Solved backup encryption key prompt?

[HAVOC]

I just updated the BIOS for my EVGA X99 Classified (using a flash drive). Upon restart I got this prompt. I don't use file encryption. Did Windows see something on the flash drive to make it think it was an encryption key? It was a brand new, never used before flash drive, FAT32 16GB.

 

[Brink]

Hello HAVOC,

You might see if using the method in the tutorial below may be able to find any encrypted files.

Find All Encrypted Files in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Security System Tutorials

 

[HAVOC]

Used method one, command prompt.

 

[Brink]

Well, no encrypted files found.

If you like, you could delete the certificate to stop getting the backup message.

 

[HAVOC]

I restarted my computer this morning (had to change fan speeds in the BIOS) and I got the message again. How do I delete the certificate?

 

[HAVOC]

I found this. Do I just click the red X to delete it?

 

[Barman58]

It would appear to me that when the certificate was created it used a function/entry(ies) in the BIOS to generate the Certificate, now you have altered the BIOS this link is incorrect and it is now just trying to backup the updated data in the certificate,

You can do whatever you like with the file - Windows may just recreate it, or accept it's deletion, (un-likely) - so I would follow the prompts to either back-up the key (in case you ever do use encryption ), or state never backup if you decide this is best. (just wait until you next re-boot)

I can vaguely recall this happening quite regularly on Windows 7, when I used it, and If I searched my data stores I'm sure I would find several backups of various keys

 

[HAVOC]

It would appear to me that when the certificate was created it used a function/entry(ies) in the BIOS to generate the Certificate

I never created a certificate. I just tried to backup the key to see what this encryption was about. I get as far as this.

 

[Barman58]

The certificate is built as a part of the initial Win7 set-up process - You do not need to do anything

From where you are in the image - use the Browse function to navigate to where you want to save the key backup file - Give it a name and save as you would any other file. The option of naming the file yourself is for those who are saving multiple Key File backups to the same storage location so you can match the file to the system

 

[HAVOC]

I think I found out what might have caused it. I have the GEGeek_Toolkit on my computer. I recently updated it and saved it to one of my new 16GB flash drives. While saving it said something about some password thing is missing.

I tried "cipher /c /n" with the flash drive inserted and no files are found.

 

[Callender]

RE: GE Geek Toolkit. I've just updated it but I use the old free version.

​

I just updated apps but GE Geek directory is C:\GEGeek Toolkit. Is that the directory you copied to a flash drive?

I don't get the same error.

 

[HAVOC]

I just formatted my flash drive. Re-ran the Ketarin update on C:\\ and I'm now copying the toolkit folder back to my flash drive. I saved the encryption key to another flash drive then deleted the key. I no longer get the prompt when I start my computer.

I think the toolkit may have had something to do with it.

 

[Callender]

Don't know much about encryption key. I copied GE Geek Toolkit to a flash drive and it ran with no issues.

 

[HAVOC]

Haven't seen the prompt when starting my computer anymore. Weird. There was a password program that had an error but nothing related to file encryption.