[SOLVED] Encrypted and write protected drive, cannot format
Linux - SoftwareThis forum is for Software issues.
Having a problem installing a new program? Want to know which application is best for the job? Post your question in this forum.
Notices
Welcome to LinuxQuestions.org, a friendly and active Linux Community.
You are currently viewing LQ as a guest. By joining our community you will have the ability to post topics, receive our newsletter, use the advanced search, subscribe to threads and access many other special features. Registration is quick, simple and absolutely free. Join our community today!
Note that registered members see fewer ads, and ContentLink is completely disabled once you log in.
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. If you need to reset your password, click here.
Having a problem logging in? Please visit this page to clear all LQ-related cookies.
Get a virtual cloud desktop with the Linux distro that you want in less than five minutes with Shells! With over 10 pre-installed distros to choose from, the worry-free installation life is here! Whether you are a digital nomad or just looking for flexibility, Shells can put your Linux machine on the device that you want to use.
Exclusive for LQ members, get up to 45% off per month. Click here for more info.
What OS are you using does it have "Disk Utility" or "Disks" is gnome your DE?
I am running Slackware now, but I when I originally looked at it, I looked at it while running Debian Jessie. I have looked at the partition in Gparted, fdisk, cfdisk and I have also tried to reformat/unlock/reset password with the hdparm program. To no avail.
I am running Slackware now, but I when I originally looked at it, I looked at it while running Debian Jessie. I have looked at the partition in Gparted, fdisk, cfdisk and I have also tried to reformat/unlock/reset password with the hdparm program. To no avail.
Distribution: openSuSE Tumbleweed-KDE, Mint 21, MX-21, Manjaro
Posts: 4,588
Rep:
If you use "dd" write at least 20 MBs of zeroes. I repeatedly found that bootloaders use the free space between MBR and the first partition (cylinder?), which produced unwanted effects later or even prevented a re-formatting.
If you use "dd" write at least 20 MBs of zeroes. I repeatedly found that bootloaders use the free space between MBR and the first partition (cylinder?), which produced unwanted effects later or even prevented a re-formatting.
Just to clarify for you, I know how to boot Windows. The drive I am talking about is an encrypted NTFS formatted backup drive with a hardware chip built into it that freezes the drive until it is unlocked from Windows using the device driver software in Windows.
There is NO master boot record or failing boot of any operating systems.
Please see the OP for further details. I also mentioned previously this drive has been put to the side to gather dust since I don't know the decryption password. The drive has firmware encryption. It's difficult to circumvent this encryption to wipe the partition table.
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing
Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute
content, let us know.