stolen laptop tracker program?

[yeehaw]

I recently had my HP laptop stolen, I saw a little info on the web of
laptop tracking programs that can track a laptop through it's IP or ID
or something, I have the model and serial of the laptop, does anyone
know if this is possible and how good it works?
Thanks
R.L. Hamm

 

[Leythos]

I recently had my HP laptop stolen, I saw a little info on the web of
laptop tracking programs that can track a laptop through it's IP or ID
or something, I have the model and serial of the laptop, does anyone
know if this is possible and how good it works?
Thanks
R.L. Hamm

It doesn't work because the IP/ID of the computer is not going to show
up on the net. The only means for anything like that to work is if the
laptop has something in the BIOS that cause it to report the IP it's
currently using to some tracking service - and none of the user laptops
I know of do that.

We had the same thing happen to a client - 3 new laptops stolen after
someone smashed their large window to their office and ran in, took them
off the desks, and ran out (at lunch time)....

 

[Alias]

It doesn't work because the IP/ID of the computer is not going to show
up on the net. The only means for anything like that to work is if the
laptop has something in the BIOS that cause it to report the IP it's
currently using to some tracking service - and none of the user laptops
I know of do that.

We had the same thing happen to a client - 3 new laptops stolen after
someone smashed their large window to their office and ran in, took them
off the desks, and ran out (at lunch time)....

Something to be said for Desk Tops. I hear that lap tops are the number one
choice for thieves.

Alias

 

[Bill]

The MAC address would remain with the Laptop. Is there anything in the IP
packets that contains that? If so you have the tracking ability.

The manufacturer would be able to tell you the MAC address from the S/N.

 

[Ali Akbar]

You need software already loaded on your system for that to work. Checkout
Computrace http://www.absolute.com/

 

[Leythos]

The MAC address would remain with the Laptop. Is there anything in the IP
packets that contains that? If so you have the tracking ability.

The manufacturer would be able to tell you the MAC address from the S/N.

The MAC never makes it past the first switch it's connected to.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I recently had my HP laptop stolen, I saw a little info on the web of
laptop tracking programs that can track a laptop through it's IP or ID
or something, I have the model and serial of the laptop, does anyone
know if this is possible and how good it works?
Thanks
R.L. Hamm

If the thief is an complete idiot and connects the stolen computer to
the Internet without first having wiped the hard drive, and if you had
such an application installed *before* the computer was stolen, then you
might have a chance of recovering it. (After it's spent several months
in a police evidence locker, that is.) Consult one of the many firms
that sell such products.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[Uncle Joe]

When a laptop is stolen, kiss it goodbye. It's gone. If
you use a laptop, be certain to (1) backup data frequently
and (2) keep up your insurance payments. Always be
aware of where your laptop is at all times. Don't leave it
on a car seat, or on a table in the cafe when you go
to the restroom, and keep physical contact with it when
in airports.

We had an employee who tried to adhere to common
sense when he entered a stall in the Atlanta airport.
Once he started making noises, a hand reached under
the stall's door and pulled out his laptop case. He
was helpless to give chase.

If you use XP Pro, encrypt your sensitive data so that
it can't be used against you or your firm.

 

[yeehaw]

Thanks all, I will just buy a new one and charge it to my insurance
co., they owe me for 25 years of payments with no claims against them.
R. L. Hamm