symantec's LiveUpdate
(trying to see if I can get anyone from Symantec to help me out, but it
isn't getting far).


> Just for future reference, you can be assured that a foreign traveler's
> stolen electronics is about as important to a police force as jaywalkers.

True. Even in U.S. :(
--
"We are anthill men upon an anthill world." --Ray Bradbury
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Please remove ANT if replying by e-mail.
( )

ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
>>>>>>>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>>>>>>>> some cases.
>>>>>>> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
>>>>>>> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
>>>>>>> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).
>>>>>> The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
>>>>>> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com
>>>>>> customers with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to
>>>>>> speak with a Toshiba customer service representative, please call
>>>>>> 888-255-7816, Monday ??? Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm
>>>>>> PST.
>>>>> Thanks! Someone else told me its fax number and the owner was able to
>>>>> send the required information (e.g., police report). I doubt it will
>>>>> ever be found. What sucks more is that, he also lost his not so old
>>>>> iPod and digital camera. Ouch. :(
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> [...]
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>>>>>>>> get a bite.
>>>>>>> What did you mean by that?
>>>>>> I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
>>>>>> offer like a $3000 reward for it.
>>>>> Ah, for the thief/thieves. :(
>>>> Hopefully lesson learned.
>>> Hopefully, yes. I warned him about these things and using TrueCrypt
>>> fully. Did he do it? Nope!
>> Well True Crypt doesn't get the devices back. How bout insurance and LOJACK.
>
> Yes, but people won't be able to use the datas if they can't crack the
> encryption/security. :P Yeah, I told him to check the insurance part. I
> had a distance computer friend who lost 30K of electronics from home
> (computers, cameras, etc.) and only got like 5K. Ouch. :(

They did not steal the equipment for his data and probably sold the
thing before the police report was finished.
>
> LoJack would be a good idea. Do new notebooks/laptops usually come with
> this preinstalled from local retail stores and online? I am trying to
> see if any Internet programs would phone home like Symantec's LiveUpdate
> (trying to see if I can get anyone from Symantec to help me out, but it
> isn't getting far).

Lojack type service is available from certain manufacturers, you'll have
to search this out for yourself.

You're wasting your time trying to track this thing down. Chalk it up.
You would be better served researching how to prevent this from
occurring again.
>
>
>> Just for future reference, you can be assured that a foreign traveler's
>> stolen electronics is about as important to a police force as jaywalkers.
>
> True. Even in U.S. :(

>>>>>>>>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>>>>>>>>> some cases.
>>>>>>>> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
>>>>>>>> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
>>>>>>>> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).
>>>>>>> The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
>>>>>>> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com
>>>>>>> customers with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to
>>>>>>> speak with a Toshiba customer service representative, please call
>>>>>>> 888-255-7816, Monday ??? Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm
>>>>>>> PST.
>>>>>> Thanks! Someone else told me its fax number and the owner was able to
>>>>>> send the required information (e.g., police report). I doubt it will
>>>>>> ever be found. What sucks more is that, he also lost his not so old
>>>>>> iPod and digital camera. Ouch. :(
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> [...]
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>>>>>>>>> get a bite.
>>>>>>>> What did you mean by that?
>>>>>>> I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
>>>>>>> offer like a $3000 reward for it.
>>>>>> Ah, for the thief/thieves. :(
>>>>> Hopefully lesson learned.
>>>> Hopefully, yes. I warned him about these things and using TrueCrypt
>>>> fully. Did he do it? Nope!
>>> Well True Crypt doesn't get the devices back. How bout insurance and LOJACK.
>>
>> Yes, but people won't be able to use the datas if they can't crack the
>> encryption/security. :P Yeah, I told him to check the insurance part. I
>> had a distance computer friend who lost 30K of electronics from home
>> (computers, cameras, etc.) and only got like 5K. Ouch. :(
>
> They did not steal the equipment for his data and probably sold the
> thing before the police report was finished.

When people buy stolen notebooks/laptops, what happens to the HDDs? Do
buyers know how to format, install, etc.? I don't know the black(?)
market works for stolen computers work.


>> LoJack would be a good idea. Do new notebooks/laptops usually come with
>> this preinstalled from local retail stores and online? I am trying to
>> see if any Internet programs would phone home like Symantec's LiveUpdate
>> (trying to see if I can get anyone from Symantec to help me out, but it
>> isn't getting far).
>
> Lojack type service is available from certain manufacturers, you'll have
> to search this out for yourself.

