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Added security, now laptop doesn't get past HP splash page
I have an HP laptop that I added True Crypt security. Now when I try to bootup, I cannot even get past the HP splash page. Because I cannot get past this first page, I cannot remove it at this time. When I remove the hard drive, the computer tries to bootup, but says there is no Boot drive found. Did this security destroy the hard drive by locking it up? Running Windows 7
I had a similar problem with a bestcrypt boot encrypted drive on a desktop PC.
To resolve the problem, I removed the HD and placed it in another PC that had bestcrypt installed (USB External works fine). It was now just a regular disk in the second PC (ie. not a boot disk) so I was then able to easily decrypt it. When I replaced it back into the first PC everything was fine.
This procedure should work for Truecrypt.
NOTE: My original problem was not a bestcrypt problem ... in fact I always recommend bestcrypt (jetico.com) above truecrypt. It's not free but it's easier to use.
To resolve the problem, I removed the HD and placed it in another PC that had bestcrypt installed (USB External works fine). It was now just a regular disk in the second PC (ie. not a boot disk) so I was then able to easily decrypt it. When I replaced it back into the first PC everything was fine.
This procedure should work for Truecrypt.
NOTE: My original problem was not a bestcrypt problem ... in fact I always recommend bestcrypt (jetico.com) above truecrypt. It's not free but it's easier to use.
ASKER
I got the drive in the second computer and the system partition is mounted, but how do you decrypt it? I can't find that step
ASKER
I found out how to try to decrypt the partitions, but it says none of the partitions seem to be encrypted. Any idea why it would say that? This happened after loading the encryption software.
I can't find that stepI don't really use truecrypt so I don't know off the top of my head. I'll try and find out.
In the meantime, I recommend that you add "Encryption" as the 3rd topic area for this question.
EDITS:
Have a look at the bottom of this page ....
http://superuser.com/questions/467846/decrypting-a-truecrypt-drive-pulled-from-another-machine
This looks better ....
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-decrypt-truecrypt-encrypted-drive-or-partition
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I've been reading this http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/removing-encryption
and it appears that truecrypt cannot decrypt non-system volumes ...... you have to open them and copy the contents to another location and delete the original container. (and in your case, copy it back and use a utility to make the disk bootable)
Your second PC may possibly treat the second disk as non-system volume ....
Do you have this truecrypt option available ?
System > Permanently Decrypt System Partition/Drive
but it says none of the partitions seem to be encryptedSorry, I only just spotted your second post of today ..... and I'm very puzzled by this.
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ASKER
Although I was not able to save the hard drive by opening it in the original laptop, I was able to save the files I needed by going through the computer that I added True Crypt to. Thanks for all the help.
ASKER