Cannot unlock locked original hard drive from EliteBook 8460p

[IT_WinSec]

Thank you @milhan

That was very useful description.

Here are the news I have about this. I reached to HP internally and I received confirmation. What you were told in your contact with HP was correct. The Drive Lock password cannot be reset. If the password is lost or forgotten, the hard drive must be replaced. This service is not covered by the warranty.

Here is more information about the feature >> https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c02029516

In order to begin enjoying the PC completely, you need to purchase your own HDD (or SSD).

Here is a video demo how to remove the existing HDD and install a new HDD or SSD >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwg1LG_bf6Y

You can purchase new HDD from any local reputable PC store or shop. You need 2.5 inch HDD or SSD.

I recommend you consider HDDs with RPM 7200 as they as slightly faster, 5400 RPM is slower >> https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/r/rpm.htm

or SSD (Solid State Drive) >> https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001396.htm

The new drive will not be locked and you can ensure Drive Lock is disabled in the BIOS (F10) -> Security section.

After that you will be able to install an operating system of your choice (e.g. Windows 7, .... GNU/Linux, etc...)

Hope this helps.

[milhan]

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@IT_WinSec wrote:

Thank you @milhan

That was very useful description.

Here are the news I have about this. I reached to HP internally and I received confirmation. What you were told in your contact with HP was correct. The Drive Lock password cannot be reset. If the password is lost or forgotten, the hard drive must be replaced. This service is not covered by the warranty.

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Do you mean that hard drive is now trash?

[IT_WinSec]

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@milhan wrote:

Do you mean that hard drive is now trash?

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Kind of, but not really.

For security reasons it is locked to be used on this PC (it, as a device and its content - unless the password is known).

But it is not physically damaged and may be used on a different PC after it is formatted. You may be able to sell it online (on eBay, or elsewhere), for example. I recommend you read more in the articles I posted above.

[milhan]

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@IT_WinSec wrote:
Kind of, but not really.
For security reasons it is locked to be used on this PC (it, as a device and its content - unless the password is known).
But it is not physically damaged and may be used on a different PC after it is formatted. You may be able to sell it online (on eBay, or elsewhere), for example. I recommend you read more in the articles I posted above.

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I tried to format it on another laptop long ago, but the drive is not even detected!

[IT_WinSec]

Well,

I have an Elitebook with DriveLock enabled and the drive is indeed detected but I tested with GNU/Linux OS which have more options for various file systems. If you try to insert DriveLocked HDD into Windows PC, it won't work - Windows cannot detect it. So, yes, Linux 🙂

You may try to sell it, or format with with a Linux (from GPart/GParted). And buy a new HDD/SSD.

https://we.tl/dIPHeI34xK

[milhan]

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@IT_WinSec wrote:
You may try to sell it, or format with with a Linux (from GPart/GParted). And buy a new HDD/SSD.

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do you think I will be able to format it with gparted on Linux?

[milhan]

I tried formating the hard drive on both Fedora Linux and Ubuntu using gnome-disk-utility and GParted. GParted won't detect the drive at all. it gives input/output error. The gnome-disk-utility, on the other hand, does detect the drive but gives error when I try to format it on every different formatting options such as NTFS, FAT, EXT4 etc. I was hoping I can at least wipe the contents and wipe it clean so that I can re-install an OS on it. What would be your suggestion? Thanks.

[IT_WinSec]

Thank you for posting back.

I did an additional research for your case. Initially (my first reply to you) I guided you to reach HP Support because :

- HP can assist in removing BIOS passwords

and I thought they can also remove DriveLock password. I thought HP Support has some sort of "backdoor" procedure available for unlocking drives. Unfortunately, there is no such a procedure (as double confirmed by HP) and since the drive is locked, this is not possible.

I can see it with GParted but it also generates access errors. Reason is HDD firmware protection (and Drive Lock). The HDD firmware will not permit any access. Depending on the brand of HDD you might want to call the manufacturer, and see if they can help you, or you can try HDD Wipe Tool. Unfortunately its only available for MS Windows and may be downloaded from > here

You could also try booting from a Ubuntu live media , and run the command below. Make sure you choose the right drive (dev/hda, etc...).

dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hda bs=1M

No guarantee it will work, personally I never tried it. Unfortunately, I don't have a spare disk to try it now (personally). HP is unable to assist you to unlock the drive. Not sure if Hitach can, too and not sure if they provide support to end users/customers.

So, basically:

- try contacting Hitachi (if possible)

- try with HDD Wipe (on a Windows machine)

- try with the Ubuntu commands above

If nothing helps, just throw the HDD away (or sell it) and get a new HDD or new SSD - information has been provided above.

After all, you already purchased the PC - it is very good model. A new SSD will only make it better, faster, quieter, more reliable.

I am sorry - just security. Obviously good security.

If only the previous owner could share the password, things would have been different.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

[milhan]

Dear It Winsec,

I just found out that the computer was "corporate off-lease" and I don't know what that means. Do you?

[IT_WinSec]

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@milhan wrote:

Dear It Winsec,

I just found out that the computer was "corporate off-lease" and I don't know what that means. Do you?

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Hi,

Sure. These are refurbished computers which belonged initially to some big company (enterprise/corporation), they are usually in a good condition and the corporation decided to change their equipment (assets) and decided to either donate or sell their old equipment (still working). I think you bought this PC at a cheap price but if you purchased a new one of the same/similar type, it would have cost a lot more.

More info >> http://bfy.tw/FgIs

By the way, the PC I am using at the moment to type this text is such a PC 😉