Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Unlocking a password protected harddisk ( No Answer,   15 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
Category: Computers > Hardware
Asked by: 1mtc-ga
List Price: $2.00
Posted: 13 Aug 2005 10:39 PDT
Expires: 12 Sep 2005 10:39 PDT
Question ID: 555334
Hey Google Answers,
     I have a New Dell Notebook, with a Fujitsu 80 Gb Hard Drive, the
problem is this. I let a small group of people from a class I attend
check it out, after class!  Later at home I turned it on, it asked me
for the Hard Drive Password, I never set one! So a prankster at class
must have, I am now Locked out of my Notebook. So now let me tell you
what I have Tried!

1. I called Dell, Tech Support was very Helpful, they gave me some of
"What they believed were Fujitsu Master Password Codes, still No
"Unlock"

2. I called Fujitsu Tech Support, they wanted the Ser.# of the Hard
Drive, I gave it to them, they checked it out, and told me it was from
a Dell Notebook and that I would have to have Dell Help Me. "No Help
There"

3. I then did a Google Search, Lots of good suggestions, no real
answers, one was interesting, and I really thought it was the one,
I'll list it next.

4. http://www.rockbox.org/lock.html

Windows/DOS unlock
Note: This requires taking the Archos apart, which will void your warranty! 

Grab atapwd (written by Alex Mina) 
Create a bootable DOS floppy disk, and put atapwd.exe on it 
Remove the harddisk from your Archos and plug it into a laptop (or a
standard PC, using a 3.5" => 2.5" IDE adapter)
Boot from the floppy and run atapwd.exe 
Select the locked harddrive and press enter for the menu 
For Fujitsu disks: Choose "unlock with user password", then "disable
with user password". The password is empty, so just press enter at the
prompt.
For Toshiba and Hitachi disks, if the above doesn't work: Choose
"unlock with master password", then "disable with master password".
The password is all spaces.

This did not work............Help, I had no Ideal this was such a
"Conundrum". I, like many of you, enjoy a Mental Challenge, so let's
put our heads together and get this one solved,Thanks..........Peace!

P.S. I know I could always replace the Hard Drive, that would take all
the challenge out of solving this..........1mtc

Request for Question Clarification by nenna-ga on 24 Aug 2005 11:09 PDT
Have you asked the people in the class who did it and for the password?

Nenna-GA
Answer  
There is no answer at this time.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: mister4u-ga on 15 Aug 2005 09:29 PDT
 
://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=password+recovery+windows+xp&btnG=Google+Search&meta=
http://kevinrose.typepad.com/kr/2004/06/l0phtcrack_v50.html 


http://www.atstake.com/products/lc/ 


Kevin Rose's Password Recovery Guide from G4Tech TV's Screensavers: 
http://www.g4techtv.com/screensavers/features/45372/Ultimate_Password... 


Windows XP Password Hack 
http://www.tech-forums.net/computer/topic/11979.html 


Iopus Password Recovery Tool 
http://www.iopus.com/ 


 
 Windows XP Administrator password recovery?
All 2 messages in topic - view as tree  
 Davidas   Feb 21 2003, 1:03 am     show options 



 


See "How to Log On to Windows XP If You Forget Your Password or Your 
Password Expires" (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=321305). If this 
problem happens when logging in into the Recovery Console, this one 
may help: "Cannot Log On to Recovery Console After Running Sysprep in 
Windows XP" (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308402). 
Because of the security features built into Windows XP, it is virtually 
impossible to get back into the system without a valid password.  You have 
several options to try and get around this problem. 


If you have access to another user account with administrator rights, you 
can use that account to change the password of the account that is locked 
out.  You can also use the default Administrator account that is built into 
Windows 
XP. 


First you need to boot the system into Safe Mode: 


1. Restart your system. 
2. When you see the initial startup screen, press the ( F8 ) key about 3 
times a 
    second. 
3. You should get the Windows startup menu. Use the (Up or Down) arrow keys 
to 
    highlight (SafeMode) 
4. Press (Enter) on (Safe Mode), then press (Enter) on (Windows XP). 
5. The system should boot to Safe Mode. 


Once you are at the Account Log on Screen, click on the icon for the user 
account with administrator rights, or click on the icon for the 
administrators account. 


Note: For Home the Administrator account isn't normally shown & in Safe Mode 
you have to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete keys twice to show.  For PRO you can do 
this in normal mode. 


