Cannot set HDD password on SSD 520

[un]

Hi,

I am using DH77EB motherboard and SSD 520-series boot drive (on SATA port 0, model SSDSC2CW240A3), and I am unable to set HDD User password. The motherboard appears on the list of those supporting HDD passwords. The Set User HDD Password choice appears in BIOS. However, when I try to set the password, nothing happens. I enter the password twice, as I am prompted, but the BIOS still shows Hard Disk Drive Password: Not Installed, and computer boots without asking for password (either with warm or cold reboot). BIOS version is 71. I looked on latest BIOS release notes (ver 101) and did not see any changes to HDD password functions in interim versions, so I have not bothered to update the BIOS. Intel SSD Toolbox (ver 3.1.9) says that SSD firmware is up to date. I purchased the computer in summer 2012, but decided just now to enable SSD password, but alas, no luck. I also tried to switch to IDE (compatibility) mode, as I am using AHCI, and then try to set the password, as some have suggested on various forums, but no luck there, either. Too bad that 520-series turned later out to be 128-bit encrypted instead of originally advertised 256-bit (I found out too late to return it), but now it turns out I can't even use its 128-bit encryption because I cannot set the password (not to mention that the password, even if you could set it, is limited to 8 charcters. Is it a joke?). It is really frustrating that Intel is not able to make a motherboard that would (fully) support its own drives.

Are there any third-party tools available for setting the password? (Unfortunately, Intel SSD Toolbox is of no help here.) If I could set it outside of BIOS, perhaps BIOS would be able to properly handle it (i.e. ask for password on boot)? I appreciate any input as to how I can make this work.

Thanks in advance!

[Jose_H_Intel1]

Hello toolbar, with the Intel® SSD 520 connected to the SATA port 0 you should see two options: "Master Key Hard Drive password" and "Hard Drive password". Do you see both options?

[un]

Thanks for reply, Joe. Yes, I see both options, and the Master password is installed. I tried multiple times to install both Master and User passwords. However, the User password won't install and the drive is therefore still open.

[CGree2]

Hi Joe_Intel,

I kinda/sorta asked a /thread/46309 similar question on the desktop board forum.

Does Intel have any detailed guidance and descriptions on how SSDs and hard drive passwords work? I can't find answers for things like:

1. What conditions need to be satisfied before the SSD is encrypted?
2. How can you verify the SSD is encrypted?
3. Do you have to set the hard drive password in the BIOS before you install the OS or can you do it afterwards?
4. Does encryption require OS support?
5. Does encryption depend on a TPM? Or is this a completely separate issue?
6. Can the SSD encryption be used in conjunction with a TPM?

Thanks,

Chris

[Jose_H_Intel1 · Accepted solution]

1. What conditions need to be satisfied before the SSD is encrypted?

• A motherboard that supports Hard Drive password: http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-034023.htm Desktop Boards; Hard disk drive password support
• An Intel® SSD with hardware encryption connected to SATA port 0.
• The encryption is only supported on a single SSD; RAID volumes are not supported.

2. How can you verify the SSD is encrypted?

• The word Set appears next to the respective password created.
• Create button is now Edit.
• Clear button becomes clickable.
• There is no access to the drive when connected to a different system without entering the password.
• Additionally, you can use Hard Drive password prompt feature (enabled by default without a password set).

3. Do you have to set the hard drive password in the BIOS before you install the OS or can you do it afterwards?

• You may set the password in BIOS at any time.

4. Does encryption require OS support?

• It is operating system independent; it will encrypt any data stored in the drive.

5. Does encryption depend on a TPM? Or is this a completely separate issue?

• Intel® SSDs have a hardware encryption and does not rely on TPM; it is completely separate as you can see some motherboards supporting the Hard Drive password feature do not include TPM.

6. Can the SSD encryption be used in conjunction with a TPM?

• You may use TPM or a software based encryption with the Intel® SSD but this is completely independent from the hardware encryption included in the Intel® SSD; which is the only encryption method Intel tests and supports. We only recommend using only one encryption method.

If you still have issues setting up this feature, try entering Intel® BIOS in maintenance mode with jumper in pins 2-3 and set up password there, or disconnect any other drive(s) from your system.

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-002842.htm Desktop Boards; Clearing BIOS passwords