That could well be the one used by the MMCS.

 

Hey thanks for the links. If sniffing the ATA commands on the bus doesn't work, one of those software methods (which are basically brute-forcing the password) might actually work. One thing that worries me about those programs is that, if I understand the ATA specs correctly, unlocking the drive with the Master password will force the drive to delete all its data (i.e. last resort to keep it from becoming a paperweight). So I'd have to be sure it only ever tries the User passwords (which is surely how the MMCS implements it).

As for the "Next-Generation Encrypting Hard Drives" I really doubt (read: HOPE) the MMCS drive uses it. Surely a drive that supports that in firmware would have caught my attention on toshiba's specifications web page for the drive and there'd be an additional premium charge for the drive (this drive is already cool in that it is automotive-grade). Lets hope the MMCS doesn't throw me any curveballs! The last thing I want to do is start desoldering the EEPROM chips and reading them ..........

If nothing comes up in my schedule, I'm planning on giving it a shot this weekend. Worst case, my car is less than 1 year old, so surely a warranty replacement would be no questions asked! hahaha.

 

I can tell you it is not for sure. MK3029GAC is already listed in so many cracked lists.

 

No. That's a master reset to reclaim the hard drive itself. There is almost no market for such a feature. You'll receive a big warning of losing data and be forced to confirm the action before the tool or program proceed if you pick that function.Tool makers know safety is most important anyways.

 

I'd appreciate a few link to study the thing myself.

 

You did'nt really read the stuff I post earlier.[sm=icon_stickpoke.gif]

Here is the lists for you convenience:

http://www.hddunlock.com/drives/toshiba/
http://www.hdd-tools.com/products/rrs/drives/toshiba/
http://www.yec-usa.com/products/HddRockList.html

 

If someone tells me what to do I am willing to give this a try. I have the time to do it.

 

Why the big price differences on the licenses? Hddunlock is like $5, hdd-tools is $50 and Hdd Rock is $200.

 

Okay according to the web site, HDDunlock actually erases all of your data so that's no good, I would think. HDD-tools seems to be the way to go.

 

rdenis,

I have to mention one important thing before you start the quest,the hard drive. The shippedMK3029GAC is designed for vehicle applications. You may think vibration/shock is the most important factor here. However, it is not. The most important thing for automotive use is working temperature range.




The MK3029GAC operating range is
-4o - 185oF (-20o to 85oC)

MK3029GAC spec:
http://www.toshibastorage.com/main.a...Specifications

So, if you want to keep the realiablity, there are only a few 40Gb upgrade options:

Automotive Hard Disk Drive
http://sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Pat...00659C00002C1C

Fujitsu Automotive Hard Disk Drive P/N: MHW2040AC
http://www.fujitsu.com/us/news/pr/fcpa_20070314-02.html

Being that said, a laptopor even desktop drive can still be used if you do something about temperature control or do nothing if youlive in a place like Vancouver
I think high temperature is not as big a problem as low temperature.

I think these laptop drivesare good options if you don't have one on hand:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152051
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822146200