How can I encrypt my HDD?

[Ma-dazz]

Please explain to me how to encrypt my whole HDD with VeraCrypt step-by-step like I'm a 10-year-old.
I know there are guidelines out there, but I am very paranoid I might do something wrong and make my HDD unusable.

Thanks for your time.

May I also ask, what negative consequences will be there by having an encrypted HDD? Will I have performance issues?

 

[voyagerfan99]

https://veracrypt.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Beginner's Tutorial

https://veracrypt.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=FAQ

 

[Ma-dazz]

https://veracrypt.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Beginner's Tutorial

https://veracrypt.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=FAQ

What I precisely don't understand in the beginner's guide is, will making a volume encrypt my whole HDD?

 

[spirit]

May I also ask, what negative consequences will be there by having an encrypted HDD? Will I have performance issues?

It will take hours and hours and hours to decrypt the whole hard drive if you need to get a new hard disk and put the data on it.

 

[Agent Smith]

You need to read and understand EVERYTHING! prior to encrypting your whole drive. I use Truecrypt myself, and yes it secure. https://www.grc.com/misc/truecrypt/truecrypt.htm

Now if you have to repair your computer with boot options in Windows you won't be able to since the drive is encrypted.