When the system has booted to the desktop, use the following steps to change 
the accounts password: 


1. Click Start, Control Panel, Administrative Tools. 
2. Click Computer Management. 
3. Double click Local Users and Groups, double click the folder Users. 
4. Right click on the account name that is locked out, and click on Set 
Password. 
5. You may get a warning message about changing the password, simply click 
proceed. 
6. Leave the New Password box blank, also leave the Confirm Password box 
blank. 
7. Click OK, and OK again. 
8. Then close all Windows, reboot the system and try to log in. 


There are also applications that can recover the password for you. 
The following companies provide these applications at a cost: 


iOpusŪ Password Recovery XP: http://www.iopus.com/password_recovery.htm 
LostPassword.com : http://www.lostpassword.com/ 
Asterisk Password Recovery XP v1.89 : 
http://www.fadsoft.com/password_recovery.htm 
Windows XP / 2000 / NT Key: 
http://www.lostpassword.com/windows-xp-2000-nt.htm 


If the above information does not help in recovering the password, the only 
option left is to format the hard drive then reinstall Windows and the 
system software. 


Perhaps the following articles can help: 


How to Log On to Windows XP If You Forget Your Password or Your Password 
Expires 
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321305 


Administrator and User Passwords in Windows XP 
http://www2.cajun.net/~theriots/xpsitefolder/win_xp_passwords.htm 


[Courtesy of Kelly Theriot, MS-MVP] 


Ultimate Password Recovery Guide 
http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/answerstips/story/0,24330,3504258,...
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: 1mtc-ga on 15 Aug 2005 20:30 PDT
 
Dear Gogle Answer Readers,
     As I appreciate all the fine work and research you did, all of
it, is for, a totally different problem, a somewhat more elementary
dilemma!  The problem I am dealing with, is one that is much more
complex and challenging, one that has stumped expert computer
programmer's for a long time.   So as to be clear on this challenge,
it has nothing to do with a Windows Password, or a Screen Saver
Password, this is a Hard Drive Password Lockout, you cannot reformat
the hard Drive, until the Hard Drive is unlocked,
Thanks...............Peace!
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: mister4u-ga on 16 Aug 2005 09:02 PDT
 
You can take a look at these but you may have to pay for data recovery
http://www.datarecoverybc.com/unlock.htm
http://www.computing.net/security/wwwboard/forum/14916.html
Or use "Ultimate Boot CD" from http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
to make a boot CD n use one of the program called "ATA Password Tool
1.1" to unlock any locked hd as claimed by this small program.
http://www.pwcrack.com/bios.shtml
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: mister4u-ga on 16 Aug 2005 09:06 PDT
 
Unlocking a password protected harddisk
During development of the Rockbox firmware, on several occations the
harddisk has become locked, i.e. password protected. This results in
the Archos displaying:

Part. Error
Pls Chck HD

We are still not 100% sure why it happened. Theories range from
low-power conditions to accidental chip select failure. It has also
happened for normal users, using the standard Archos-supplied
firmware, although it was more frequent for us developers.

Note: None of us developers have experienced this problem since march 2002. 

We do however know how to unlock the disk: 

Windows/DOS unlock
Note: This requires taking the Archos apart, which will void your warranty! 

Grab atapwd (written by Alex Mina) 
Create a bootable DOS floppy disk, and put atapwd.exe on it 
Remove the harddisk from your Archos and plug it into a laptop (or a
standard PC, using a 3.5" => 2.5" IDE adapter)
Boot from the floppy and run atapwd.exe 
Select the locked harddrive and press enter for the menu 
For Fujitsu disks: Choose "unlock with user password", then "disable
with user password". The password is empty, so just press enter at the
prompt.
For Toshiba and Hitachi disks, if the above doesn't work: Choose
"unlock with master password", then "disable with master password".
The password is all spaces.
Your disk is now unlocked. Shut down the computer and remove the disk. 
Big thanks to Magnus Andersson for discovering the Fujitsu (lack of)
user password!

There is also a program for win32, ArchosUnlock.exe, that creates a
linux boot disk with the below mentioned patched isd200 driver.

Linux unlock
For those of us using Linux, we have written an isd200 driver patch
for unlocking the disk. This modified driver will automatically unlock
the disk when you connect your Archos via USB, so you don't have to do
anything special. Apply the patch to a 2.4.18 linux kernel tree.

Still locked?
If the above suggestions don't work, here's some background info about
the disk lock feature:

The disk lock is a built-in security feature in the disk. It is part
of the ATA specification, and thus not specific to any brand or
device.

