Member Avatar for georgeoshardo

So I sent off my netbook to be repaired, and because of the crappy warrenty Asus offers it too 6 months to get back, my this time I've forgotten my HDD password. I changed the master and the user password in the BIOS when I was using it before it broke. So now I have it back and I'm trying to get my HDD unlocked. I don't care about the data on the hard drive anymore, so if I need to erase it to get it working, so be it. I've booted into an MS-DOS disk, and run ATAPWD and nothing I'v read seems to have helped. I've clicked "Set password" then typed the supposed master password for Western Digital drives: WDCWDCWDCWDCWDCWDCWDCWDCWDCWDCWD. and it says: "Error: command rejected by drive"
I also have MHDD on the boot disk but have found no clear instructions on how to use it. So both tools are open for use. Please help!

GH

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Quick expert note: described a returned netbook whose hard drive is locked at the device level. is correct that an ATA/firmware lock stays with the disk and will not be cleared simply by moving the drive to another machine. is also right about forum limits — public help that would bypass a drive password cannot be provided here without proof of ownership.

Technical context, in plain terms: the drive itself enforces an ATA-level password inside its firmware, so normal OS tools, reformatting, or reinstalling do not remove the lock. Legitimate recovery or reset normally requires the correct password or intervention from the drive maker or an authorized data‑recovery/service center that will verify ownership. Unvetted online “unlock” services and low‑level manipulations carry real risk of permanent data loss and fraud.

Safe, practical options when the data is not needed: pursue a manufacturer warranty replacement or fit a new drive (fastest and lowest risk), or arrange secure destruction of the locked disk. If the data is important, use a reputable, established data‑recovery lab that documents chain of custody and ownership. For future protection, keep password records separate from the device, maintain regular backups, and register device details with the vendor so authorized servicing is smoother.

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Member Avatar for SillyBilly

You will have to send the drive off to get it unlocked. That is the down fall of "Hard drive Lock" it doesn't matter even if you put the drive in another CPU, it will be locked until unlocked. There are techs out there on the web that offer hard drive unlock service. Sorry I had to be the one to tell you!

Member Avatar for caperjack

sorry ,it against the rules of Daniweb to be able to help with deleting password,we have no way of know this is actually your computer ,again sorry ,if it is your computer ,try google for help

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