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    Back up your file encryption key? What is this?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Kain, Dec 14, 2009.

  1. Kain

    Kain Notebook Evangelist

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    I got this message in the taskbar. What is this?

    It states the following: "Creating this backup file helps you avoid permanently losing access to your encrypted files if the original certificate and key are lost of corrupted."

    I have three options:

    Back up now (Recommended)
    Back up later
    Never back up

    I have never encrypted anything. Should I just select "Never back up?" This message shows up every time I restart my computer.
     
    Kain, Dec 14, 2009
    #1
  2. BrandonSi

    BrandonSi Notebook Savant

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    Turn off bit-locker, that should take care of it. Try Control Panel -> Security.
     
    BrandonSi, Dec 14, 2009
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  3. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    Somewhere you did. Look for some green files or folders--that is how Vista identifies encrypted files in explorer view
     
    gerryf19, Dec 14, 2009
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  4. Kain

    Kain Notebook Evangelist

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    Is there some sort of command or search feature that searches my HDD for encrypted files?
     
    Kain, Dec 14, 2009
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  5. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    Not that I am aware of, but I will take a look later. You will also get this message if you encrypted a file, but then unencrypted. Windows assumes you plan to USE encryption from this point forward. The encryption is user specific.

    If you wish, follow the wizard and save the encryption file (tiny little file)--you will not see the alert again
     
    gerryf19, Dec 14, 2009
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  6. Kain

    Kain Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't even know how to encrypt a file. I read around and it seems it's a bug in Vista as other users have also received this message.

    By the way, did you find how to search for encrypted files? :)
     
    Kain, Dec 15, 2009
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  7. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    No, I didn't....I think there is a way to do it from the command prompt, but I cannot recall.

    Just back up the file and the message will go away,
     
    gerryf19, Dec 15, 2009
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  8. Kain

    Kain Notebook Evangelist

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    I noticed I already have the different color identification for encrypted files on. However, I can't seem to find anything that is another color. Say there is a file in folder 2 that is encrypted and folder 2 is in folder 1, would folder 1 also be a different color than the folders without an encrypted file?
     
    Kain, Dec 19, 2009
    #8
  9. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    No, only the encrypted folder would be....

    There is an old windows 2000 server tool that may help you...not sure if it still works in Vista or not, but its a command line tool. If it does, it looks like it will search sub folders recursively, so you could search your entire USERS directory (will take some time)
     
    gerryf19, Dec 19, 2009
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  10. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    I wouldn't worry too much about this message. If you don't encrypt files, it's not a bother.
     
    surfasb, Dec 19, 2009
    #10