Here are answers to some questions about encryption which were submitted by readers of our Question of the Week emails. (We had two emails regarding encryption - you can read the first one HERE and the second HERE.)

Question 1:  Which versions of Windows 7 support BitLocker encryption?

Answer 1:  Only Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise versions support BitLocker encryption. 

 

Question 2:  What if I have Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional?

Answer 2:  You would need to upgrade to the Ultimate version of Windows 7 to have access to BitLocker.  Or, you could use other software, such as TrueCrypt which is free, open-source software.

 

Question 3:  I have Windows 7 Ultimate, where can I find instructions to encrypt my computer's hard drive?

Answer 3: You can find instructions on Microsoft’s site here:  http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee424299(v=ws.10).aspx.

 

Question 4:  I tried to turn on BitLocker following Microsoft’s instructions but I get an error message that my computer doesn’t have TPM.  Does that mean I can’t use BitLocker?

Answer 4:  No, instead of TPM, you can use a USB drive to store the key.  To find out what TPM is and how to use BitLocker without it, click here:
http://www.mockbox.net/http://www.mockbox.net/windows-7/198-enable-bitlocker-on-a-drive-without-tpm.html/198-enable-bitlocker-on-a-drive-without-tpm.

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].

 

---