How to disable Factory Reset through PIN code (111222777)

[mergen3107]

Hey guys,

Does anyone know how to disable Factory Reset through PIN code, when the combination 111222777 is entered?

This is usually needed when passcode is forgotten. However, I would like to prevent this factory reset from happening because this is a piece of information that can be easily found.

Thanks!

[mergen3107]

I didn’t test it yet, but I hope this would work.

I noticed since Kindle Touch times (FW 5.3.7) that restricting features via parent control also grays out Factory Reset option in Settings menu.

This is still true on 5.16.X, it was enough to restrict access to Goodreads.

I hope that this also prevents the pin-code factory reset, but didn’t test yet (need to back up the whole storage somewhere first…)

[NiLuJe]

I'd wager this just grays out the menu entries, as a factory reset, while probably done for privacy reasons in that case, also happens, to, as a byproduct, remove the pin lock .

(i.e., I doubt there's a specific "let me just kill the pincode" codepath for that convoluted setup).

[mergen3107]

Well, seems like it is time for KOReader to shine with exit custom multiswipe gesture xD how the turn-tables

[mergen3107]

Plus properly auth always on SSH over cable and Wi-Fi, so no chance for strangers to delete storage files as well (nope, I don’t have paranoia, I think, I hope )

[Quoth]

You have a backup?
You could lose or break the Kindle.
Who cares about someone erasing contents of a Kindle, or any reader? Calibre and backups of Calibre.

Does Parental Control still stupidly hide all the Sideloaded ebooks? One of the best reasons for an ereader is 70,000+ PD texts, inc many classic kids stories. Real versions of old tales instead of stupid Disney Supermarket versions (perversions).

[mergen3107]

Yeah, I need to make a large backup some time soon.

[mergen3107]

Originally Posted by NiLuJe

I'd wager this just grays out the menu entries, as a factory reset, while probably done for privacy reasons in that case, also happens, to, as a byproduct, remove the pin lock .

(i.e., I doubt there's a specific "let me just kill the pincode" codepath for that convoluted setup).

Yes, I found out that this code works even when trying to "remember" parental passcode, so it is uselless beyong GUI "restrictions.

Ultimately, I can just nuke the "factory_reset" binary (by replacing it with a /dev/null link), but it sits in /bin/ , and I am hesitant to touch it (in contrast to logging things, that sit in /usr/bin/ and /usr/sbin).

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by mergen3107

Ultimately, I can just nuke the "factory_reset" binary (by repalcing it with a /dev/null link), but it sits in /bin/ , and I am hesitant to touch it (in contrast to logging things, that sit it /usr/bin/ and /usr/sbin).

That would be crazy.

[NiLuJe]

Originally Posted by mergen3107

Ultimately, I can just nuke the "factory_reset" binary (by replacing it with a /dev/null link), but it sits in /bin/ , and I am hesitant to touch it (in contrast to logging things, that sit in /usr/bin/ and /usr/sbin).

Welcome to the future: https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Sof...orTheUsrMerge/

Fun Linux bikeshedding aside, I agree with @Quoth, don't? ;p

You can probably achieve a saner recovery path in case of brainfart by forcing a reboot and killing the passcode over SSH or something (which is trivial, as you're probably aware, c.f., KOReader's startup script), as I would hope the pin lock doesn't inhibit hard reboots?

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by NiLuJe

Welcome to the future: https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Sof...orTheUsrMerge/

That was maybe written in 2021, and now relatively conservative Linux Mint has implemented it. Nothing broke. I've one laptop that's been gradually updated from 17.x (3?) to current 21.2, in place, rather than a fresh install, which was always best with NT and win3.x/Win9x.

The separate drive thing has come back. OS on SSD and /var and /home are mount points for two HDD partitions on a large SATA disc. A 4T on desktop (512G SSD) and a 2T on laptop (256G SSD). Booted a USB stick to copy /var and /home files and edit mounts.

[mergen3107]

Thanks NiLuJe! An interesting read
No, I am not afraid of forgetting passcode. I am worried that someone is capable entering the code and factory resetting the whole thing Wanted to prevent this.
Hard reboots are hard, they don’t care about passcode.