BitLocker encryption can't be completed, disk data cannot be read

Question

The Win10 Enterprise Edition always stays at 0.7% when encrypting an external 2T mechanical hard drive (1.5T data exist).

Two days after the first encryption, BitLocker automatically exits and the hard drive ejects the system. After plugging and unplugging the hard drive again, entering with password still keep 0.7% interface, and clicking on "Manage BitLocker" cannot cancel the encryption by "turn off BitLocker"

Seagate customer service: Unable to recover hard drive data, contact Microsoft customer service; Microsoft Hotline: Possible hard drive damage during encryption.

Excuse me, I look forward to hearing back as soon as possible. Thank you very much!

1. How to recover data? Or how to cancel the encryption process?
2. How can we avoid or reduce the probability of errors when encrypting a mechanical hard drive with a large amount of data in next time?
3. What is the difference in error probability when encrypting mechanical hard drives with or without data?
4. If 2 mech hard disk with RAID1 model by USD external device, BitLocker can encrypt this drive? how to apply process?

Answer 1

Hello John-Jun,

Thank you for your question and for reaching out with your question today.

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're facing with BitLocker encryption on your external hard drive. Data loss during encryption can be a challenging situation. While I can offer some general guidance, it's important to note that data recovery and troubleshooting encryption issues can be complex and may require professional assistance. Here are some steps and information to consider:

Recovering Data:

1. If BitLocker encryption is causing issues and you cannot access your data, it's crucial to stop any further attempts to use the drive or modify it. Continuing to use the drive or attempting to decrypt it can potentially cause further damage or data loss.
2. Consult a data recovery professional: If you have important data on the drive and cannot access it, it's best to consult a professional data recovery service. They have the tools and expertise to assess the situation and attempt to recover your data safely. Do not attempt to recover the data yourself if you are not familiar with data recovery procedures, as it could lead to further damage.

Canceling the Encryption Process:

1. If you want to cancel the encryption process on BitLocker, you should be able to do so by right-clicking on the drive in Windows Explorer, selecting "Manage BitLocker," and then choosing "Turn off BitLocker." However, since you mentioned this option did not work, it's essential to focus on data recovery first and not to perform any further actions that might worsen the situation.

Avoiding Errors in Encryption:

1. Backup your data: Before attempting any encryption process or major changes to your storage devices, always back up your data to a secure location. This ensures that you have a copy of your important files in case of any unexpected issues.
2. Check the health of the storage device: Ensure that the hard drive you are planning to encrypt is in good health. Perform a disk health check and check for any bad sectors or issues that could potentially cause problems during the encryption process.

Encryption on RAID1 External Devices:

BitLocker can encrypt RAID1 external devices without any issues, as long as the RAID array is recognized by Windows as a single logical drive. To encrypt such a setup, follow these steps:

1. Connect the RAID1 external device to your computer.
2. Right-click on the RAID1 drive in Windows Explorer, and then select "Turn on BitLocker."
3. Follow the BitLocker setup wizard to configure the encryption settings and choose the password or encryption method.
4. The encryption process will start, and you should let it complete without any interruptions.

Again, if you encounter any issues or have concerns about data integrity, it's best to consult a data recovery or IT professional for guidance.

Please remember that data recovery can be delicate and complicated, so it's essential to proceed with caution and seek expert assistance when necessary.

I used AI provided by ChatGPT to formulate part of this response. I have verified that the information is accurate before sharing it with you.

If the reply was helpful, please don’t forget to upvote or accept as answer.

Best regards.