The bitlocker metadata for the encrypted drive is not valid

Question

_{Wednesday, July 15, 2020 10:01 PM}

Hello Everybody,

I hope someone here can help. I have a Windows 10 computer that shows bitlocker at startup. I have the bitlocker key that I obtained from the Microsoft Website. Anyway after finding instructions online I start the computer in recovery mode and find my way to the DOS prompt. Afterward, I  run the command (Manage-bde -protectors -disable c:) and get the error (The bitlocker metadata for the encrypted drive is not valid.  You can attempt to repair the drive or restore access.).

The error message says I can attempt to repair the drive but I cannot login to the Windows 10 OS. How does one handle this sort of a problem with bitlocker?

I might add that no changes were made to the computer that I know of to invoke bitlocker at startup.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
Rick

All replies (4)

_{Thursday, July 16, 2020 8:15 AM}

Hello,

You can repair the drive using BitLocker Repair command-line tool.

In Command Prompt window, type this command:

repair-bde {Corrupted Drive}** {O/P Drive} -rp** {Recovery Key} -f

{Corrupted Drive}: Replace it with existing encrypted drive.

{O/P Drive}: Drive where recovered content will be saved.

{Recovery Key}: Recovery key.
**
**If ACTION REQUIRED says to run chkdsk, do it.

Hope this helps!

Microsoft MVP (Windows and Devices for IT)

Windows Insider MVP

Windows Help & Support [www.kapilarya.com]

_{Thursday, July 16, 2020 9:28 PM}

Hi Kapil,

Thank you for your reply. I'm trying to understand the logic. In your first sentence you say (You can repair the drive) and go on to say to use a second drive where the recovered content is saved. I appreciate your help but I'm still not sure what is happening, will the original drive be repaired after running the command?

Thanks again,

Rick 

_{Friday, July 17, 2020 6:48 AM}

Hi, 

How did you get into recovery mode? Through bootable USB disk or F8 or others? Make sure you are not using third party tool or any hacker measure to get into recovery mode.

Normally, we need to download ISO image on another computer to USB drive. Then boot this computer from USB drive to get into Windows Recovery image. After that use repair-bde command line tool in Windows Recovery image to unlock system. 

For more details, please refer the following to the following link:

How to Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10

How to Use BitLocker Repair Tool to Recover Encrypted Drive in Windows

This "Windows 10 Security" Forum will be migrating to a new home on Microsoft Q&A, please refer to this sticky post for more details.

Bests, 

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We invite you to post new questions in the "Windows 10 Security"  forum's new home on Microsoft Q&A!

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_{Wednesday, July 29, 2020 10:11 AM}

Hi, 

Any update?

Bests,

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