Hard disk password mode in BIOS set to USER --> unchangeable

[smomma]

I am trying to erase a (known) hard disk password on a Toshiba 160 GB internal hard disk running in a W500 thinkpad.
(I am supposed to pass the machine on to the next user, and have to reset the password for that)

At boot time, I am prompted for the password, enter it, and can continue. So far, so good.

When I enter the BIOS setup security section (no supervisor password is set, as far as I can see), I find the setting for the hard disk password not in the (usual?) state of 'Enabled', as I would expect, but in 'User'.
This is greyed out and can not be changed, and thus prevents me from making changes to the hard disk password.

What did I miss? Does this state of affairs suggest that a supervisor password is set after all? If it was, wouldn't all kinds of other settings also be unchangeable (like setting/unsetting the power on password, which I did change)?

Thanks for any insight you may be able to give.

Cheers,

-- stefan

[smomma]

For the record (in case it would make a difference):
Model: 4061-AD4
BIOS Version 3.11 (6FET81WW)
Embedded Controller Version 1.05

[smomma]

... and: setting all kinds of combinations of power-on and supervisor passwords - in identical and different variants - and retrying to remove the HDD password did not make a difference

[EOMtp]

Separate from the Supervisor password in the BIOS, the HDD security setting has two passwords: User and Master. Perhaps you know the User password, but to remove any HDD password you need the Master password. There is only one place to enter the HDD password, so it is not obvious that there are two password settings. Depending on which password you enter -- User or Master -- you get different privileges.

Good luck!

[ausmike]

Hi there...
Sorry havent look at any THINKPAD nearly 3 yrs ( old fart retired now)
Thus the lazyness and easy peesy life.... this GOING from MEMORY ( crusty @ best!)

>boot to BIOS with SUPERVISOR password
> Rest SUPERVISOR password to :blank: ( ie change password to NUL) dont just switch off this 'function"
MUST SAVE ( ie write to HD = as most thinkpad actually save this to HARD DRIVE)
> Shut down and REMOVE BATTERY and POWER .. then clear all residancy by pressing POWER button 5 times.

>> boot to BIOS ( check if supervisor passord works by typing the last known one ie it should fail)
> in Bios > go to HD PASSWORD and do same for MASTER PASSWORD for HArd Drive ( force it be to blank by spressing spacve bar once)
SAVE and EXIT
>>> do same for remedy of any remining POWER .... as above
>> reboot ,,, to bios and do same for USER PASSWORD for HARD DRIVE
(( also note , >> in some of older thinkpad , there is a checkmark for ADMIN FUNTION (MASTER PASSWORD needed to change this option) change USER can UPDATE PASSWORD for HARD DRIVE
>> basically this funtions where the USER then can change /reset their OWN HARD DRIVE PASSWORD after ADMIN set things up using MASTER HARD DRIVE PASSWORD. Often this last step ( in older bios created huge issues) as user password is then be required to RESET the MASTER HARD DRIVE PASSWORD.

>>sorry if this sounds confusing , as I havent done anything in Thinkpads in last 3 yrs and dont care to ,,, but am TRYING to help from 'memory' of steps I had taken heaps of times in way way past !

hope this is helpful to this very 'frustrating steps'
cheers
mike