Emergency!!

For some reason my friend's laptop's harddrive (SAMSUNG 100GB HMJC100C) popped up a root password during bootup. It literally just came on and now we got no access to it, and we need a certain file (essay) by tomorrow ! Any ideas ? I couldn't find a default password that bypasses it. Currently downloading Ubuntu LIVE, to see if I can make it read NTSC C:\ but if anyone knows anything that can recover files let me know please !

 

you need knoppix, it's very good for that kind of thing.

http://www.knoppix.org/

 

FYI
I have never succeeded in getting ubuntu to write to a usb drive!

I have used Knoppix successfully though, here is a link with instructions

http://myownminerva.blogspot.com/2006/02/password-recovery-for-windows-using.html

this is actually for windows password recovery but it tells you how to mount a usb and make it writtable!

Please let me know if I can assist further

 

I have done the Ubuntu write to usb drive. It requires a little work. I cannot recall from memory, but I can boot it up and check if you need!

If it don't work. the quicker way would be just to set up an internet connection and email the file to yourself.

Ubuntu and Knopix will both do!

 

Alright thanks, downloading that now

 

if the drive is passworded.... even if you can boot to a live cd, won't you be unable to mount the drive?

 

If your harddrive is password protected from post then isn't there a way to reset the CMOS?

Easily done on a desktop, but I'm not too familiar with all this in laptops.

I'm sure there's a way to do this, someone help him~!!!

 

Wow, thats wierd, now why would it boot up a password automatically from nowhere...Care to explain this further?

 

Sorry, but I actually explained it wrong. The official message is that the "Drive is Locked" and lets us have two tries at guessing the password. How this came to be is not known... It literally just came up after starting up the laptop and its not like we installed anything or modified anything recently.. My friend actually actually bought a new laptop and its on its way.

The current laptop right now works if we swap the harddrive with a different one. The UBUNTU Live didn't work, it failed to recognize the drive (maybe it doesn't have access to it? I have no idea). I'm still trying to get the data off of the harddrive.

We still have access to BIOS and can still majority of the options. However, the ones that relate to HD, are greyed out. The BIOS can even set passwords etc. but I it isn't the same one..