How to remove HDD Frozen ?

Question

Hi !

I'm trying to install Windows XP Pro on my Dell Vostro 1710 however the windows installer tells me there is no drive when it starts.

I noticed that in the BIOS there's an option which i can't select that says that the HDD Status is : HDD Password Frozen

Does anyone knows how to remove that status ?

Answer 1

Well, darn, the only way to clear BIOS passwords is to remove the battery--and that would mean opening the d**n thing up.  But I (and probably you too) can't figure out where would you even enter a password just to get to the hard drive portion of BIOS.  That's strange.  Try the basic passwords first--"admin", nothing, etc.  If that fails, call Dell--they should know.

It is probably because you have a SATA drive that your installation is not recognizing your HDD.

The way I got around it was in my BIOS, there was a "Configure SATA As" option, and I configured it as IDE.  No hiccups in the install.

Answer 2

You need o call Dell and ask for the default password. If you bought the computer used, then someone at some point tried to guess the password too many times. I doubt it came with a password so this is a bit odd. Did you try entering a password without knowing it? If you can't find the password, you might have to reflash the PROM. not hard, but a pain. Bummer.  

Answer 3

well i would suggest not freezing your hdd drive first. if u r gonna freeze it it will keep longer in the freezer