A disk always has two passwords: A User password and a Master
password. Most disks support a Master Password Revision Code, which
can tell you if the Master password has been changed, or it it still
the factory default. The revision code is word 92 in the IDENTIFY
response. A value of 0xFFFE means the Master password is unchanged.

A disk can be locked in two modes: High security mode or Maximum
security mode. Bit 8 in word 128 of the IDENTIFY response tell you
which mode your disk is in: 0 = High, 1 = Maximum.

In High security mode, you can unlock the disk with either the user or
master password, using the "SECURITY UNLOCK DEVICE" ATA command. There
is an attempt limit, normally set to 5, after which you must power
cycle or hard-reset the disk before you can attempt again.

In Maximum security mode, you cannot unlock the disk! The only way to
get the disk back to a usable state is to issue the SECURITY ERASE
PREPARE command, immediately followed by SECURITY ERASE UNIT. The
SECURITY ERASE UNIT command requires the Master password and will
completely erase all data on the disk. The operation is rather slow,
expect half an hour or more for big disks. (Word 89 in the IDENTIFY
response indicates how long the operation will take.)
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: lizzarddex-ga on 16 Aug 2005 10:01 PDT
 
Hi

I have heard about a solution that has worked, but have not tried it myself.

You need to remove the CMOS battery, which is located on the
motherboard.  You need to keepthe battery out for more than 24 hours
for the memory to reset itself.

Once you put it back together it should just start up without asking
for any passwords.

If you do decide to try this method, please let me know if it worked.
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: mister4u-ga on 16 Aug 2005 10:41 PDT
 
It's not the CMOS or BIOS password he needs it's for the hard drive.
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: starryskyne-ga on 19 Aug 2005 20:02 PDT
 
Go to the administrator of the school where your class is held.  Ask
him to nullify class credits to all in the group if the one who
vandalized your computer does not come forward and unlock your hard
disk.  Have the administrator meet with the small group privately, or
in front of all the class.
If the administrator will not cooperate, then go to the police and
file a report of vandalism.  Give them all the names of the small
group who had access to your computer.  After officers question each
at the school or their workplaces about what happened, I am sure
someone will be concerned enough to point the finger.  If no one does,
at least all will have records of the accusation on file with the
police.  Then future offenses by the one will have further
implications.
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: cynthia-ga on 24 Aug 2005 17:58 PDT
 
Seems mister4u has some good ideas with the his second long post.
Here's a link to the page where he got the information, that includes
a link to download atapwd.exe

Unlocking a password protected harddisk
http://www.rockbox.org/lock.html

According to this blurb, you'll need all 3 of these programs:

1) atapwd.exe  (use bypass HDD security)

2) hddisabl.exe (use to disable the security mode. Else the HDD will
be locked again after a system reset.)

3) hddunlock.exe (unlocks the HDD)

The links below are suspicious, I'm posting this for informational
purposes only. If you want to jump through the hoops, I think the
files might be available:
http://www.xbox-hq.com/html/downloads-cat59.html

 ATAPWD 
Description: The elusive atapwd program, very difficult to find. This
program is intended for installation and removal of passwords on a
hard disk of standard ATA (IDE). Support of passwords has been entered
into standard ATA since version 3 (now in stages of development 6
version of this standard). This property of a disk is not obligatory
(optional). That is there are modern models of winchesters both
supporting, and not supporting these functions. Translated from
russian, so please excuse any problems.
Version: Filesize: 24.00 Kb
Added on: 13-Nov-2004 Downloads: 935 Rating: 10 (1 Vote)
HomePage | Rate Resource | Details

  hddunlock 
Description: Use hdunlock.exe to unlock the hdd. (There is no check if
the hdd was unlocked successfully. So check with atapwd to be sure...)
Use hddisabl.exe to disable the security mode. Else the HDD will be
locked again after a system reset.
Version: Filesize: 20.00 Kb
Added on: 13-Nov-2004 Downloads: 811 Rating: 6 (4 Votes)
HomePage | Rate Resource | Details


You'll have to search Google on your own to find out exactly HOW to
use these programs.


If that doesn't work, I like starryskyne's idea second best:

..."Go to the administrator of the school where your class is held.  Ask
him to nullify class credits to all in the group if the one who
vandalized your computer does not come forward and unlock your hard
disk..."


