Friday, January 27, 2023
  • Hype
  • Murai
  • Lipstiq
  • Diva
  • Varnam
  • Moviedash
  • Autofreaks
Lowyat.NET
  • News
    • Lifestyle
    • Computing
    • Hardware
    • Internet
    • Rumours & Leaks
    • Software
  • Forums
    • Kopitiam
    • Tradezone
    • Property Talk
    • Finance & Business
    • Fast and Furious
  • Gaming
    • PC Gaming
    • Console
    • Esports
  • Mobile
    • Apps
    • OS
    • Tablets
    • Phones
    • Telco
      • Celcom
      • DiGi
      • Maxis
      • Tune Talk
      • U Mobile
      • Buzzme
  • Pricelists
    • Hardware
      • Compu-zone
      • Viewnet
      • Thundermatch
      • Sri Computers
  • More
    • Automotive Tech
    • Drone
    • Enterprise
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • E-Hailing
    • Wearables
No Result
View All Result
Lowyat.NET
  • News
    • Lifestyle
    • Computing
    • Hardware
    • Internet
    • Rumours & Leaks
    • Software
  • Forums
    • Kopitiam
    • Tradezone
    • Property Talk
    • Finance & Business
    • Fast and Furious
  • Gaming
    • PC Gaming
    • Console
    • Esports
  • Mobile
    • Apps
    • OS
    • Tablets
    • Phones
    • Telco
      • Celcom
      • DiGi
      • Maxis
      • Tune Talk
      • U Mobile
      • Buzzme
  • Pricelists
    • Hardware
      • Compu-zone
      • Viewnet
      • Thundermatch
      • Sri Computers
  • More
    • Automotive Tech
    • Drone
    • Enterprise
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • E-Hailing
    • Wearables
No Result
View All Result
Lowyat.NET
No Result
View All Result
Home Computing

Lenovo Has Been Using A Windows Anti-Theft Feature To Prevent Its Software From Being Deleted

by Farhan
August 13, 2015
20
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

lenovo-u41-review-2

Lenovo had better prepare for another round of backlash against its pre-installed software practices. The company has been discovered to have been using an anti-theft feature on all Windows computers to ensure that it’s own software is not removed; even if the user performs a completely fresh reinstall of the operating system.

The problem stems from something called the OneKey Optimiser, which is installed through the Lenovo Service Engine (LSE). The optimiser is a reasonably harmless piece of software as it automatically updates firmware and drivers, while also cleaning out junk files. The big problem is that the OneKey Optimiser also sends user data to a Lenovo server to “help us understand how customers use our products”. While Lenovo claims that the information is not personally identifiable, the fact that it tracks the users in secret is a major problem.

lenovo-y40-80-malaysia-8

A bigger problem is that fact that the software will replace key Windows files, and cannot be removed by regular methods. On a Windows 7 or 8 system, the BIOS will check ‘C:\Windows\system32\autochk.exe’ to see if it’s a Microsoft file or a Lenovo-signed one. In the case of a Microsoft file, it will be overwritten by the Lenovo version. After this is done, two more files – LenovoUpdate.exe and LenovoCheck.exe- are created. Because this was written into the BIOS, the process will survive even if the operating system is wiped.

ADVERTISEMENT

Microsoft actually allows manufacturers to do this as part of the Windows operating system, but the original intention was to facilitate anti-theft features. Essentially, this is to allow users to shut down the laptops in the event it gets stolen. Lenovo has apparently taken a different definition of “anti-theft”.

Lenovo Flex 2

Lenovo has already removed the feature from newer laptops, saying that there was a security vulnerability involved. However, it has not pushed out an update to automatically remove it from older machines; millions at risk. A removal tool was published to help these users out, but Lenovo did not publicise the matter and many have no idea that such a thing exists; or that they had a security risk for that matter.

If you are running on any of the following Lenovo machines please visit this link to download the LSE removal tool and run it.

  • Flex 2 Pro-15/Edge 15 (Broadwell/Haswell models)
  • Flex 3-1470/1570/1120
  • G40-80/G50-80/G50-80 Touch/V3000
  • S21e
  • S41-70/U40-70
  • S435/M40-35
  • Yoga 3 14, Yoga 3 11
  • Y40-80
  • Z41-70/Z51-70
  • Z70-80 / G70-80

[Source: Ars Technica Forum]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. 

Tags: Lenovo
Back to top
Share8Tweet5SendShare

RELATED ARTICLES

ThinkPhone by Motorola
Mobile

Images Of A Motorola ThinkPhone Appear Online

by Ian Chee
December 30, 2022
Reviews

Lenovo Legion 7i 2022 Review: Improved Intel Performance, Same Old Chassis

by John Law
October 31, 2022
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 30th Anniversary Edition
Computing

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 30th Anniversary Edition Priced At RM13359

by Ian Chee
October 26, 2022
Lenovo Rollable Displays Smartphone Laptop prototypes
Mobile Phones

Lenovo Shows Off Prototype Smartphone And Laptop With Rollable Displays

by Heirul Kamel
October 18, 2022
Load More

ADVERTISEMENT

LOWYAT.TV

No Result
View All Result

TRENDING TODAY

  1. 1
    Fintech

    Touch ‘n Go To Be Scrutinise By KPDN’s Task Force Soon

  2. 2
    Entertainment

    Malaysia’s First IMAX With Laser Hall Is Now Open At GSC IOI City Mall East

  3. 3
    Automotive

    The First TNB Electron DC Fast Chargers Are Now Operational

  4. 4
    Fintech

    Touch ‘n Go To Provide Clarification Regarding Visa Card Issues To Government

  5. 5
    Computing

    Lenovo Has Been Using A Windows Anti-Theft Feature To Prevent Its Software From Being Deleted

Consumer Tech News & Reviews Malaysia

NETWORK

  • Hype
  • Murai
  • Lipstiq
  • Diva
  • Varnam
  • Moviedash
  • Autofreaks

ABOUT

  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Privacy Statement
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

©2022 LOWYAT MEDIA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Lifestyle
    • Computing
    • Hardware
    • Internet
    • Rumours & Leaks
    • Software
  • Forums
    • Kopitiam
    • Tradezone
    • Property Talk
    • Finance & Business
    • Fast and Furious
  • Gaming
    • PC Gaming
    • Console
    • Esports
  • Mobile
    • Apps
    • OS
    • Tablets
    • Phones
    • Telco
      • Celcom
      • DiGi
      • Maxis
      • Tune Talk
      • U Mobile
      • Buzzme
  • Pricelists
    • Hardware
      • Compu-zone
      • Viewnet
      • Thundermatch
      • Sri Computers
  • More
    • Automotive Tech
    • Drone
    • Enterprise
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • E-Hailing
    • Wearables

©2022 LOWYAT MEDIA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn More.