Windows 10: Encrypted hard drive that I can no longer access on Windows 10

I have an external hard drive that I had to encrypt when using on a work computer. It's protected with a password and to access files, I run unlock.exe and type in a password.
However, since upgrading to Windows 10, I can no longer access the files. When I run unlock.exe an error comes up saying "this app cannot run on your PC". I've tried compatibility troubleshooting and searched forums etc for a solution, but can't find anything.

Can someone help?! *really

:)

 

I have Windows 10 and was using Bit Locker but I cannot see it under Control Panel anymore

I was using BitLocker on my Windows 10 PC and if I load an external drive it recognises it as being locked but I can no longer access BitLocker it through Control Panel etc to encrypt a new drive.

 

Windows 10 failed to install WindowsUpdate_8024201C

Encrypted hard drives cannot upgrade to Windows 10
If you use data encryption software (such as Dell Data Protection | Encryption) to encrypt your hard drive, Windows 10 upgrade will fail and tell you that your computer cannot upgrade. To resolve this issue, you must decrypt your hard drive, then uninstall
any encryption software prior to attempting to upgrade to Windows 10.

Once the Windows 10 upgrade is complete, you can download the latest version of your data encryption software and re-encrypt the hard drive.

 

Hello Katiej, and welcome to Ten Forums. *Smile

What did you use to encrypt the hard drive with?

If you used BitLocker, then you might see if you can use either tutorial below to unlock or recover the hard drive with the Bitlocker password or recovery key.

BitLocker Recovery - Unlock a Drive in Windows 8

BitLocker Repair Tool - Recover Drive in Windows 7 and 8

 

I guess, from the limited information that you provide, that you are using the Smartware software from WDC. The latest version that I find is here:

WD Product Update

It's not listed for Windows 10, but it includes WIndows 8, so it will probably support 10 as well.

The manual for it is here:

http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/librar...779-705057.pdf

Does your employer have any IT staff that could assist you with it?

 

Thanks for the welcome *Smile
I can't remember what tool I used to encrypt it unfortunately. I don't think it was bitlocker as I've attempted the fixes and they haven't worked. Appreciate you trying to help though.

 

Thanks Bobkn
I don't work for that company any more which is part of the problem. I'll take a look at WDC. It sounds like it could be right. I am almost thinking I might have to find someone running Windows 8 or lower still and access it through their computer to remover the password.

 

Hi

There is an article in WD knowledgebase that may help. Not an identical problem. But the solution might be helpful or lead you in the right direction while waiting for WD to get back to you. *Smile (I'm assuming you are going to open a support ticket with them)

http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/...d0xuTDNCd20%3D