[New Release] Download Atapwd 1.2 Hard Disk Password Utility
Julieann Rohde
I have exactly the same problem. New HDD (40GB) requests Hard Disk Password on start up, even though no Hard Disk password is set (verified this by using the drive in a different brand laptop, and also a desktop with an 2.5->3.5 adaptor and reading the security info of the hard disk with ATAPWD.EXE)
I buy used computer hardware in bulk lots most of it comes from companies that are upgrading or shutting down. I recently came into possession of an Intel X25-V SSD that is password protected. The data on the drive is irrelevant to me and I would just like to do a format/partition and make the drive usable. Is this possible to do myself or would I have to send the drive to Intel? Anyone have any experience with this?
A disk always has two passwords: A User password and a Master password. Most disks support a Master Password Revision Code. Reportedly some disks can report if the Master password has been changed, or if it still the _password factory default. The revision code is word 92 in the IDENTIFY response. Reportedly on some disks a value of 0xFFFE means the Master password is unchanged. The standard does not distinguish this value.
In High security mode, the disk can be unlocked 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 the disk must be power cycled or hard-reset before unlocking can be attempted again. Also in High security mode the SECURITY ERASE UNIT command can be used with either the User or Master password.
While the ATA disk lock is intended to be impossible to defeat without a valid password, there are workarounds to unlock a drive. Many data recovery companies offer unlocking services, _ATA# cite_note-19 [20] so while the disk lock will deter a casual attacker, it is not secure against a qualified adversary.
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