Greetings! > > Do you have any kind of BIOS-configurable write/virus protection > > for that harddisc switched off? > > BIOS is ignored nicely once the kernel switched on VM and went into > protected more...
Yes, I know - but I've encountered hardware where the "100% IDE" controller could be switched into read-only mode EVEN FOR NON-BIOS operation. Granted, it was a jumper back then (probably breaker plus pullup/pulldown for R/W signal line), but that could be done with some CMOS/Flash setting today, too. It just strook me odd that root could not write even the first few bits... *ahem* Stop. Different idea. @David Ross: you wrote you booted from Knoppix. I hope you did use plain text mode? If you used the X11/KDE desktop you're usually logged in as "knoppix" or whatever plain/non-root user. And of course you're not allowed to (write) access the raw device as ordinary user... Boot in text mode ("knoppix 2") or Ctrl-Alt-1 from X11 into console. Try again then. If this does not solve the problem, we'll have to search on. Bye Volker Tanger ITK Security PS: I've updated my docs accordingly - that's an easily overlooked stuble block. -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]