Need help, use linux to unlock hdd and reinstall xp?

schneidz · 12-27-2012, 07:40 AM

if it is not responding to any method, maybe he sold you a netbook with a broken hard drive ?

as a last resort you can try:

Code:

dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdx bs=16m

this should destroy the drive so it could be rebuilt by gparted (or a linux or windows installer).

edit: this mite be all that is necessary:

Code:

 dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdx bs=512 count=1

jefro · 12-27-2012, 01:35 PM

I doubt you can get a windows app to work in wine for this task. Even then it seems you have to pay by the drive size if it were to work. Second is the fact that you might not be able to fix it even with a new drive. Some of these laptops are so secure even the oem has a hard time fixing it. They do this to deter thefts. If your system is locked by a means that connects to a chip on the motherboard then you can't fix this. Take the computer back to the person who sold it to you and go buy one that works.

EDDY1 · 12-27-2012, 02:17 PM

I was working on a toshiba satellite with hdd password even if you put in an enclosure the drive is unreadable. The geek squad said they couldn't unlock & to talk to manufacturer. Depending on manufacturer the only maybe able to unlock. But they will want to know the name of purchaser which they will have on file.

EDDY1 · 12-27-2012, 02:29 PM

hirens bootcd has ATAPWD 1.2 maybe that'll help you

smallpond · 12-27-2012, 02:48 PM

Here's an article on replacing drives which covers Asus netbook. Two things to worry about, though. Some use an SSD drive, not an HDD. Also, if the lock is set in the controller, replacing the drive may still leave it locked.

http://www.laptopmag.com/advice/how-...aspx?showall=1

One way to tell if the lock is on the controller or the drive is to take the drive out and try to use it in another system. If it still shows as locked you should be able to replace the drive.