how does the 'hdd password' and 'security chip' exactly work

[polityk]

As it is said in the topic:
how does the 'hdd password' and 'security chip' exactly work ?

I had all of the security options turned on when the disk crashed...
It was all on since the very begining incuding the hdd password and security chip.

I heard that it is not possible to read such a hdd on ANOTHER computer at all. is it true ?

I had disabled all passwords and started to try to recover my data...

are the data encrypted ? is it possible that my PC will see the data as some kind of junk ? can I use my PC to recover the data or is it only possible on my t43 ?

The drive lost mbr, partition table and has some bad sectors but it's recognized under windows and looks like almost working ;]
could the security features mess something up ??

[SHoTTa35]

the HDD password makes it impossible to read the HD in another computer or USB enclosure. So even if your laptop is stolen and they remove the hardrive they can't get the data from it via normal means. Surely there are people out there that can remove the password but it isn't cheap so anyone doing that would either be crazy or they hit the jackpot and found a laptop full of social security numbers from a NHS employee or something.

The security chip is part of this HDD password as well as the Supervisor and User password (as far as i know - someone slap me if i'm wrong) this makes it more secure than the standard systems that just store the password in the BIOS/CMOS which can be easily erased with a BIOS update or removing the power cord to clear the CMOS. It also does some more things but i don't know all the details.

This and other things is why IBMs are known for the security. This isn't no easy puppy to crack.

[polityk]

ok, but are the data encrypted ??

I had a head crash and the hdd is back to life physically, but partition magic and other programs in my PC says that there are no partitions and the drive is empty...

I'm trying to recover the partition table with the drive in my t43 now...
hope it helps... i'm afraid of repartitioning and formatting :/ the recovery is then possible but i think it's not the wise idea...

[egibbs]

The data is not encrypted unless you used the Safeguard Private Disk software that is included with some versions of the Client Security System to create an encrypted volume, or used Windows Vista BitLocker to encrypt it.

The HDD Password is simply set in the drive controller electronics (part of the physical drive) and the controller won't allow access to the drive unless it is given the password. If you can access the drive then the problem is not the password. The empty drive is probably the result of the partion table getting wiped out.

If you had data on the drive that you absolutely must recover and have no backup, it is (past) time to stop mucking with it. Send it off for professional data recovery and pay the price.

If you have a backup but just want to fool around and see if you can recover the data yourself you could try some of the do-it-yourself tools like Spin-Rite.

If you have a backup and just want to get it up and running ASAP use Partition Magic to recreate the primary partition and reload Windows, or use the Recovery CDs you made when you first got the machine to restore it then resotre your backup.

Good luck,

Ed Gibbs

[polityk]

so If i had turned the hdd password off then i should be able to access the data from any PC connected to teh drive ?

About the data...
Well... I don't have a backup cd or dvd :/
And i can't afford giving the drive to a data restoring company, it's way too expensive.
I just have to use do-it-yourself tools and pray it will help.

[egibbs]

Yes - once you successfully remove the password any computer can read the drive and see the data if it's there.

If you have to go the do-it-yourself route one risk you face is that if there was physical damage to the drive (head crash, etc.) then the damage may be continuing - once heads crash they can be damaged to the point where they chew up more surface as they move over it.

If that is the case the more you run it the less data would be recoverable by a recovery service. Not much you can do about it if that is the case though, and if you definitely aren't going to send it out for recovery you probably don't have much to lose at this point.

Good luck,

Ed Gibbs

[polityk]

I know, but i pray hard

well at this point either i get some data or i get nothing....