{"id":1174,"date":"2009-12-01T00:21:48","date_gmt":"2009-11-30T18:51:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/windowsvj.com\/wpblog\/2009\/12\/encrypt-usb-drive-using-bitlocker\/"},"modified":"2009-12-01T00:21:55","modified_gmt":"2009-11-30T18:51:55","slug":"encrypt-usb-drive-using-bitlocker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/windowsvj.com\/wpblog\/2009\/12\/encrypt-usb-drive-using-bitlocker\/","title":{"rendered":"Encrypt USB drive using BitLocker"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since Windows Vista, Windows comes bundled with a security feature BitLocker<\/strong>, a hard drive encryption scheme designed to protect sensitive data from being accessed on lost or stolen computers mainly laptops.To protect important data stored on USB drives, Windows 7 features the encryptions scheme called BitLocker To Go<\/strong>. It allows USB drive encryption and restrict access to it with a password. <\/p>\n

During the encryption process, Windows 7 installs a special reader on the USB drive. When you connect the USB drive to a computer running XP or Vista, the BitLocker To Go<\/strong> Reader takes control, prompts for the password, and then basically makes the USB drive a read-only device. <\/p>\n

To Set up password on a USB drive:<\/p>\n

Insert a USB drive, and go to Control Panel > Bitlocker Drive Encryption<\/strong>  <\/p>\n

\"bl1\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Here BitLocker To Go <\/strong>can be enabled  <\/strong>for USB drive.<\/p>\n

As soon as you do, BitLocker To Go<\/strong> will begin initializing your USB drive. During the process you don\u2019t have to worry about any data that is already on the drive. <\/p>\n

\"bl2\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

After the initialization process is complete, BitLocker To Go<\/strong> will prompt for a password which you can use to unlock the drive later. You can also use your smartcard PIN to unlock the drive. <\/p>\n

\"bl3\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Next to password setup, BitLocker To Go<\/strong> will prompt you to store a recovery key that helps unlock your drive in case you forget your password or lose your smart card. <\/p>\n

\"bl4\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Recovery Key can be saved in a file or can be printed as well.<\/p>\n

Thereafter it would ask a confirmation for encryption process.<\/p>\n

\"bl5\"<\/a><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll be prompted to begin the encryption process once you save the recovery key.<\/p>\n

\"bl6\"<\/a><\/p>\n

During the encryption process, you\u2019ll see a standard progress monitor which tells the percentage of drive encrypted. The amount of time that it will take to complete the process will depend on how large the drive is. <\/p>\n

While the encryption process is going on status of Drive can be seen as Encrypting <\/strong>in control Panel.<\/font>\"bl7\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

When the encryption is complete, a prompt would display Encryption is Complete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"bl8\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

Now the drive is encrypted and password prompt on plugging the USB drive starts from next plug in.<\/p>\n

\"bl10\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Encrypted USB drive would prompt to enter the password immediately after it is inserted. The drive can be used only and only if Correct password is entered.<\/p>\n

BitLocker To Go<\/strong> encrypted drive works in Windows XP\/Vista as well i.e. it would prompt password in XP\/Vista as well even if drive is encrypted in Windows 7.<\/p>\n

\"bl11b\"<\/a>  \"bl11a\"<\/a> <\/p>\n

The USB drive has a closed lock as an icon till it is unlocked and thereafter the icon changes to an open lock signifying drive is unlocked and ready for use.<\/p>\n

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