Guess I didn't ask the question properly. Is there a flash software utility to use to boot from a floppy or CD to flash the firmware of a hd if you have the firmware? If so, what is it called and where is it? Thanks.

I do not think so. It might be possible to hack FW updates, but what's the reason to do so?

What is the problem with your drive?

pepe

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Adatmentés - Data recovery

Usualy the FW for updates the disk came in a EXE file, that can be run decrompressed and save the FW in the disk.

Do not know where you did get that file !!!

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ZeBong
" что случилось в России - останется в России "
" Россия еще раз"

I replaced the drive in a customers laptop because it got locked with a password and no one knew who locked it. I still have the drive, a Seagate 80gb wich is only a couple of years old. I am just puttering around with this drive to see what is possible. If I can't find a way to unlock it I will just dispose of it. I am an experienced computer tech but have never attempted to unlock a drive. Just a play thing. Thanks to all who replied. I don't know what FW is or how to get it but thanks anyway. Ras

OK. I had a brain lapse but I'm back now. FW=firmware. I have the firmware but there is no software utility to use to flash it.
I believe I d/loaded it from this forum. Found it doing a google search. The file name I d/loaded is ST9808211A-3.00-3LG0VKF7.RAR. I searched for it again and it is in the d/l section of this forum.

Still thinking that HDDs are like cell phones ? FW is in ROM and the most important part is on the platters....

And writing another FW would definitely do harm to the drive...
It is not like pushing a magic button.
Unlocking a drive is not done by upgrading/downloading its FW.

pepe

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Adatmentés - Data recovery

Hi
for Removing Lock u need pro. tools like PC3000 if any important Data in that Drive don't Play send it to Data Recovery Professional.

The files in that archive were generated from an existing drive by ACE Laboratory's PC-3000 software. They do not constitute an official firmware update from Seagate.

The following thread may be worth a look. The procedure is for a different model, but it may help you understand what is involved (I'm not a DR guy).

SEAGATE: Non Standard ATA Master Password:
seagate-non-standard-ata-master-password-t12920.html

SeDiv - HDD Seagate Terminal for Windows:
sediv-hdd-seagate-terminal-for-windows-t11980.html