Acer Travelmate 4600 - HDD password

Hi - I'm trying to solve a problem for a friend.

He handeled me over his laptop and said everytime he booted a blue box ask for HDD password - My friend says he never has set this up.

What I've done so far:

1. Reset BIOS to default - no luck
2. Tried to remove HDD password - no luck
3. Removed CMOS battry for 5 hours - no luck
4. Flashed BIOS - no luck
5. Moved HDD to external box (USB)- unable to see the HDD

It seems the HDD password is set on the hard drive -

Anyone have an idea how I can get the data from the HDD?

Hard drive password is indeed implemented by the drive itself. You can get the data either by supplying the password or handing the drive over to some recovery lab.