Expert Guidance Needed: Recovering Data from a BitLocker-Encrypted SSD After Accidental Deletion
Data loss can be a stressful experience, especially when it involves irreplaceable personal files like photographs. I recently encountered a situation where a friend inadvertently deleted entire folders containing all of his photos from his laptop. Recognizing the urgency, I advised him to shut down the device immediately to prevent further data overwriting.
Subsequently, I removed the SSD from his laptop to create a forensic image. However, I discovered that the drive is protected with BitLocker encryption. Unfortunately, my friend no longer has access to his Microsoft account to retrieve the BitLocker recovery key; he can only log into the Windows user account with his standard password.
I’m seeking guidance on the best approach to access the encrypted data and create a reliable backup. Here’s the current plan I’m considering:
- Reinstall the SSD into the original laptop
- Boot into Windows using the existing user credentials
- Insert a USB drive containing appropriate imaging software
- Create a bit-for-bit image of the unlocked SSD and store it externally
Before proceeding, I’d like to gather expert opinions or best practices in such scenarios. Specifically:
- Is it advisable to reinsert the SSD into the original device before attempting data recovery?
- Are there specific tools or workflows best suited for imaging BitLocker-encrypted drives when the recovery key isn’t accessible?
- What steps could I take if I cannot unlock the drive via the standard user login?
- Do any open-source or commercial solutions stand out for this purpose?
Background & Experience
In my experience, I have worked with a variety of data recovery tools including DDrescue, Recuva, TestDisk, and PhotoRec. I also maintain an old Linux-based laptop dedicated to data rescue tasks, which occasionally proves invaluable for dealing with raw disk images and off-line decrypting operations.
Any insights, recommendations, or resources you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your expertise!
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