Backup Software with Full Disk Encryption

[Braxton Eaton]

If the entire system partition or disk was encrypted and backup software was being used in Windows, would a restore be possible? I would assume after a password is entered at boot, the files are decrypted and the backup software would be able to backup files. I am thinking about using Veeam Agent for Windows. Would anyone know if this would work and a bare metal restore would be possible?

Thanks!

[Gary Marks]

I can't comment on whether Veeam Agent works, but for years I used Acronis True Image (with PGP, then TrueCrypt, then VeraCrypt), and more recently I've been using Macrium Reflect for a less bloated backup solution. Whenever I've tested backup software, I've found one or two programs that are incompatible with encrypted partitions, and others insist on making sector-based backups which preclude effective use of compression or the exclusion of free space and unnecessary files like swap and hibernation files. If the backup file produced is approximately the same size as the partition, it's a sector-based backup and you may want to switch to another backup solution. Whatever you use, test your entire restoration procedure on a spare drive before your emergency strikes.

[shsh]

So what is the way to go in terms of backup when dealing with an encrypted system drive? Even as Acronis says its backing up the MBR too, I'm not able to boot a restored system drive, seems that Acronis itself is messing around with MBR...

[petitlou60]

Hello,
When you backup encrypted drive ,by for example macrium reflect free, backup is not encrypted
so the best way is to write backup file in another veracrypt partition container on NAS or USB disk
IF now you need to restore backup you obtain an un encrypted system
so when restore is finish you need to modify somme configurations files before reboot
so you need to start command windows from your backup/restore program
On UEFI system start :
mountvol B: /s
b:
cd EFI
rmdir /S VeraCrypt
cd Microsoft\Boot
move bootmgfw_ms.vc bootmgfw.efi
copy bootmgfw.efi ....\Boot\bootx64.efi
del ....\Boot\original_bootx64.vc_backup
%SystemDrive%
mountvol B: /d
On MBR system you need to restore standard MBR, if i rember it is possiblé from Macrium
another solution is to use fixmbr command

After reboot you need to restart encrypt system
bests regards

[shsh]

You are my hero! This one saved my life. How on earth is it possible that this function isnt included in VeraCrypt rescue media?!

[shsh]

or in Acronis. Can't understand it.