Vista - Bitlocker USB Key Requirements

My TPM is version 1.1 so I am forced to use a USB Key with Bitlocker. I am
using a standard USB key presently but I'm concerned about the long term
wear on the USB connector from plugging and unplugging the USB key over the
long term.

Does anyone know if I could use an Expresscard USB Reader with an SD Card
rather than an actual USB key to log-on with Bitlocker? The Expresscard can
remain in the laptop and I would simply insert and remove the SD Card.

I'd think it will work but won't want to guarantee it. Plugging in and
unplugging the key once at boot isn't that big a deal, though.

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"Kevin Young" <KY_NNTP@msn.com> wrote in message
news:8F9D5FCF-F57D-475C-991B-57B5F9E7CE62@microsoft.com...
> My TPM is version 1.1 so I am forced to use a USB Key with Bitlocker. I
> am using a standard USB key presently but I'm concerned about the long
> term wear on the USB connector from plugging and unplugging the USB key
> over the long term.
>
> Does anyone know if I could use an Expresscard USB Reader with an SD Card
> rather than an actual USB key to log-on with Bitlocker? The Expresscard
> can remain in the laptop and I would simply insert and remove the SD Card.

I've been using BitLocker with a USB key (and TPM) for six months now. There
is no noticeable wear and tear on the port.

I'd imagine a faulty USB port would fall under your warranty too.

"Richard G. Harper" wrote:

> I'd think it will work but won't want to guarantee it. Plugging in and
> unplugging the key once at boot isn't that big a deal, though.
>
> --
> Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] rgharper@gmail.com
> * NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
> * PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
> * The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
> * HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
>
>
> "Kevin Young" <KY_NNTP@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:8F9D5FCF-F57D-475C-991B-57B5F9E7CE62@microsoft.com...
> > My TPM is version 1.1 so I am forced to use a USB Key with Bitlocker. I
> > am using a standard USB key presently but I'm concerned about the long
> > term wear on the USB connector from plugging and unplugging the USB key
> > over the long term.
> >
> > Does anyone know if I could use an Expresscard USB Reader with an SD Card
> > rather than an actual USB key to log-on with Bitlocker? The Expresscard
> > can remain in the laptop and I would simply insert and remove the SD Card.
>
>
>

"Kevin Young" <KY_NNTP@msn.com> wrote in message
news:8F9D5FCF-F57D-475C-991B-57B5F9E7CE62@microsoft.com...
> My TPM is version 1.1 so I am forced to use a USB Key with Bitlocker. I
> am using a standard USB key presently but I'm concerned about the long
> term wear on the USB connector from plugging and unplugging the USB key
> over the long term.
>
> Does anyone know if I could use an Expresscard USB Reader with an SD Card
> rather than an actual USB key to log-on with Bitlocker? The Expresscard
> can remain in the laptop and I would simply insert and remove the SD Card.


Why not simply get a USB extension cable, leave it plugged in to the USB
key, so there's no wear and tear on the key, and plug the cable in and out?

I don't think that a card reader will work, unless it presents the card to
the OS exactly as a USB Flash Drive without requiring any driver support.
BitLocker looks for the key before it loads any OS components, or any
drivers, so it can't use anything sophisticated (this is why there's no
fingerprint scanner support, either).

Alun.
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