Hi all,
I’ve search through this forum for 20 mins and couldn’t find an answer so starting a new thread.
I’ve ‘password protected’ my Extreme Pro SSD using the Sandisk Security app that’s preloaded on the drive, and now it only shows up as a CD drive when I plug it into any other PC.
I can only access my files when I use the SanDisk security app and input my password. This is problematic because I need the drive to transfer files between my home and work PC, and I’m not allowed to install apps on my work PC.
Did I set it up wrong or something? Why do I need the Sandisk security app for my work PC to recognise it as a hard drive and not a CD drive?
@diskSan1
Have you checked our knowledge base articles?
(Get Support for Your SSDs and Flash Products | Sandisk)
Try this one and check the Unlock Drive Without SanDisk Security Software (SanDisk Unlocker) section.
Have you opened a Support Case?
If not, contact SanDisk Technical Support for assistance.
(Contact Support | Sandisk)
I’m not familiar with this product, but if it is anything like WD’s Smartware HDDs, what you are seeing is a Virtual CD (VCD) which exists in a hidden space at the end of the user area on your SSD. This VCD contains the software necessary to implement the password challenge. Obviously, this necessitates human interaction.
In short, this appears to be the intended, normal behaviour.
After entering your password, can you show us the Partitions tab for your SSD in DMDE?
https://dmde.com/
At the top of the screen you will see the maximum LBA. This will tell us how much space is reserved for the VCD.
When you password-protect your SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD, it appears as a CD drive until you enter the password using the SanDisk app. Without the app, other computers can’t access the files on the drive. If you can’t install the app on your work PC, you won’t be able to use the drive there. To fix this, you’ll need to remove the password or find another way to transfer your files.
If your SanDisk Extreme Pro shows up as a CD drive**, it’s likely because the SanDisk Security app creates a virtual CD partition** for password protection. Once you unlock it using the app, the actual storage volume appears.
Fix: Open the SanDisk Security app, unlock the drive, and the correct volume should show up.
