Windows 7 asking me to back up encryption keys...

[Ichinisan]

Is it normal to get this message when you aren't using those features, or does this mean that file / storage encryption got enabled somehow?

I've never configured any of the encryption features of Win7 Ultimate. Unless I'm actually USING the encryption features, I expect Windows to behave like the Home editions in this regard and never pop-up anything like this.

I want to make sure BitLocker or any kind of file storage encryption is disabled. I don't want to complicate any file recovery procedures if there is a crash / corruption while I'm in the middle of something important.

[edit]
I just checked. BitLocker is disabled. I have no idea if there's any point to this when I'm not using BitLocker. I started to go through the pop-up dialog and then I reach this screen, where I'd have no idea what to select.

"Include all certificates in the certification path if possible"
"Export all extended properties"

There's no way for a user to make an informed decision without extensively researching public/private key encryption and the different certificate storage formats; but the dialog box expects users to make a decision immediately.

 

[corkyg]

With BitLocker disabled you should not get that message. Just say no. Could be a hacker phishing for your keys.

 

[Ichinisan]

Hmm. My friend also has Win7 Ultimate and tells me he got the same dialog once. Like me, he's not using BitLocker. I think Microsoft needs to add some explanation to this dialog or make sure it never appears if you're not using BitLocker.

 

[theevilsharpie]

Windows 7 Ultimate supports EFS, while Windows 7 Home doesn't. EFS is always enabled, and that wizard is prompting you to back up your EFS keys.

 

[corkyg]

Interesting! I guess if you never encrypt anything, this never really gets activated. I have Win 7 Ultimate on three systems and EFS has never been used -AFAIK, there are no keys estabished.

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLG_enUS316US316&q=Win+7+EFS+Keys