OK.
--
"We are anthill men upon an anthill world." --Ray Bradbury
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phillip (Ant) @ http://antfarm.ma.cx (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Please remove ANT if replying by e-mail.
( )

ANTant@zimage.com wrote:
>>>>>>>>>> I would do this, as Toshiba is the place to go to unlock the BIOS in
>>>>>>>>>> some cases.
>>>>>>>>> OK. I need help then. How do I e-mail Toshiba to tell about this
>>>>>>>>> situation? Their Web site has no e-mail/online form contacts. Only
>>>>>>>>> telephone numbers which is annoying (outsourced).
>>>>>>>> The only way to email Toshiba that I know of is:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Email Toshibadirect.com Customer Service
>>>>>>>> http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/emailus.to?msg=os
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Note: Email support is intended for current ToshibaDirect.com
>>>>>>>> customers with open orders or issues. For other inquiries or to
>>>>>>>> speak with a Toshiba customer service representative, please call
>>>>>>>> 888-255-7816, Monday ??? Friday 6am-6pm PST or Saturday 6:30am-2:30pm
>>>>>>>> PST.
>>>>>>> Thanks! Someone else told me its fax number and the owner was able to
>>>>>>> send the required information (e.g., police report). I doubt it will
>>>>>>> ever be found. What sucks more is that, he also lost his not so old
>>>>>>> iPod and digital camera. Ouch. :(
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> [...]
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Post a no questions asked reward for more than it's worth, you might
>>>>>>>>>>> get a bite.
>>>>>>>>> What did you mean by that?
>>>>>>>> I think what GG Willikers means is say if the laptop is worth $2000,
>>>>>>>> offer like a $3000 reward for it.
>>>>>>> Ah, for the thief/thieves. :(
>>>>>> Hopefully lesson learned.
>>>>> Hopefully, yes. I warned him about these things and using TrueCrypt
>>>>> fully. Did he do it? Nope!
>>>> Well True Crypt doesn't get the devices back. How bout insurance and LOJACK.
>>> Yes, but people won't be able to use the datas if they can't crack the
>>> encryption/security. :P Yeah, I told him to check the insurance part. I
>>> had a distance computer friend who lost 30K of electronics from home
>>> (computers, cameras, etc.) and only got like 5K. Ouch. :(
>> They did not steal the equipment for his data and probably sold the
>> thing before the police report was finished.
>
> When people buy stolen notebooks/laptops, what happens to the HDDs? Do
> buyers know how to format, install, etc.? I don't know the black(?)
> market works for stolen computers work.
>
I guess it all depends on the thief.
Breaking it down for parts and selling them on ebay is one way.
Investing $20-$40 for a new hard drive and getting a couple hundred back
is not a bad investment. I guess you got to think like a thief.

I used to work at a shop where crackheads would walk through the door
everyday trying to pawn stolen goods. We eventually had to buzzer the
door just to let real customers in. PIA.

In news:XZW5k.7200$ZE5.4231@nlpi061.nbdc.sbc.com,
GG Willikers typed on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:34:26 -0400:
[...]
> I used to work at a shop where crackheads would walk through the door
> everyday trying to pawn stolen goods. We eventually had to buzzer the
> door just to let real customers in. PIA.

Wow that is sad! Big city life I guess, eh? We don't have any of that
here and we still leave our doors unlocked and our keys in the cars. And
if you were a thief, I wouldn't be surprised if you were tarred and
feathered around here. LOL

--
Bill
Gateway Celeron M 370 (1.5GHZ)
MX6124 (laptop) w/1GB
Windows XP Home SP2 (60GB HD)
Intel(r) 910GML (64MB shared)

> I guess it all depends on the thief.
> Breaking it down for parts and selling them on ebay is one way.
> Investing $20-$40 for a new hard drive and getting a couple hundred back
> is not a bad investment. I guess you got to think like a thief.

I wonder if there are any recent studies, statistics, etc. showing what
happens to notebooks/laptops after being stolen. Like how the
numbers/percentages of sold, datas taken and used, etc.


> I used to work at a shop where crackheads would walk through the door
> everyday trying to pawn stolen goods. We eventually had to buzzer the
> door just to let real customers in. PIA.

Ouch. :(
--
"Thanks for giving me the courage to eat all those ants." --unknown
/\___/\
/ /\ /\ \ Phil/Ant @ http://antfarm.home.dhs.org (Personal Web Site)
| |o o| | Ant's Quality Foraged Links (AQFL): http://aqfl.net
\ _ / Remove ANT from e-mail address: philpi@earthlink.netANT
( ) or ANTant@zimage.com
Ant is currently not listening to any songs on his home computer.