On boot it ask for primary Hdd password,,But there is none. I checked in the bios and none is there. Would is be because there is a problem with the hdd.I chat with Dell and they gave me two pws,but both were invalid They said I would have to get new hdd. My question is? Is this true? Would a problem with the hdd activate the secuity of a password. Is there a way to format it? Would this clear the password? With new hdd would this screen still come up? Thanks

Is this YOUR computer? If it is you should know that Dell Latitude C610 Series notebooks incorporated THREE passwords as protection against unauthorised access. http://www.dellecom.ee/pdf/c610.pdf BTW you asked Is there a way to format it? Would this clear the password? The answer is no it won't. i_Xp/VistaUser

Yes i'm the owner and yes i now about the 3 passwords for protection. I now the Primary or Admin. Password to access the bios,But that's not on the hard disk it's on the chip. One question is: Will a bad hard disk make the password invaild?

My understanding is that the HDrive password is embedded somewhere on a hidden inaccessable part of the drive. If this is the case, then of course you won't be able to get past the harddrive password if the harddrive isn't working. Watch the boot screens to see if the harddrive is identified by model. If it is then there is a good chance it is functional. To sum up your situation. By design laptops have all these security measures built in. The reasons are twofold. First, to secure data in case of loss or theft. Second to deter theft. Unfortunately thieves either are not aware or figure they can sell the laptop to someone that isn't aware of these issues. The folks here that provide tech support see various stories explaining why these passwords are not in the poster's possession. If you have the BIOS password you are at least able to salvage the laptop. You might ask Dell about your what your standing is in regards to the OS and other factory supplied programs that are on harddrive currently. If Dell can't help you with the drive password then you will need to replace the HDrive.

Thanks OtheHill, That is what Dell told me. I was only trying to make sure that Dell was telling me the truth. I have talked to Techs before and it seem like they did'nt know what they were talking about... You have called support before??? Well that why? Thanks again. Will look for new hdd.

The hdd password is on the drive itself and if you cannot use the password the drive is useless. You cannot reformat or use the drive in any way. There are companys who will remove your data from these but they will charge in the hundreds of dollars. Your bios has nothing to do with the hard drive password.

Thanks all, The Hdd was BAD that is why it would not take my password. Had a bigger Hdd in another laptop and it works now. Thanks...