Good luck, and please do keep us posted.
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: digitalhigh-ga on 27 Oct 2005 15:36 PDT
 
My god.  Freaking amateurs.  Sorry to be so condescending, but I've
got quite a bit of experience with HDlocks, and I can tell you that
ATAPWD ain't gonna help you.  Try this program.

http://www.hdd-tools.com/products/rrs/

There's a nominal fee, unfortunately, but it's by far the cheapest
software out there, and it's guaranteed to work, or you get your money
back.
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: damien3-ga on 02 Nov 2005 07:28 PST
 
I have to support several Dell laptops for my company. There was a
situation where one of the user set a HD password on the laptop and
there was nothing that can be done to it. Even wipe utility will not
see the HD because the BIOS will not show it. I contacted Dell support
and gave them the HD# and they gave returned a password that removed
the HD password. Dell support did tell me that I would have to contact
them each time this occurs in order to unlock it. They will not make
whatever software utility that they use available to the public.

Good luck,
D
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: kingabis-ga on 06 Dec 2005 13:50 PST
 
This tool may help to get rid an ATA PASSWORD:

www.hdd.profesjonalnie.pl/to.html

King
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: zjarri-ga on 12 Dec 2005 07:25 PST
 
Hi. My name is ZJARRI and I have the same problem.

I want to know if it is an easy way to reset or unlock the drive from
my Laptop. I have tried a lot of options but still locked.
The problem is when I start the computer it asks for a code witch I
have forgot because long time not used the computer. I cant even go in
BIOS.

Please anyone who can help contact me at zjarri@spray.se

Best regards
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: textbook-ga on 21 Mar 2006 09:04 PST
 
http://www.hdd-tools.com/products/rrs/

Download the program and purchase an "UNLOCK" license.  Costs around $50 I think.

You must make the locked drive the secondary master and disable auto
detect in bios, and disable secondary port in Windows XP.

They make a utility to make sure it is locked and if it is you buy an
unlock for 49.50.

Took about 15 minutes and low and behold it worked!!!!!!!!

If for some reason it doesn't, they refund your money.

Unlocks most Fujitsu drives, most Toshiba laptop drives, all Western
Digital drives, all Maxtor drives, all Samsung drives, and most
Hitachi drives.

If your drive is one of these model numbers, it should work:

FUJITSU MHT2080AT (80,0 GB)
FUJITSU MHT2080AH (80,0 GB)
FUJITSU MHV2080AT (80,0 GB)
FUJITSU MHV2080AH (80,0 GB)

Hope this is the answer you were looking for.
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: texastech-ga on 09 Jun 2006 05:57 PDT
 
I've used an online service from BinaryBiz, which can remove hard
drive passwords remotely. You would not have to take your hard drive
apart.

You can view the service here: http://www.binarybiz.com/hddrepair/index.html

The service works over the internet, and removes the drive password.
This same service repairs hard drives that can no longer be seen in
bios and other problems.

Worked great for me, give it a try!
Subject: Re: Unlocking a password protected harddisk
From: blastermasterdude-ga on 13 Aug 2006 03:07 PDT
 
I did it!  I "hack" it!  Ok, first the disclaimer: I AM NOT
RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED TO YOUR
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE/FAMILY/PETS/RELIGON/PERSONALITY/ETC IF YOU ATTEMP
THIS!  TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Now with that said, here's my story: I had a 80GB locked drive with a
password in it.  This is when you boot up the pc, the first thing it
does is ask you for the HDD password.  Even if you go into the bios,
it will ask before it does and if you input an incorrect password, it
will go into the bios without detecting your HDD.  All this is done on
my 7 year old Dell CPX laptop.  Not sure how it works on others so
don't ask or tell me it's different cuz I don't own your laptop.

Anyway, here's what I did: You'll need 2 HDD for this to work.  The
lock one, and one that's not locked (or if you know the password). 
First you put in the unlock drive.  Boot up to the bios and go to
where you can set a HDD password.  Set a password.  Then after doing
so, reboot the laptop and go into the bios again.  At this point, the
system will ask you for the password you just set.  Type it in and go
to the set password page again in the bios.  This time, you are going
to change the password to none BUT not to this drive, but to the LOCK
drive.  Here's how I did it on mine exactly: To clear/change the
password, I have to input the old password first, then after doing so,
it will ask me to input a new one.  At this point, I yank the HDD out
and stick the LOCK HDD in WHILE THE SYSTEM IS STILL ON!  On mine, it
did not lock up or anything.  I press ENTER 2 times (might be
different on your laptop) to clear the password and that was it!  I
reboot with the 80GB still inside and it didn't ask me for my password
anymore!!!  WOOHOO!!!

Try it and see and report back here with your resaults and include
laptop brand and maybe even works for desktops... who knows!  Report
if it doesn't work also so people can see what happens or even if your
PC blows up...

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy