Friday, 18 February 2011

How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7

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 Reader takes control, prompts for the password, and then basically makes the USB drive a read-only device.
To set up password on a USB drive, Insert a USB drive, and go to Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
Here BitLocker To Go can be enabled for USB drive. As soon as you do, BitLocker To Go will begin initializing your USB drive. During the process you don’t have to worry about any data that is already on the drive.
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
After the initialization process is complete, BitLocker To Go 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.
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
Next to password setup, BitLocker To Go will prompt you to store a recovery key that helps unlock your drive in case you forget your password or lose your smart card.
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
Recovery Key can be saved in a file or can be printed as well. Thereafter it would ask a confirmation for encryption process.
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
You’ll be prompted to begin the encryption process once you save the recovery key.
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
During the encryption process, you’ll 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. While the encryption process is going on, status of Drive can be seen as Encrypting in control Panel
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
When the encryption is complete, a prompt would display Encryption is Complete.
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
Now the drive is encrypted and password prompt on plugging the USB drive starts from next plug in.
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
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. BitLocker To Go 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.
How to Encrypt your USB drive using BitLocker in Windows 7
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.

Thanks & Regards,

"Remember Me When You Raise Your Hand For Dua"
Raheel Ahmed Khan
System Engineer
send2raheel@engineer.com
sirraheel@gmail.com

http://raheel-mydreamz.blogspot.com/
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