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    Sony SZ-5MN & Hitachi hitachi bulk data encryption - help

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Xins, Mar 6, 2009.

  1. Xins

    Xins Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi there,

    I just bought a Hitachi bulk data encryption, but unfortunately I don't have hdd password feature in bios.

    Is there any possibility to upgrade bios with this option or install the ata security feature?

    I appreciate your help.
     
    Xins, Mar 6, 2009
    #1
  2. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    ?? Are you sure you cannot enable an HDD password in the BIOS?
    By the way, a HDD password will not encrypt data.

    Also:
    Please post details - SZ-5MN Is that an SZ5 ?
    Maybe some specs - BIOS version...
     
    DetlevCM, Mar 7, 2009
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  3. Xins

    Xins Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi there,

    the HDD is a Hitachi Travelstar 7K200 with Bulk data encryption. You have some details here: http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/bulk_faqs.htm#a2

    My Sony Vaio VGN SZ5MN/B doesn't have the HDD password in bios. It has only the BIOS password.

    Can be the bios updated?? I can't find Bios update for my laptop.

    Thanks
     
    Xins, Mar 7, 2009
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  4. Xins

    Xins Notebook Enthusiast

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    Those are computer details:

    Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU T5600 @ 1.83GHz
    System Manufacturer Sony Corporation
    System Name VGN-SZ5MN_B
    Mainboard Vendor Sony Corporation
    Mainboard Model VAIO
    BIOS Vendor Phoenix Technologies LTD
    BIOS Version R0112N0
    BIOS Date 04/12/2007
     
    Xins, Mar 7, 2009
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  5. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    DetlevCM, Mar 7, 2009
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  6. Xins

    Xins Notebook Enthusiast

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    It's not working.

    "BIOS update failed! Failed to flash BIOS image.
    The current device is not supported in the interface.
    Error code: -151"


    I don't have the modem driver installed. Can this be a problem. I've read on some forums that all drivers need to be installed. Is that true? Also is there any possibility to update bios from DOS.
     
    Xins, Mar 7, 2009
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  7. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Ok... you'll possibly need a different "local" version...
    did you try Vaio update?
     
    DetlevCM, Mar 7, 2009
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  8. Xins

    Xins Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is an UK laptop model... I've downloaded the bios update from the .UK website and is not working....
     
    Xins, Mar 7, 2009
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  9. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Now that is very odd.
     
    DetlevCM, Mar 7, 2009
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  10. Xins

    Xins Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'll try to flash it from DOS and I will let you know the result...
     
    Xins, Mar 7, 2009
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  11. Xins

    Xins Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've emulated the R0101S5.WPH from the BIOS update, with Phoenix Bios Editor Pro and I can see that this BIOS Version has the HDD password option.

    Also I've found something else, this BIOS version has the Fingerprint Data feature, but my laptop doesn't have a fingerprint reader....

    So probably it won't work...
     
    Xins, Mar 7, 2009
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  12. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Ok... now you've lost me :D - but I suppose you are on the right track here :)
     
    DetlevCM, Mar 7, 2009
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  13. Xins

    Xins Notebook Enthusiast

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    Unfortunatelly I can't update my system bios :( , but I've found a solution.

    http://www.fitzenreiter.de/ata/ata_eng.htm

    Do you have any ideea about how to install this because the guy who wrote this is too smart for me :rolleyes: I understand nothing.
     
    Xins, Mar 7, 2009
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  14. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Yikes... good find, but nI don't think I'll be able to understand it...
    Sorry :(
    Also: Its "messign with the BIOS" something I'd say you should rather avoid.
     
    DetlevCM, Mar 7, 2009
    #14