3 ms·

I haven't used a Chromebook before because I've always suspected this kind of malfeasance is inevitable, but I wonder... Could you just rip out the disk device

I haven't used a Chromebook before because I've always suspected this kind of malfeasance is inevitable, but I wonder... Could you just rip out the disk device (nvme/etc) and shove a blank one in there? As long as you never used the backdoored Google account again, at least you could re-use the device for other purposes (albeit with a different OS most likely). Not optimal I agree, but could that be a viable option? Also, is it possible to virtualize Chrome OS, feasibly? Might be an option for anyone with the skills to firewall/isolate that malware when usage is compulsory.

barbacoa 5y ago
>Could you just rip out the disk device (nvme/etc) and shove a blank one in there? When I last owned a Chromebook the storage was soldered on the motherboard.
wildzzz 5y ago
Its been a few years since Chromebooks have had swappable disks. There used to be some high priced models that supported user upgrades but then the OEMs figured out that no one wants to spend a fortune on a Chromebook so everything is soldered in now. Since what is being installed isn't actually malware but just some enterprise spyware, the easiest solution is to just wipe it, log in as a user unassociated with the school, and then add the school account. The spyware won't be running on the unassociated account. Kids have always had their 4th amendment rights encroached upon in schools and clearly this school district is extending that to their devices in this manner, for better or for worse.
- Dylan16807 5y ago
  > There used to be some high priced models that supported user upgrades but then the OEMs figured out that no one wants to spend a fortune on a Chromebook so everything is soldered in now. It can't be that simple because I had a pretty cheap model a few years ago that had a replaceable sata m.2 drive.
  - toast0 5y ago
    I think it's mostly that emmc is now supported and cheaper than having m.2 storage. Soldered storage may be more reliable than connectorized storage (at least that's what Apple claims), although it's harder to replace when it breaks. OTOH, it may not be economical to debug a Chromebook storage issue, if powerwash fails, and USB rescue fails, you've spent too much technician time, so just replace the device.

barbacoa 5y ago

>Could you just rip out the disk device (nvme/etc) and shove a blank one in there? When I last owned a Chromebook the storage was soldered on the motherboard.

wildzzz 5y ago

Its been a few years since Chromebooks have had swappable disks. There used to be some high priced models that supported user upgrades but then the OEMs figured out that no one wants to spend a fortune on a Chromebook so everything is soldered in now. Since what is being installed isn't actually malware but just some enterprise spyware, the easiest solution is to just wipe it, log in as a user unassociated with the school, and then add the school account. The spyware won't be running on the unassociated account. Kids have always had their 4th amendment rights encroached upon in schools and clearly this school district is extending that to their devices in this manner, for better or for worse.

Dylan16807 5y ago
> There used to be some high priced models that supported user upgrades but then the OEMs figured out that no one wants to spend a fortune on a Chromebook so everything is soldered in now. It can't be that simple because I had a pretty cheap model a few years ago that had a replaceable sata m.2 drive.
- toast0 5y ago
  I think it's mostly that emmc is now supported and cheaper than having m.2 storage. Soldered storage may be more reliable than connectorized storage (at least that's what Apple claims), although it's harder to replace when it breaks. OTOH, it may not be economical to debug a Chromebook storage issue, if powerwash fails, and USB rescue fails, you've spent too much technician time, so just replace the device.