| ATATool | |
| Latest Release Version: | 1.4.0.138 |
| Programming Language: | C |
| Operating System: | Windows |
| Language: | English |
| Genre: | Freeware |
| License: | Copyright |
| Website: | https://www.datasynergy.co.uk/products/misc/atatool.aspx |
ATATool is freeware software that is used to display and modify ATA disk information from a Microsoft Windows environment. The software is typically used to manage host protected area (HPA) and device configuration overlay (DCO) features and is broadly similar to the hdparm for Linux. The software can also be used to generate and sometimes repair bad sectors. Recent versions include support for DCO restore and freeze operations, HPA security (password) operations and simulated bad sectors. ATATool is no longer available for personal download and can only be used for "professional users" like for security researchers.[1]
ATATool must be run with administrator privileges. On Windows Vista and later it requires an elevated-privileges command prompt (see User Account Control). The target drive must be connected to a physical disk controller. The software will not work when using a hard drive through an external connection like USB or any external hard drive.
Display detected Hard Drives: ATATOOL /LIST
Display information on Hard Drive 1: ATATOOL /INFO \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Set a volatile HPA of 50GB on Hard Drive 1 (HPA will be lost after a power cycle): ATATOOL /SETHPA:50GB \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Set a permanent HPA of 50GB on Hard Drive 1 (HPA will still stay after power cycles): ATATOOL /NONVOLATILEHPA /SETHPA:50GB \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Remove permanent HPA on Hard Drive 1: ATATOOL /NONVOLATILEHPA /RESETHPA \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Set DCO to 100GB on Hard Drive 1: ATATOOL /SETDCO:100GB \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Remove DCO of 100GB on Hard Drive 1: ATATOOL /RESTOREDCO:100GB \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Make sector 5 bad: ATATOOL /BADECC:5 \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Make sector 5 not bad: ATATOOL /FIXECC:5 \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Make sector 10 bad and then not bad again (alternative method): ATATOOL /BADECCLONG:10 \\.\PhysicalDrive1 ATATOOL /FIXECCLONG:10 \\.\PhysicalDrive1
Useing ATATool can permanently change the disk configuration, may result in permanent data loss by making some sectors of the disk inaccessible. Please use ATATool at your own risk.[2]