Whole disk encryption for GPT filesystem running 7


  1. Posts : 334
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       #1

    Whole disk encryption for GPT filesystem running 7


    If this is not the right spot for this post please move it. Thanks

    I have been working on a laptop for work and it has been very hard all the way around.

    Objective: Work has asked that I set up whole disk encryption on this laptop.

    Here is the story: This laptop originally had windows 8 on it. The laptop is an HP Pavilion 17-e049wm or something like that. Work told us to put Symantec Full Disk Encryption on the laptop. Problem:This product does not support windows 8! We talked to work and they said make it work anyway.
    So I buy and try to install windows 7. $100.... Turned out to be a bigger headache than originally expected. It has the EUFI system so that took different steps than normal.

    I got 7 on and it had no drivers. A call to HP only got my warranty voided. (Thanks HP) All drivers were for windows 8 so what do i do? I install windows 8 drivers and HOPE they work. Some worked some didn't. Eventually I got all drivers working. Now I have pretty windows 7

    I begin installing Symantec Full Disk Encryption and it errors out. It cost $100 I eventually got a refund. Turns out it is not compatible with GPT file system. So now work says if I have windows 8 pro I can use bittlocker.

    Me:Great you tell me this AFTER i blow windows 8 away and install 7. Well I have no interest to spend another $200 to get back were i started.

    Next thing to consider. If I upgrade to 7 ultimate for $100 I can have bitlocker too.
    I head to windows anytime upgrade and it says 7 ultimate no longer exists and to go with windows 8.

    So now I am shopping for a whole disk encryption software that will work with the GPT partition table so I can ask work if I can use that. I have already wasted enough money can I just use Truecrypt? lol

    Thanks for suggestions.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 334
    7 home premium 64 bit
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       #2

    Ok I have been doing research on whole disk encryption and i think i like truecrypt but I dont understand it all the way.

    Work says things that it must be able to do is
    1 Be full disk
    2 Have 256 bit encryption
    3 Ability to use USB to unincrypt is preferred.
    4 Must support GPT file system.
    5 They want me to enter a password before it even boots to os.

    Things i would like a little more explanation of.

    You have encryption algorithms--such as AES--and it consists of 256 bit key 128 bit block and 14 rounds. What does that mean? Is the key the 256 bit encryption or the block? And what is a round?
    Also they have hash algorithms.
    So there is a little more i need to learn.

    Help would be much appreciated. Thanks
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 334
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    Thread Starter
       #3

    Ok here is an update.

    Things i have figured out.

    They are full disk
    They do support GPT filesystem
    They do make you enter your password before you even boot via their boot loader.
    I can make it so my computer will only boot if i have cd or usb stick (As it puts the boot loader on the cd or usb stick)

    I think it is 256 bit but I havent confirmed.

    So last thing is IS IT 256 bit encryption.

    Once that is confirmed I can continue as I have meet the requirements of work.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 334
    7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #4

    They do support GPT filesystem
    Gee this is annoying!!! It is not supported in 8 and 2000. So is it supported in windows 7?

    Where i got my info.

    TrueCrypt - Version History - Part 2

    V4.3
    Support for devices with a GPT partition table (GUID partitions). (Windows Vista/2003/XP)
    What about 7????

    I tried joining there forum--as they should know about there product--but they wont accept my e-mail address as it is from a free provider.

    I need Some help....
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 334
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    Thread Starter
       #5

    By the way, TC works fine with Windows 8 if you don't have UEFI BIOS or are using the legacy boot mode. I'm using the full system encryption and some containers, and it works fine.
    This is from TrueCrypt Forums :: Windows 8 support - What does it entail in the code?

    I am using legacy mode. So my research results in I know nothing and will probably screw up my laptop.

    I am getting tired lol spent way to many hours at this. I wonder if there is a cheering squad available for me lol. If I do find a solution to this I would love to help everyone with this problem as all my co-workers are in the same boat as me lol.

    Wish me luck
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 334
    7 home premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Ok i decide to look ONE MORE TIME to make sure that there was no program that supported uefi GPT and found somthing called Bestcrypt.

    Link
    http://www.jetico.com/products/perso...me-encryption/

    It claims that it fully supports UEFI\GPT\Window8.

    The price is $100 but it seems to do evrything i need plus it supports 448 bit encryption lol. I will never need nor want 448bit encryption but it is something they offered lol.

    I suppose that i will mark this post as solved for the mean time.

    Computergeekguy
      My Computer


 

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