The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Stolen laptop

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by dura, Feb 7, 2008.

  1. dura

    dura Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    hi everybody i have been looking around these forums for a while but never registered. Well any way my laptop was stolen :mad: and wanted to know if there was any way to trace it if they go online? like ip or something im not to good with computers but if they replace the hard drive can i still trace it?
     
    dura, Feb 7, 2008
    #1
  2. The_Punisher

    The_Punisher Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    485
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    You can only trace your stolen laptop if you have something like LoJack installed on it. Otherwise I can't think of any way.
    Best you can do is file a report with the police and make sure you give specific stuff to them like a serial number of the laptop itself or a service tag. Some laptopmakers also have program to report stolen computers so if the thieves try to get them serviced you stand a chance of getting your system back.

    Best thing to do to a laptop is to mark it. I open my laptops and write with a CD marker my name on several parts. Write on places like the battery compartment or inside the laptop.
     
    The_Punisher, Feb 7, 2008
    #2
  3. ArmageddonAsh

    ArmageddonAsh Mangekyo Sharingan

    Reputations:
    428
    Messages:
    3,993
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    thats a bummer but i dont hink it can be traced via IP address as they can be changed (correct me if im wrong) and as for the HD question i dont know that one.
     
    ArmageddonAsh, Feb 7, 2008
    #3
  4. The_Punisher

    The_Punisher Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    485
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Your IP depends on your ISP. My laptop has a different IP number when I surf the web at home with it then when I surf the web with it when I'm at my work. IP isn't really an option since it changes with every internet connection.

    LoJack is your best bet. I hope you have some kind of insurance for this. That way you can at least get money to buy a new laptop.
     
    The_Punisher, Feb 7, 2008
    #4
  5. E.B.E.

    E.B.E. NBR Procrastinator

    Reputations:
    1,572
    Messages:
    8,632
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    206
    One option is the MAC address if you know it. That can be changed as well, but most users won't. The MAC address is communicated in the local network (local server) I think but doesn't reach internet servers or anything... so I'm not sure how it could be used effectively.
     
    E.B.E., Feb 7, 2008
    #5
  6. The_Punisher

    The_Punisher Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    485
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I'm afraid you should consider this laptop MIA. Unless you registered it somewhere chances are slim you'll see it back. Just file a report with the police to be sure, maybe you'll get lucky.

    There is little you can do now. Be sure to equip your new laptop with something like LoJack next time or step up on security with it.
     
    The_Punisher, Feb 7, 2008
    #6
  7. The_Punisher

    The_Punisher Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    17
    Messages:
    485
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Laptop security is a big issue. Personally I try to hide mine as best as possible when in transit. Don't carry an obvious laptop bag. Some just scream that you carry a notebook. Keep your laptop close to you. I never take mine to high risc places where i think someone might try to get lucky.
     
    The_Punisher, Feb 7, 2008
    #7
  8. Modly

    Modly Warranty Voider

    Reputations:
    1,413
    Messages:
    1,890
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Most don't have a lo-jack system enabled. The CF-30 toughbooks have it built into the BIOS though, which is kinda cool.

    Check your local craigslist to see if they posted it up there. Some want to turn a quick buck and that's an easy way to unload it. If you see it, make sure you pretend the whole time that you want to buy it so you can get the info you need.

    Other than that, the basics have been stated. Call the manufacture to tell them your serial number, and call the police.
     
    Modly, Feb 7, 2008
    #8