:: Password Removal Frequently Asked Questions ::

My laptop is password protected, what do I do?
Nortek has developed proprietary software and hardware that is capable of removing unknown IBM ThinkPad™ system and Travelstar™ Hard Disk Passwords. Whether you have a Power On, Supervisor/Administrator or Hard Disk Password, we can help. Please view our Password Home Page for further details.
What is a Power On Password?
The Power On Password protects your computer from being used by unauthorized persons. If a Power On Password is set, the password prompt will appear on the screen whenever you turn on the computer. If you have forgotten this password, we can typically provide you with detailed instructions on removing a Power On Password yourself. Visit our Power On Password Removal Page for available options.
What is a Hard Disk Password?
The Hard Disk Password helps you protect the information stored on your hard drive. If you have a Hard Disk Password, a password prompt (usually an image of a lock and cylinder) will appear on the screen as soon as you turn on the computer. The Hard Disk Password is stored on the drive in a location inaccessible to the user and cannot be removed or bypassed if unknown. We can remove an unknown Hard Disk Password with the option of full Data Recovery. Please visit our Hard Disk Password Removal Page for available options.
What is a Supervisor Password?
The Supervisor Password (sometimes referred to as an Administrator Password) helps protect system setup information. This password secures the system's BIOS settings (Easy Setup), prohibits hardware modification, and stops the computer after a POST error to restrict access to system information. This password will usually remain undetected until BIOS access is attempted or there is a hardware change. This password prompt will appear (usually an image of a lock with a disk beside it) on startup, after a change has been made or if access to the BIOS settings is attempted. Please note that in some cases, a Supervisor Password automatically activates the Hard Disk Password when set by the user. Both passwords are inaccessible to the user and cannot be removed without knowing them. We can remove them with the option of full hard disk Data Recovery. Please visit our Supervisor Password Removal Page for available options.
I have never been prompted before, why does my IBM ThinkPad™ ask me for a password now?
If a ThinkPad Supervisor Password has been set, the system will typically boot without prompting the user for a password. The password will usually remain undetected to the user until there is physical change in hardware (e.g. replacement of/upgrading the HDD), and/or a BIOS setup parameter has changed (e.g.. change date/time). Once a change is made or attempted, the user will be prompted for the Supervisor Password. Please note that in some cases, a system Supervisor Password automatically activates the Hard Disk Password when initially set by the user. Both passwords are inaccessible to the user and cannot be removed without knowing them. We can remove them with the option of full hard disk data recovery. Please visit our Supervisor Password Removal Page for available options.
I have purchased a used hard disk drive that is password protected...
A locked hard disk drive cannot be accessed, on any system, if the password is unknown. The Hard Disk Password is stored in an area inaccessible to the user. Nortek can remove this password with the option of full hard disk Data Recovery. Please visit our Hard Disk Password Removal Page for available options.
I've purchase a used IBM ThinkPad™ that has an unknown Supervisor Password set...
If the IBM ThinkPad™ prompts the user for an unknown Supervisor Password, the computer is inaccessible. Please note that in some cases, a system Supervisor Password automatically activates the Hard Disk Password when set by the user. Both passwords are inaccessible to the user and cannot be removed without knowing them. We can remove them with the option of full hard disk Data Recovery. Please visit our Supervisor Password Removal Page for available options.
If I could replace a HDD for less than password removal, should I?
Unless it is imperative that the data be recovered from a lower-end drive, the HDD can be replaced for less than the cost of password removal. Nortek offers a wide variety of replacement notebook drives at reasonable prices. Visit our Sales section for details. Password removal from low-end drives may also be cost efficient as we can provide quantity discounts.
How much will password removal cost and where do I ship my unit(s)?
IBM ThinkPad™ Password Removal options and pricing information can be found in the password removal section of our web site. Password removal fees listed on this site are based on operational IBM ThinkPad™ systems and IBM Travelstar™ hard disk drives. Password removal fees and turnaround times may vary if a system or hard disk drive is not manufactured by IBM™ or if a unit is physically damaged. Shipping costs are additional to the cost of the password removal.
What are your payment terms?
Method of payment is Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Shipping costs are additional to the cost of the password removal.
How long will this service take?
Typical turnaround time for our password removal service is 2 business days after we receive the unit(s). Most drive only Password removal jobs are shipped out within 24 hours and there is no additional charge for the expedited service.
I have time critical data stored on my HDD: how fast can you get it back to me?
Depending on your chosen password removal option, turn-around-times can be as little as 24 hours after we receive the unit(s). There is no extra charge for expedited service. If your information is needed sooner than 24 hours, we can email your files prior to the return of your unit.
Do you help customers outside of Canada?
Nortek provides this service worldwide. We have satisfied customers around the world including Italy, Austria, Belgium, France, Sweden, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and all over North America, without incident. Currently, Nortek is unaware of any other company offering full system/drive password removal services with the option of full drive data recovery, without replacing any system components.
Will I lose any information stored on my hard drive if the password is removed?
Full recovery is an option. In the case of "Unlock, Retrieve Data, Certify, Restore Data": password protection is removed and existing data is placed on a temporary back-up device; the drive is then tested, certified, burned in to OEM specifications, and the data is restored to the drive. Nortek will warranty these drives as to operational condition for a period of 30 days. Please visit our Hard Disk Password Removal Page for further details.
Are there any service warranties?
Depending on the option you choose Nortek will provide a 30-day warranty on your existing unit. Drives purchased from Nortek carry a full 90-day warranty. 1 year extended warranties are available.
Are there any large quantity discounts?
Quantity discounts are available. Email us for details.
Is there anyone else who can provide this service?
To our knowledge, we are currently the only company offering IBM ThinkPad™ Password Removal services with the option of complete drive data recovery.
Is there an alternative to Hard Disk/Supervisor Password Removal?
The only alternative to Password Removal is to have the HDD and/or system board replaced, an alternative that can cost as much as $2000 US. Note: if you choose to replace your hardware, all stored data will be lost.
Do you service all notebook computers and 2.5" Hard Disk Drives?
Yes, email us for full details.
Can I buy a blank security chip to unlock my laptop?
Nortek offers hard disk drive and Supervisor Password removal services. We do not sell security chips for ThinkPad or other model laptops. Our password removal techniques are entirely non-invasive and do not require the removal or replacement of any system components or ICs.
How can I remove the password from my laptop/Can I buy a disk with the password removal software?
Our password removal services require a combination of proprietary hardware and software developed here at Nortek. Details of our password removal tools and techniques are strictly confidential; if you require our services, the only option is to send us the password protected unit for service.