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Thread ID: 71227 2006-07-30 07:00:00 HELP usb enclosure issues K10 (10867) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
474742 2006-07-30 10:28:00 As above, any laptop HDD password system I am aware of will not allow access without the password. That includes access in order to format the hard drive.

I run my laptop with a HDD password. Knowing the data is not readable or accesible should it be stolen.

So you need to send the laptop away to Dell, with proof of purchase, then buy a new HDD, at a minimum.
godfather (25)
474743 2006-07-31 05:38:00 This illustrates the basic problem of computer security: If someone can get physical access you have no protection. Malicious setting of passwords can be as bad as having none. :D Graham L (2)
474744 2006-07-31 09:22:00 The Laptop will probably also have to be returned to a Dell service agent with "proof of ownership" to get the BIOS password removed, but not sure that even they can get past the HDD one.

The security that each password applies is very tight, it is designed to protect against theft. The hard drive password particularly so, to prevent a thief doing what you as the owner are trying to achieve, e.g. to access the data.

Resetting by removing the CMOS battery does not work in a laptop.

Nope, it all depends on the laptop. SOme of them have a separate chip for the password. If it doesn't, then its just like any other PC to hack.
pctek (84)
474745 2006-07-31 09:46:00 OK, my understanding was that most of the recent ones were very tight in that area.
Certainly the HDD password appears robust, I researched the matter prior to applying one in my Toshiba.

Do you know which model Dell lappies are actually susceptible to password reset?
godfather (25)
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