How to Password-Protect Your External Hard Drive on Windows Vista

Protect the data on your external hard drive with a password saved to a USB flash drive.

Encrypt the information saved on and external drive to keep it safe in the event of a theft or security breech. Windows Vista Enterprise edition came packaged with BitLocker drive encryption software which can be applied to any drive where you have files stored. This is an optional, free download for users of Windows Vista Ulitmate edition. Once encrypted, choose a password to protect that information from prying eyes.

Things You'll Need

• Windows Vista Ultimate or Enterprise edition
• BitLocker drive encryption software
• USB flash drive

Instructions

1. Download and install the BitLocker drive encryption program if your computer has Vista Ultimate. Go to the Vista Ultimate download page for the necessary files and installation instructions. Skip this step if your computer runs Vista Enterprise edition, which also enables use of the password protected external hard drive.

2. Click on the "Start" menu then select "Control Panel" and click on "Security."

3. Double click on "BitLocker Drive Encryption."

4. Choose "Turn On BitLocker" and follow the prompts, inserting the letter of your external hard drive when asked which drive to protect.

5. Select "Save Password on a USB Drive" and insert the USB flash drive into an open USB port.

6. Insert the USB flash drive into your computer when you reboot and press "ESC" to continue the start up.

References

• Technet Microsoft: Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption Step By Step Guide
• Microsoft Windows: Set Up Your Hard Drive for BitLocker Drive Encryption

Resources

• Microsoft: BitLocker Drive Encryption Download for Windows Vista Ulitmate