BitLocker

Hi
I am considering using BitLocker and have a few questions:-

- when I create a backup image of my hard drive, will that be an image of the locked files i.e. will it also be safe or do I need to turn BitLocker on for that drive too?
- I have quite a large file size (175Gb on the hard drive), will that BitLocker take ages to run and will it slow down the computer once enabled?
- presumably BitLocker just requires me to enter a password each time I use the computer to access the locked files?

Many thanks.

Any backups you make of a Bitlocker-encrypted drive will not be encrypted. This includes using the Windows system image method or any third-party backup utility.

If you move data from a Bitlocker-encrypted drive it will lose its encryption.

When you reboot after setting up Bitlocker, the system drive will begin a lengthy encryption process, which will increase in time for larger drive volumes.

Bitlocker encrypts every single bit on a drive, so today's large hard drives will take a long time to complete the process.

As far as I'm aware, your system will take a performance hit after encryption so you need to weigh up which is more important to you: performance or security.

When you create your encrypted volume, you will be prompted to create a recovery key password, which you will need to access the drive.

If you intend encrypting more than one drive, make sure you encrypt your system volume first. When you restart your computer after you have done this, you will then be able to encrypt other volumes on your hard drive(s).

MadSupra354 said:

I used BitLocker on my 142GB backup drive, and it didn't take that long. As for the 3rd question I've been wondering about that too. What if you encrypt the boot data? Will Windows not boot?I don't know. But I only stuck with encrypting my backup.

Loads of information on BitLocker here:

BitLocker Drive Encryption in Windows 7: Frequently Asked Questions

Many thanks.
I'll try it and will encrypt my backup drive too.

slater said:

Many thanks.
I'll try it and will encrypt my backup drive too.

You're very welcome.

Keep us posted on how things go.