Notebook can't start OS after replacing motherboard, hdd was encrypted, so i can't backup my files

[RaYKeX]

Hi, it can't start OS after warranty replacing motherboard. HDD was encrypted (perhaps HP drive encryption, i have the USB flash with a key), so i can't backup my files and reinstall Win X.

I tried to boot from WinPE boot DVD and couldn't open drive C:\. The WinPE offered formatting it. Please answer to me, how i can return my files?

[erico]

I can ask to have your issue escalated.

You will have to remember which type of encryption you used.

Did you not keep a backup in an external storage device of some kind? 

That would have been prudent.

Have you asked your company's IT department what they suggest doing?

The security of your files is your responsibility.

[RaYKeX]

Unfortunately I haven't remember it, and we haven't backup, or I wouldn't be here . How i can check this? May I disassembly laptop with disconnection internal SSD, then connect to another PC, install HP security tools and open with it this SSD?

As for backup, i talk to users about it every time, but it's not allways is possible for them 🙂

[erico]

"May I disassembly laptop with disconnection internal SSD, then connect to another PC, install HP security tools and open with it this SSD?"

That would be an option, but for an HP encryption product it would have to be in an HP Enterprise desktop product.

Make certain that you do not damage anything while doing that, so you don't violate the warranty.  The risk is all yours.

You will need to either purchase a PC Forensics utility or contract with a company that can help you with this. 

It does not make a difference whether the encryption was Windows own method or the HP Encryption. The porgram is clearly doing what it was supposed to.

[RaYKeX]

I can't find HP ProtectTools file to download. Please give me a link.

I found it. Thanks. 🙂

[RaYKeX]

Now i know, that my drive was encrypted with HP drive encryption. I have a key on USB flashdrive. I install hdd with win 8.1 in laptop, then boot and instal HP Security tool, but there is no drive encryption point/checkbox like this video from 1 s to 7 s in the middle column https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0LBD_NBreE

In my Security tools i have only left column and nothing else. What shall I do next?

[erico]

There does exist the pssibility that you have installed an incorrect version and it doesn't recognize the encryption.

[RaYKeX · Accepted solution]

I solved the problem! As I wrote, I added a HDD to laptop, boot from it win 8.1 (OS was installed there, or you need to install win X or win 7on it) and install ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp77501-78000/sp77916.exe (HP Security client) and ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp76001-76500/sp76330.exe (HP drive encryption - HPDE) then launch it. Backup and restore in HPDE couldn't see my backup file, when i pluged in USB flash with HPDE backup. After that I just restarted the laptop and Drive Encryption activated before Windows Boot with a target user. Then I just typed my password and now laptop working again! With all of my files and settings, nothing lost!