FAQ

Questions and answers - For all software products from CompuClinic

Q: What type of interfaces are supported ?
A: The software supports all SATA|PATA-IDE and USB hard disks that are ATA compliant.
The functionality depends on the version of Windows used.

Q: Can the software also be used with SSD drives ?
A: Only the standard ATA commands: Set password and unlock with known password
should work with all SSD drives that are ATA compliant.

Q: Can Toshiba SSD drives be automatically unlocked ?
A: No - only SATA|PATA-IDE and USB hard disks supported.

Q: Can all Toshiba SATA|PATA-IDE and USB hard disks be automatically unlocked ?
A: No - the following models are currently supported and tested:
MAV MAT GAP GAS GAX GAC GSX GSY GACE GSXF GSXN GSYN GSXP GSGF GAA
GSL GAH GAL GSG GSS GSM GSC MQ01UBD MQ01ABD MQ01UBB MQ01ABB MQ01ABF
If your model is not listed here, please contact the service, maybe we can help you.

Q: A supported Toshiba hard disk can not be unlocked automatically. Why ?
A: It may be that the manufacturer has changed the firmware or the hard disk has an error in
the firmware or electronics. Please contact the service, maybe we can help you.

Q: A HDD from a notebook could not be unlocked on the PC with a known password ?
A: The scan codes of most notebook keyboards have different values. That means,
that an ATA password assigned to the notebook, such as "TEST" on the PC will not work.
If it is a supported Toshiba hard disk you can automatically unlock the hard disk.

Q: A hard disk with the ATA-password option „encrypted“ locked and can not be unlocked in another software (known passpword) ?
A: If a hard disk with the ATA password option is "encrypted" locked, this can only unlocked (disabled) in our software, otherwise you must use the standard option non encrypted (plaintext).

Q: A locked SATA|PATA-IDE hard disk is not recognized in Windows Device Manager ?
(The hard disk was connected during operation)
A: Perhaps the "search for NEW DEVICES" was not executed? -> Please execute.
One possibility is to start Windows with connected "locked hard disk". Please note, that
Windows now needs much more TIME to start! (may be you must test different SATA/PATA
ports on the mainboard).

Q: Can not temporarily unlock an external USB hard disk (without power supply) ?
A: With most USB hard disks without a power supply (e. g. WD Passport, etc.), the ATA password
can only be switched off completely. External hard disks (USB) with power supply
and SATA|PATA-IDE can also be temporarily switched off.

Q: Does the software display the stored ATA password from the hard disk ?
A: No - only when an ATA password is set, the password is output in the log window.

Q: I have never set a ATA password, and now i should enter a hard disk password ?
A: A mainboard / firmware / electronics malfunction may cause a hard disk to suddenly appear to be
locked with ATA password. If the firmware / electronics of the hard disk is not damaged, and
it is a supported Toshiba hard disk you can unlock it automatically.

Q: Do you change user data on the hard disk during automatic unlocking ?
A: No - important for the forensics!

Q: What version of Windows is supported or released for the software?
A: Windows 7 - 32/64 bit: All features supported on SATA/PATA/USB.
Windows 10/8/8.1 - 32/64 bit: Only function with known password unlock to SATA/PATA possible!
All features supported for USB hard disks or SATA/PATA via USB adapter (if compatible).

Q: Are all USB adapters -> SATA|PATA-IDE useable ?
A: No - all USB adapters have an IO chip (a so-called chipset) that regulates the
data traffic from the PC via the USB interface to the connected SATA|PATA-IDE hard disk. Depending on the
manufacturer, it can use all ATA commands or only some are supported, that one can then see the
behavior of the hard disk. The output of the hard disk information is also affected when, e. g. the
values? of HPA / DCO or other fields do not match or provide irrational data.
It is best to have some different USB adapters to test.

Q: Which USB adapters (chipsets) are best compatible ?
A: We have no list which USB adapters (or their chipsets) are the most compatible.
But the chipset of the company: "Marvell", which are installed in many USB-adapters
(stands Sometimes also on the packaging) were noticed as very compatible.

Q: The program displays a locked SATA / PATA hard disk -> Bios security -> green (Frozen) and no security settings can be changed. What can i do ?
A: Remove for about 10 sec. the data cable. Then again plug in and restart the program
Now the locked hard disk should be at bios security a brown hook display. (Does not always work! -> otherwise use a USB adapter).