Removing HDD password - WD Cavier

emetic · 13 Nov 2008 at 16:10

I have a western digital drive from an optiplex system. Some clown has set a HDD password, does anyone know of any method for removing these passwords, google returns all sorts of results non of which appear very helpful.

Aod · 13 Nov 2008 at 17:25

brute force the password.
HDD passwords (usually) encrypt the whole drive as data is written to them, so you're not going to get the data without the password. either ask for it or you'll have to crack it.

if the data isn't what you need, you might be able to format the password (and data) into nothingness, but its unlikely.

Phil2008 · 13 Nov 2008 at 18:09

How do you password a hdd anyway?

rpstewart · 13 Nov 2008 at 18:29

If it's anything like the HDD passwords on IBM/Lenovo Thinkpads and you don't know the password then the data ain't coming back. The official line from the tech boys is replace the disk...

doc · 13 Nov 2008 at 19:55

Sounds like an encryption method whereby the boot sector is replaced with a password program which then loads the encryption software from a hidden partition and then allows access to the main disk.

If the software is any good then nothing will overwrite it and its a paperweight.

The only outside chance I would suggest is the manufacturers tool to completely reinitialise the disk.

emetic · 14 Nov 2008 at 07:27

Yea, these were all pretty much my thoughts. Ive already swapped the drive out for another and the system is imaged and back in place. There is no data on the disc that is required and its only an 80gb drive so i'll have a play today and if i get any results will update this.

emetic · 14 Nov 2008 at 10:48

Called the manufacturer, after a few security checks they were able to provide me with a master password for the drive.