How do you secure erase a hard drive that is password protected - but without the password?

Question

Hitachi IC25N040ATMR-04-0 laptop HDD

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

The HDD is ATA password protected, not Windows password or any other password protected.

So the disk is security locked at maximum level. It will not get to boot stage without it. It needs AT level commands.

There will be a manufacturer master (or maintenance) password to secure erase the disk with ATA commands ERASE PREPARE, and ERASE UNIT with master password.

All data is lost, but this doesn't matter. I just want to be able to use the disk.

Answer 1

You will need to do these 2 things:
Go out and look for a program called NT passcrack. burn it to a CD and boot from it on your old laptop. It will ask the locations of some specific windows files, accept the default as this is more than likely the way it was setup by windows. Follow the rest of the instructions and most importantly, save those changes before rebooting. Good luck!! When your machine comes back up, the logon will not require a password. Another good program is ERD Commander.

Next you will need to download and install another program called BCWipe. Once you have it installed, you can use the Gov't standard erase and format the free space using BCWipe.

Your best bet is to reinstall the OS and then install the BCWipe as it is the best way to ensure your data has been erased. Good Luck!

Answer 2

FUKNUC provide an exceptionally good answer purely i'd reproduction and then study the information at my leisure from yet another pc. or you're on her pc for hours and the a lot less time the added effective, yet another determination is to purchase an exterior USB not uncomplicated stress($60, 250 GB, Wal-Mart), set up Linux or any operating gadget or boot up from a CD with doggy Linux (Goggle doggy Linux obtain) and reproduction her stress or ideal folders. you do not prefer to reproduction the operating gadget folder or the classes folder presented you'll discover her emails. Regardless, you are able to then study her information out of your pc presented her information at the instantaneous are not encrypted. After copying her stress, because the owner with administrator rights, you may ought to allow sharing. acceptable click the stress --> homes --> sharing.

Answer 3

Connect the hard drive to someone elses PC with the jumper setting on your hard drive set to SLAVE.

Format it from your friends PC

Answer 4

If you want to throw it away - drill a hole in it - saw it in Pop Sci this month.