So, you want to BitLocker an existing computer?

re: So, you want to BitLocker an existing computer?

Garrett — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:10:38 GMT

FYI - In regards to my previous question, VistaGuy (at vistaheads.com) responded with the following (helpful) post:

-- snip --

You have to recreate the startup key for BitLocker. Assuming you encrypted

the C-drive, these two commands should do the job:

manage-bde -protectors -delete C: -Type ExternalKey

manage-bde -protectors -add C: -StartupKey <USBDrive>:

-- end --

re: So, you want to BitLocker an existing computer?

Garrett — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:45:49 GMT

I use BitLocker (w/o a TPM) and it works great. However, I'm baffled as to how to "change my password," so to speak. I tried disabling BDE and then re-enabling. I then produced a new startup key, but it was identical to the old one. I didn't see any helpful cmd line options when using the manage-bde.wsf tool either.

Am I missing something? There's gotta be a way to change the startup key w/o having to decrypt and then re-encrypt the whole drive. Thanks for any input you can provide on this.

Partition size

Adrian Pavone — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:05:59 GMT

Just thought I would let you know, 1.5GB is actually 1536MB, which is why your drive was not quite 1.5G, and why you were having the issues described.

This is because 1GB is really 1024MB, not 1000MB as so many people seem to think. Part of the problem is that marketting tries to convince us that 1000 is correct (cheaper for them), whereas the computer uses the real 1024.

Otherwise, brilliant instructions, worked a treat.

re: So, you want to BitLocker an existing computer?

steve — Sun, 13 May 2007 18:31:17 GMT

The Bitlocker drive preparation tool can be downloaded and makes this much easier.

re: So, you want to BitLocker an existing computer?

Aaron — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:06:35 GMT

Thank you sooooo much Jesper! You have done users worldwide a great service. Two days ago, I upgraded my OS from Vista Business to Ultimate, expressly for the purpose of using BitLocker. After the upgrade completed, I discovered that BitLocker would not install since I had only one partition. Instead, BitLocker insisted that re-install Vista. However, since I had done a Vista Upgrade, the only install option available was a CLEAN INSTALL! I hit the fan. I ran in circles. I prayed. And then.... I read your post. Your solution worked perfectly within minutes. Thank you so very much!

re: So, you want to BitLocker an existing computer?

Stephen Edgar — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 05:07:23 GMT

There is also some great step-by-step guides for various TPM or Non-TPM instalations and FAQ's over at Technet. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/security/bitlockr.mspx