Dell Encryption BitLocker Manager Removable Drives Encrypted as Fixed Drives
Summary: This article provides steps to stop Dell Encryption BitLocker Manager from encrypting removable media as a fixed disk in v10.2.2 or later.
Symptoms
Affected Products:
- Dell Encryption BitLocker Manager
Affected Versions:
- v10.2.2 or later
Some removable drives are reported in Explorer as a local disk which causes Dell Encryption BitLocker Manager to attempt to enable encryption when the Encrypt Fixed Drives policy is configured for "Turn On Encryption" even though the Encrypt Removable Drives policy is configured as "Do Not Manage." Even though the BitLocker control panel shows the drives as removable properly from a BitLocker perspective.
Legacy behavior
With HKLM\Software\Dell\Dell Data Protection\UseEncryptableVolumeType registry key is set to DWORD 0 also with the registry key removed, a USB connected backup drive should be protected as a Fixed Drive.
New behavior:
HKLM\Software\Dell\Dell Data Protection\UseEncryptableVolumeType registry key is set to DWORD 1, a USB connected backup drive should be protected as a Removable Drive.
Cause
Not Applicable
Resolution
- Back up the Registry before proceeding, reference How to Back Up and Restore the Registry in Windows
.
- Editing the Registry can cause the computer to become unresponsive on the next reboot.
- Contact Dell Data Security International Support Phone Numbers for assistance if you have concerns about performing this step.
Create or modify Registry Key:
HKLM\Software\Dell\Dell Data Protection\ DWORD = UseEncryptableVolumeType Value=1
To contact support, reference Dell Data Security International Support Phone Numbers.
Go to TechDirect to generate a technical support request online.
For additional insights and resources, join the Dell Security Community Forum.