From such a checksum (also called 'hash'), valid passwords can be found by means of brute-forcing. The dramatic 'System Disabled' message is just scare tactics: when you remove all power from the laptop and reboot it, it will work just as before. For most brands, this checksum is displayed after entering an invalid password for the third time. When a laptop is locked with password, a checksum of that password is stored in FlashROM - this is a chip on the mainboard of the device which also contains the BIOS code and other settings, e.g. However the algorithms to figure out the password are not available to every user. Sometimes it can be very important for the laptop users to know the master passwords of their laptops. In order to penetrate the BIOS system one should find a way to disable BIOS passwords. Majority of all laptops are using master passwords (which are unique in each laptop) in order to protect their systems. Current generation laptops require good password generators in order to make their systems as safe as possible. Algorithms can vary based on their difficulty level. Systems that are using password generators in order to protect their security are using different algorithms. Like any reasonably developed system, HDD and BIOS systems on laptops/notebooks need enormous protection.
