TrueCrypt + Bitlocker Problem Please Help


Recommended Posts

I already tried the TrueCrypt forums but they dont seem to be that active so hopefully you guys can help...

So here's the deal. I have a 1.5TB external hard drive (with one (1) 1.5TB partition) that was/still is encrypted using Windows Bitlocker. Everything was working great. I wanted to also use TrueCrypt encryption on top of Bitlocker so I attempted to encrypt the same drive/volume with TrueCrypt. Everything was going great for the 36+ plus hours it was taking to encrypt the data, but then at 99.744% TrueCrypt gave an error of "The Media is write protected" and will not continue. Everything I try to do to fix the drive will not work.

I believe the problem is Bitlocker, while I can still unlock the drive it will not let me turn it off and gives me a "The parameter is incorrect" error when I try. As i said, I can unlock the drive, but can view the files.

As a little test I created a new partition on a separate drive of 1GB to try to replicate my findings and the the same thing happened. I turned on Bitlocker and ran the TrueCrypt encryption which errored out at ~32%. I deleted that partition and reset it up, left Bitlocker off and ran the TrueCrypt Encryption and it was successful.

So here is the question, How do I either turn off the Bitlocker so Truecrypt can finish or how do I backtrack the 99.744% that TrueCrypt already finished so I save the data and start from scratch?

I am running Windows 7 x64 if that matters.

If i can provide further details just let me know.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

"I wanted to also use TrueCrypt encryption on top of Bitlocker"

:blink: WTF???

WIPE it and restore your files from backup, since this is external drive I would assume its your backup so should be no loss.

Where did you get the idea that it would be ok to use 2 whole drive encryption methods? Using a virtual encrypted disk should be fine - but whole drive.. no its pointless for one and second how do you think it would work?

As to backing out - I don't think you can, as to finishing - again I don't think its possible.

You will clearly see on the encryption removal instructions

http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/removing-encryption

Move all files from the TrueCrypt volume to any location outside the TrueCrypt volume (note that the files will be decrypted on the fly).

WARNING: Before you continue, make sure you have selected the correct device, as all files stored on it will be lost. The 'New Partition Wizard' or 'New Simple Volume Wizard' window should appear now; follow its instructions to create a new partition on the device. After the partition is created, it will no longer be required to mount the device with TrueCrypt to be able to save or load files to/from the device.

  • 6 months later...

I badly need help. I've had a look around the internet for a while now trying to find a solution.

I recently encrypted my 1 TB Seagate HDD with BitLocker but it didn't work on XP so i removed the password and started encrypting it with TrueCrypt.

And at 62.318% it says "The media is write protected" =(

It has very important files on it which i don't want to lose... if there's ANY way to finish ecrypting and/or cancel TrueCrypt so i can access my files again, it would be much apprieciated. also, i did not make a backup of my files which i know was very stupid and foolish of me now..

So bitlocker will work on XP for read with the bitlocker reader.

But let me get this right, you started encryption of a disk that had your only copy of critical files on it??

C'mon Dude! Really??? Sorry but I would have to assume your just dicked - just start over and restore you files from your backup. What you don't have a backup of your important files you don't want to loose??

  On 05/10/2011 at 14:00, BudMan said:

So bitlocker will work on XP for read with the bitlocker reader.

But let me get this right, you started encryption of a disk that had your only copy of critical files on it??

C'mon Dude! Really??? Sorry but I would have to assume your just dicked - just start over and restore you files from your backup. What you don't have a backup of your important files you don't want to loose??

Bitlocker Reader didn't work for XP (i couldn't install it)

and i didn't back it up because i didn't have any space to back it up, because i didn't think about anything like this happening.... i guess i've lost my stuff? :cry:

Well what did you download exactly?

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=24303

There is different downloads for XP or vista, and then again different downloads for x64 or x86

Wish I could help, but I would have to say lesson learned, I would never do on the fly encryption of a file system or other aspects of a file system like moving partitions etc where there is critical files without a backup of the files.

Takes a few minutes to create a backup. If your in a situation where you don't have space, you need to correct that!! You should ALWAYS have a backup of your critical files.

I downloaded KB970401-x86.exe, and the plan was to run it on my home pc (which runs on Win7), so i could use my HDD at my course... but it didn't work so, that's when i removed the pw for Bitlocker and tried to install TrueCrypt.

so.. are my files lost forever...?

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Last I checked, their "support clock" runs for five years. So EOL at end of 2028 for this model? Roll your own looks better all the time. I do understand that's not for everyone. I think the least they could do is offer you six months of free cloud so you could migrate to new hardware when the time comes. Assuming you stick with them as your hardware vendor, of course.
    • Music Collection 3.9.1.1 by Razvan Serea Music Collection is a free tool to archive and manage your music library. Add CDs, LPs, tapes, or digital files manually or via the Internet. Retrieve album data by artist, title, barcode, catalog number, or CD scan. Auto-import metadata from audio files. Browse, sort, filter, export, import, and generate reports effortlessly. Music Collection features: The program creates the collection's database in a Microsoft Access format, so if you want later, you can use it, without the help of the program. The user can create as many as different collections wants. Accepts all kinds of musical media (cd, lp, dvd-a, audio files etc.). Specially customized to add and edit classical music albums. Retrieves data from the Internet, such as cd info, album cover, artist information, tracks, and the lyrics of each track etc. For every album the program saves all media contained, every medium tracks and the lyrics for every track. Displays albums using filters or the advanced search feature. Lists selected albums in a grid or using images (default setting). Presents all items contained in the album, in one page for an easy album overview. The details that are shown there are: album cover, album artists, notes, the tracks of each medium, the lyrics of each track and the duration of each one, as well as the total duration of the album. Exports album information to html file. Exports collection albums to html,txt,csv,excel files. Imports album information from text files exported by another program. Manages all program data, such as a list of singers, composers, etc. Manages artist information (biography, best albums). Prints all the data shown in each table.. Creates reports, which you can configure by your preference.. Manages album loans. Shows collection statistics. Searches for tracks and opens the album medium that contains them. Skinable. The user can select from 30 different skins. Multi-language support. Music Collection 3.9.1.1 changelog: Added: Show selected group item total duration. Added: Option to show only the checked albums. Added: Save the checked album property. Added: Play checked tracks. Fixed: Some minor bugs. Download: Music Collection 3.9.1.1 | 8.0 MB (Freeware) Download: Portable Music Collection 3.9.1.1 View: Music Collection Home page | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • Well, the interface is horrible. PST isn't fully functional. Can't properly import Thunderbird contacts into it. All that showed up are names.
    • "all the way down" by 33 whole dollars. Amazing. You shouldn't have.
    • If they make a portable version, I might give it a try, but I will always prefer hotkeys to that approach
  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      Kavin25 earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      Leonard grant earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      pcdoctorsnet earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Rising Star
      Phillip0web went up a rank
      Rising Star
    • One Month Later
      Epaminombas earned a badge
      One Month Later
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      529
    2. 2
      ATLien_0
      207
    3. 3
      +FloatingFatMan
      168
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      150
    5. 5
      snowy owl
      125
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!