DigitMemo.com

The Chinese hacker made it again: SLIC enabled bioses for almost all Thinkpad with PM processor or higher, include but don’t limit to X31, X32, X40, X41, R40, T40, T41, T42(p), T43(p), R50, T60(p), X60(s) and the list is still increasing, just almost all the Thinkpad models made in the last 3 years.

The SLIC(Software Licensing Description Table) table in BIOS is used by OEM versions of Windows Vista for activation by Royalty OEMs in order for the end-user to not have problems with activating, called SLP 2.0, or System-Locked Preinstallation 2.0. For activation to work, clients obtained through the OEM channels that have an ACPI_SLIC table in the system BIOS are required to have a valid Windows marker in the same ACPI_SLIC table. The appearance of the Windows marker is important for volume license customers who are planning to use Windows Vista volume-licensed media to re-image or upgrade OEM through the re-imaging rights provided in their volume license agreement. Not having the appropriate BIOS marker results in the following error or errors on these systems and prevents them from activating. However, a modified BIOS with proper SLIC table can let the client PC by-pass the Vista activation process.

It’s not new that hackers have been able to modify bios for desktop computers which using AWard or AMI bios, some laptops, such as Acer, are also hacked since they use standard Phoenix Bios. For IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad, hindered by its BIOS(a customized version of Phoenix) and tricky marker, it’ was considered as impossible to make SLIC-enabled bios for it.

Recently, a Chinese hacker claimed he had found a way to add the SLIC table to Thinkpad laptops, with download and detailed instructions.

 

(Thinkpad model lists with SLIC ready bioses)

So a Thinkpad user can just flash the corresponding bios and bypass the Vista activation permanently. Seems that it’s still a long way for Microsoft to get a real solid OEM license system friendly to OEM manufacturers but unbreakable for hackers.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purpose only. Use BIOS from nonofficial source might damage your hardware and void warranty.

Source: DigitMemo.com