Thread: encrypt HD

can anybody tell me how to encrypt my hard drive or a portion of my hard drive

Use the free software Truecrypt......

If you are using Windows 7, you can use BitLocker.

Windows 7 Features: BitLocker

Originally Posted by just4kix

If you are using Windows 7, you can use BitLocker.

Windows 7 Features: BitLocker

Have you tried it ? What happens when " Windows " crash ? Means when there is no option but reinstall. How will we recover the encryption after reinstalling Windows ?

Originally Posted by meetdilip

Have you tried it ? What happens when " Windows " crash ? Means when there is no option but reinstall. How will we recover the encryption after reinstalling Windows ?

You can decrypt the data after a reinstall if you have backed up your certificate....

Import or export certificates and private keys

Thanks hitler517. Can't rep

I was a bit reluctant to use this feature because of above said concerns.

Originally Posted by meetdilip

Thanks hitler517. Can't rep

I was a bit reluctant to use this feature because of above said concerns.

My laptop is running with Bitlocker on for the last year or so. So far no problem.

You have to define "Windows Crash" for me. Do you mean a routine crash (BSD)? If yes, then there have been no issues so far. Anyway, I do not see BSDs very much these days.

On the other hand if you mean a total HDD crash, then you are done anyway. The solution is a (good old-fashioned) backup. Never fails.

You must keep the Bitlocker Unlocking key safely in some place.

Thanks just4kix. I just wanted to know what if we need to reinstall OS instead of HDD crash. In that case, we can reinstall OS and everything will be back as normal.

Now I know.