Lock & Unlock HDD

Disk drives are pieces of hardware that contain a magnetic disk that can retain electronic information such as computer documents, mP3s and other files that you would use in your computer. If you have a computer that other people access or just don't feel safe leaving your information exposed to the world, you can lock any or all of your disk drives to protect the sensitive information stored on them. You can only open this lock with the unique password that you choose.
Difficulty:
Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Disk drive lock program

1. Using a Drive Lock Program
   
   • 1 Download a disk drive lock program such as Advanced Drive Protector and Easy Disk Drive Safeguard. (See Resources.) You can use a trial version to see if you like it or you can just buy the full version.
   • 2 Install the disk drive lock software onto your computer by following the installation instructions.
   • 3 Click on the "Start" menu and choose "All Programs." Select the disk drive lock program that you installed and launch it.
   • 4 Browse through all of the displayed drives and select the ones you want to lock. To select a drive, just click on the check box next to each drive.
   • 5 Set the password you want to use and save the changes. Use an easy to remember password that will not be guessed by anyone else.

How to Erase a Locked Hard Drive
Hard drive
When a hard drive is locked it may prevent software from having direct disk access to the drive. Sometimes it's easier to just erase the locked drive then try to unlock it. In order to completely erase a locked hard drive, you will need a piece of software included in the "The Ultimate Boot CD" called "Derek's Boot Nuke." The software is completely free to download and use.

Difficulty:
Moderately Easy

Instructions
things you'll need:

• The Ultimate Boot CD
• Power ISO or Magic ISO
• Blank CD

1. • 1 Download the ISO version of The Ultimate Boot CD (See "Resources" for download link).
   • 2 Use a free ISO program such as "Power ISO" or "Magic ISO Maker" to burn the ISO file to a CD.
   • 3 Insert the CD and restart your computer.
   • 4 Press "Enter" to boot The Ultimate Boot CD.
   • 5 Select "Hard Disk Tools," then "Wiping Options" then "Derek's Boot Nuke."
   • 6 Select the hard drive you wish to erase by using the

Read more...