We have two ancient IBM Thinkpads at work that we get for weekend on-call stuff. They need to die before we can request new ones. They are P2 233s running Win2K, a VPN dialer, a Citrix metaframe client, and various proprietary applications.
I can get local admin access to each of them. I need them to die, and I need it to look like an accident. They're protected by McAffee antivirus but no anti-spyware stuff like that.
Is there a file that I can delete that'll keep them from booting until they're reimaged or replaced?
NTLDR
that's a file name btw. I think it's in the root of the system disk but don't quote me on that
If I delete it, will they be able to track it down and find out?
I'm really sure that they probably can't log it if I jump on with a bootable thumb drive, but I wanna cover all my base.
a) Run something CPU-intensive, while
b) Running something that thrashes the disk.
Leave running for a few days.
"Accidently" spill your coffee/cola/whatever onto it?
It's been tried and the damn thing kept ticking. I think that's mostly why it's running like crap now.
I hope this thread serves as an example from deterring anyone who's truly passionate about IT from entering the corporate world.
It stays running anyway; turning it on takes about ten minutes. Think that SETI@home or one of those protein folding things will do the job for a disk-thrasher?
Maybe I should just find someone with an industrial electromagnet and hope for the best...
> Think that SETI@home or one of those protein folding things will do the job for a disk-thrasher?
No, that only keeps the CPU hot. Disk thrashing is running a defragger. You'll want to run both at the same time.
Why do you want to destroy a working piece of equipment though? Also, if it's IBM, you may be waiting quite some time.
I think that he said that he needed them to crash so that he can request newer laptops?
Ok, you people suck at destroying computers.
Here's some ideas off the top of my head:
Can a Thinkpad fit into a microwave?
How about losing the main password?
I heard that Thinkpads have unbreakable encryption.
I like the way you think.
How about running SETI and program that makes hdd work like crazy, and putting laptop into a very small and completely closed space, thus making it overheat and break? Overheating should be a common fault now when summer is coming too.
Step 1: Buy US-UK (120V-240V) mains trainsformer.
Step 2: Plug into 120V socket.
Step 3: Plug in laptop charger.
Step 4: Turn on laptop.
Oh, and blame it on a power surge.
>>14 Slight problem... most laptop PSUs I've seen are happy with RMS voltages between 100 ~ 250 volts.
Have you considered quickly whipping out the RAM and "accidentally" dropping it on the carpet?
Just a possible thought...
What about overclocking it to an ungodly speed, then letting it run? You'd think that the overheat would definitely destroy something system-vital. Another nice part about this would be that if it works properly, you wouldn't be able to boot the system again, and you could just say that the processor died. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. :)
kill the inverter
http://www.fonerbooks.com/laptop_5.htm
Get a teaser and zap it all-around
>>17 Well, depends on how the circuit is configured. Some will work just fine, others will do practically nothing.
I'd wager that the vast majority would just use a linear power supply to bring the raw AC line voltage down to somewhat close to the desired output voltage, then use a switching-mode power supply to regulate it properly. Power supplies like this will definately not work on DC.
open up the case, and stress the motherboard until it cracks. In general, it's easier to replace a laptop than it's motherbaord.
If they ask, blame it on someone knocking it off a desk, or a rough trip through the airport
to make that clear, make sure it can't boot up with the motherboard, or it can't stay running. I had a laptop that had a barely noticible, hairline crack, the tech store I handed it to is still looking for a motherboard (personally, I want to just get a new laptop, but i'm not the owner)
You could always pack some explosives into the battery pack and let it off in a field somewhere. (away from everyone... I'm not advocating terrorism here.)
Blame it on the dodgy batteries. :-P
>>24
It's an IBM, not a Dell, so sadly that won't work.
Step 1: System 32 folder
Step 2: hit Ctrl + A
Step 3: hit Delete
Step 4: ????
Step 5: Profit!
(Use a thumbdrive OS to do this.
Either this, or just DL the Chernobyl Virus, Disable your McAffee (You are an admin, Right?) and then say bai2your motherboard.
If the end will not come to the laptop, then the laptop must go to the end.
Alternatively... take a firm grip of the end with your left hand, while determinedly moving it towards the laptop. Do not sit down; you will need the strength of your legs to pull this off. Feel free to use your right hand to hold the laptop down. In no case should you let go of the end, nor should you allow the end to travel further from the laptop. For god's sake, you cannot use the cat carrying box to bring an end to anything! However, as long as the laptop stays put, it and the end should meet eventually.
>>29 Yes I did. Your point being? The machine still blew up.
Umm no, the battery blew up. The battery which wasn't a real IBM.
Refer to >>24 and http://www.dict.org/bin/Dict?Form=Dict2&Database=*&Query=relevance
The point I'm making:
① The battery is inside the laptop, and thus when it explodes, would cause damage to the laptop
② It'd therefore bring an end to the laptop as requested by the original poster.
③ Non-technical managers wouldn't know the difference, and would find it believable.
go into the bios,
ramp up the core voltage
fry processor
?????
Profit