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Computrace (Absolute Persistence)
In brief
Computrace, today Absolute Persistence, is a technology from the manufacturer Absolute Software that is anchored in the firmware of many business notebooks. When activated, it automatically reinstalls Absolute’s tracking and management agent even after a hard drive replacement or a reinstallation. Before a sale, the previous owner must deactivate the function with the provider; otherwise the device remains tied to their account.
How Computrace works
Many manufacturers deliver business notebooks with a persistence module in the BIOS or UEFI. In the delivery state it is inactive. Only when a company uses a service from Absolute and installs the agent is the module activated. From then on, the firmware ensures that the agent returns after every reinstallation. This allows the company to locate and lock devices or erase data remotely, even after theft.
| Status | Significance |
|---|---|
| deactivated / not activated | no binding, device freely usable |
| activated | Agent returns after reinstallation, device is assigned to an account |
Many devices display the status in the BIOS menu. It usually cannot be changed there, only via the console of the account.
What to note when retiring devices
An activated persistence module lowers the Residual valuebecause buyers do not want a device with someone else’s remote control. Therefore deregister devices in the Absolute console before handover and request deactivation. At the same time, check other locks such as an BIOS password or the registration in the MDM. An overview of the steps is offered by our offboarding checklist. Second IT checks delivered devices at goods receipt and erases them with Blancco, with a digitally signed erasure certificate for each device.
Frequently asked questions about Computrace
Does a new hard drive remove Computrace?
No. The module resides in the firmware and reinstalls the agent even on a new hard drive as long as the function is activated.
Who can deactivate Computrace?
The company to which the device is assigned in the Absolute account, via the console or the provider’s support.
Is Computrace a security risk for buyers?
An activated module means that a third-party account may have access to tracking and remote functions. Used devices should therefore be passed on with the module deactivated.
How do I tell whether Computrace is activated on a notebook?
Many devices display the status in the BIOS menu. In the delivery state the module is inactive. The status usually cannot be changed there, only via the console of the Absolute account to which the device is assigned.
Does an activated Computrace lower the value of a used notebook?
Yes. An activated persistence module lowers the residual value because buyers do not want a device with someone else’s remote control. Therefore deregister the device in the Absolute console before handover and request deactivation.
Decommission notebooks without legacy burdens, with an erasure certificate for each device.
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