Compaq Armada 1700 Reference Manual page 130

Once you create a user password, you can only delete the
passwords after the computer has restarted and the protected hard
drive has been unlocked. Removing DriveLock protection deletes
both the user password and the master password.
1. Turn on or restart the computer and enter your current user
password.
2. Run Computer Setup.
3. Click the System Features icon Æ Security Management box
Æ DriveLock tab.
4. In the Current Drive section, select MultiBay.
5. In the Drive Protection section, click on Remove.
6. Enter the master password.
7. Enter the master password again to verify it.
8. Click OK Æ Save Æ Exit.
The changes will take place when Computer Setup has been exited
normally.