Member Avatar for Meldair

I recently purchased a used portable 500gb Buffalo Metro HDD. I attempted to access it and found it had a password on it. I contacted the seller and they don't have it on record. I was wondering if there was any way to reset the password so that I can use it. I would hate to have to return it as I got a pretty good deal on it and I'd have to pay for the shipping both ways.

I only have a few days left before I have to send it back or not get any refund.

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Brief summary and recommended next steps tied to the posts by and .

When a Buffalo portable comes up password-locked and will not format from the host OS, there are three practical possibilities to consider (start with 1 and move down the list):

  1. The lock is enforced by the enclosure/USB bridge (common). In that case the internal 2.5" drive is usually a standard SATA unit. Removing the drive from the case and connecting it directly (or via a SATA-to-USB adapter) often lets the PC see, access and reformat the disk normally. This is the least risky way to regain use, but it can void a seller return policy and risks physical damage if done roughly.

  2. The lock is implemented at the HDD/firmware level (self-encrypting drive or firmware lock). If the disk remains locked after direct SATA connection, the password is stored on the drive itself and cannot be bypassed by simple reformatting, controller swaps, or software tricks.

  3. Manufacturer/enclosure tools or hidden partitions. Some drives ship with vendor unlock utilities or hidden partitions; those only help if the correct password is known.

Concrete actions (in order): check whether the physical disk appears in Windows Disk Management or a Linux live session; if it does but partitions are unreadable, try mounting/wiping from there. If the disk is not visible or remains locked, remove it from the enclosure and try a direct SATA/SATA-USB connection. If that still fails, contact Buffalo support and the seller immediately (serial number and proof of purchase may be required). Do not attempt firmware reflashes or unofficial “backdoors” — those can brick the unit and often won’t help if the password is drive-level.

If the return window is short, prioritize requesting a refund/return extension from the seller or opening a dispute; professional data recovery or manufacturer service are the remaining, often costly, options.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for mjdodd

you could try reformatting in a different format (NTFS / Fat/ better to use EZ3 and then reformat back to the desired type?
M

Member Avatar for Meldair

you could try reformatting in a different format (NTFS / Fat/ better to use EZ3 and then reformat back to the desired type?
M

I tried formatting, but it will not give me any access to the drive at all. I was hoping there was some backdoor I could use.

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