Any way to format password protected HD?

[MetalHed187]

I recently BOUGHT a used Dell Inspiron 6000 for a great price and not to my surprise had some problems. First there was a password on the Bios. I called Dell, and having my ownership transfered to me on their website, helped me bypass this. But, now there's a password on the HD and none of the codes they gave me worked.

I am unable to format this in another laptop or external enclosure. It is recognized though. When in the enclosure I can view it under device manager but not in My Computer. Any ideas / helpful programs?

I know I could just go buy another HD but I would like to try and get around this. All help is greatly appreciated!

[Ajmukon]

please read this:
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=51222

[mjc]

A couple of questions for you...

Does it boot into Windows?

What version of Windows is it supposed to have?

Can you contact the person you purchased it from to see if they have the password?

[classicsoftware]

What is the message you are getting? Where are you getting the message.

[Paul Komski]

can view it under device manager but not in My Computer
Can you view it in DiskManager (run diskmgmt.msc from the run box) or with a utility such as BiNG (in my sig) or GParted?

ATA password protected Hard Drives utlising a special area of the HDD do exist but are pretty rare except on some company laptops.

[awaj]

what happens when you right click and choose format on the hard drive? (from My Computer)

[Paul Komski]

what happens when you right click and choose format on the hard drive? (from My Computer)
Must have missed:-
When in the enclosure I can view it under device manager but not in My Computer.