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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Is an unknown supervisor password for ThinkPad bios an issue if I've already installed linux? (lemm.ee)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by TheHangedMan@lemm.ee to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I purchased a second hand ThinkPad from an ebay outlet. When it arrived I wiped windows 10 from it and installed ubuntu with no issues. It runs perfect without any weird fixes needed. However, after just checking the bios to see if I could change some settings, I realised it has a supervisor password.

I contacted the seller and they gave me a few to try but they haven’t worked.

They said their tech will be back next week and will contact me then but I may have to send it back.

My question is, will this be an issue in the future? Or does it depend on which settings are locked?

I don’t really want to send it back unless it’s critical, as I have a lot of work to do and my previous laptop is moments away from death.

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[–] teawrecks@sopuli.xyz 24 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I assume you could open it up and reset bios by shorting a couple of pins or pulling the CMOS battery. Google the ThinkPad model number and "bios reset".

Note that if safeboot is enabled this could lock you out of the OS, but given that you were able to wipe the OS without accessing BIOS anyway, it makes me think it's not.

Do with that information what you will, good luck.

[–] cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de 19 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The password will be stored in EEPROM in newer laptops. Removing the battery will not clear the password and could make things even worse since you won't be able to change any settings that get reset.

The best thing would be to return it and find a different one that's not locked.

[–] teawrecks@sopuli.xyz 7 points 1 year ago

Ah, that's true. Big oof.