[sashanator]

From an Ubuntu-based machine, I formatted a new, external Seagate hard drive in NTFS. I do not recall creating a password for it, as I have always simply connected it and had full permission to add or remove files from it.

A system update (11.04 to 11.10) failed quite remarkably - to a point at which, even when I was logged in as the admin, no applications existed and no terminal existed, among many other fundamental problems that left me high and dry.

Thus, I installed Debian 6.0.7 from a live CD. After some configuration, I connected my external drive, hoping to copy over my files and attempt to get back to work. I was prompted for a password and tried everything associated with my old and new systems, as well as every other password I am likely to use, along with any number of
variations on each. However, I am locked out completely.

Short of taking the drive in to some data-recovery lab, I need to know what my options are, beyond what any drawer statements on the topic may suggest. Surely there are some decrypticing tools (reputable ones)for Linux users. If a code or lock is made, it can be broken. The question is whether or not one has the right tool. The FBI could do it
in five minutes, I'm sure, but what resources are available for peoplesuch as myself, who will never use NTFS formatting again?