Bitlocker and cloning?

[Agent Smith]

I was thinking of encrypting my desktop with Bitlocker, but if I have to replace the drive with a new one and copy the clone back that is encrypted can I still access the data? Do I need to setup a Windows password for Bitlocker? Currently I don't use a password.

 

[DMGrier]

I have mine encrypted with Bitlocker as we speak, I use a password and I follow the latest in DoD standards which means 10+ characters, one upper case, one lower case, one number and one special mark minimum. From what I have read though it is recommend to use 20+ characters but I consider that over kill.

Once you look at cloning I would just open the folder which shows my HDD, right click and then select "manage Bitlocker". From there it will pop up a window that allows you to turn off Bitlocker. Then you shouldn't have a problem.

If you have never encrypted before I would recommend the entire drive, it may take longer but it provides extra protection.

 

[Agent Smith]

I decided to go with Truecrypt and I have successfully cloned and encrypted the back up too. One bad thing about Truecrypt is that you can't use it in an UEFI BIOS. Before you install the OS you have to switch to MBR in the BIOS to use Truecrypt. At the time of this writing Truecrypt hasn't upgraded in 2 years.

I use a 20+ password since I know that it can be brute forced and in fact I have a program to brute force truecrypt and Bitlocker. Also I can gain access through the firewire port providing the Truecrpt volume is mounted and the computer is on. Since I don't have firewire I don't worry about it.

 

[claptonman]

I know you probably already know this and do this, but please back up. I see so many people who encrypt a hard drive only to have it fail. And when it does, chance of recovery is severely reduced.