Member Avatar for Matt061

Hi, i have been issued a new computer by my work, its a dell latitude xt3 and has a "Dell Wireless™ 5550 Single-mode HSPA Mini Card with A-GPS" installed.
im just wondering could this be used to track my movments at work?
How could i tell if the company i work for is tracking me?
can A-GPS work if the computer is shut down?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by dogbreath077

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Quick technical summary and a practical checklist.

The Dell Wireless 5550 mini‑card you mentioned is a WWAN module that can include A‑GPS support (hardware present ≠ active tracking). A‑GPS speeds and assists fixes by exchanging data with a network assistance server, so the card needs its radio and a data path to report coordinates — it doesn’t magically phone home without powered radio + software to send the fix. (scribd.com)

Useful checks (non‑destructive):

  • Inspect BIOS/UEFI for anti‑theft entries named “Computrace”, “Absolute” or “Anti‑Theft”, and look for Intel AMT / vPro options. If a persistence agent is present/activated it may reinstall a small downloader into the OS. (dell.com)
  • In Windows look in Device Manager for “Sensors”, “Ports (COM & LPT)” (GPS COM ports) and “Network adapters” (WWAN). Check Programs & Features, Services and Task Scheduler for enterprise agents (Absolute/Computrace, SCCM/ccmexec, remote‑support agents). Use netstat / resource monitors to spot unexpected outbound connections. (scribd.com)
  • A visible process named rpcnet/rpcnetp or an “Absolute/Computrace” entry is a strong sign of Absolute persistence; Dell’s BIOS pages and independent analyses explain how that firmware component behaves. (techwalla.com)

Battery and powered‑off behavior:

  • The small coin cell in the chassis is the RTC/CMOS battery that preserves clock and BIOS settings. It does not supply the radio/GPS — removing the main battery and AC power typically removes any ability for the WWAN/GPS to operate. Out‑of‑band management tech (Intel AMT/vPro) is a different mechanism and can allow remote management if configured and powered as specified by the platform. (lifewire.com)

Context and cautions:

  • As noted, employer device policies usually govern monitoring; tampering with company hardware can breach policy or trigger tamper detection (see ). ’s request for pictures is sensible — service manuals or BIOS screenshots help confirm what’s actually present. If the device is company‑owned, the safest route is to review the IT/asset policy or ask the administrator for clarification.

Recommended Answers

All 9 Replies

Member Avatar for JorgeM

If there is a GPS component, then yes, your device can be located if you really wanted to find the location of the device.

How could i tell if the company i work for is tracking me?

put some aluminum foil over your head, that should prevent them from tracking you. Sorry, I had to write that. Actually, you have a valid concern. Check your coporate employee policies. Shut down the attenas that connect to providers while not in use.

A-GPS work if the computer is shut down?

it would need a power source. If there is no power, there is no tracking.

Member Avatar for Matt061

thanks for the reply, do you know if there is any way to find out if they are tracking the laptop. i.e. some hidden software on the computer. (Would it even require software on the computer?)
I also thought that if the computer was shut down then they could not track it but I opened up the computer and took the main battery out and i see that there is an smaller battery as well, similar size to that found in a mobile phone

Member Avatar for extr3mex

Please post a picture of your battery compartment and also a picture of the smaller battery.

Member Avatar for ObSys

I guess it depends what company you work for and what your position is. For instance if you were working for a government security company such as Mi5 or the FBI then it should come as no suprise that they are tracking you. If, however, you are working for a standard company and you have a standard role within that company, then they shouldn't have reason to track you. From what I understand, without stipulating something like this in the job contract, it is illegal for them to track you. Would be interesting to see if they were though. :)

Member Avatar for keith8385

If your laptop supports GPS then it can be tracked otherwise no.

Member Avatar for johhny-marshal

If you are working on it and has a GPS or any other navigation system installed on it, yes you can be tracked with what you are doing and where you are. Do not worry.

Member Avatar for ChrisHunter

Why would you be bothered by the company tracking THEIR OWN laptop ?

If the company have given you a laptop I'm guessing they gave it you to do work and not as a present for personal use. You should use the companies laptop like you would a computer in the office and if there's no inappropriate use of the laptop and you're not taking it to inappropreate places you should be fine.

Member Avatar for allenhaiden

From my point of view, official devices are given for official purposes so their usage must be for official purposes only. If an employer installs some security system on their co's given devices or laptops, then be calm. They have the right to monitor activites of their employees. Employees tend to use them for their own private purpose somethimes. Yet, It cause panic for the employees at the same time. Trust is the relation between employer and employee. But it hearts when someone breach the trust.

Edited by allenhaiden because: re checking
Member Avatar for dogbreath077

It is common to track company resources. There is one area of concern: Tampering. Check your agreement with your employer concerning loaned equipment. Many devices will give an indicaiton of tampering, and that could cause trouble. If it feels like there is a leash tied to your computer, then you are right, there is. Good luck.

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