I am running bitlocker on a Win 7 system and using a USB key to start the system. I have been trying to create a duplicate USB key following the procedures in bitlocker but the 2nd key is not recognized at start up. I have tried several USB sticks with no luck. Am I missing something, or is this a known issue and how do I procede?

Are you formatting the new USB keys on the same machine you are trying to create the key for?

Yes. I have tried new sticks and used ones and have done a full format before creating the bitlocker key. It appears that the key is created but when I try to start the system from the key Windows returns an error and requests the USB key. If I then insert the original key that I created when I activated bitlocker the system will start. I have also tried copying the original key to a blank formatted stick with no luck. There is a text file that is created on the stick that contains the key and that that string key matches the one that was created when I activated bitlocker. If I type in that text string in lieu of using a USB key the system will start. The system is built on an ASUS motherboard without a TMP module.

Hi, use one or more of the following methods: • Make sure that the USB device is connected to one of the computer's USB ports. For example, do not connect the USB device to an external USB hub. • Disconnect other USB devices from the computer. The computer's BIOS may not able to read the data on the USB device if other USB devices are present. Note The order in which the BIOS detects USB devices may affect BitLocker. • Contact the manufacturer of your computer or your motherboard to make sure that the computer's BIOS can read data from a USB device when the computer starts. You may be able to update the computer's BIOS to a newer version that supports BitLocker. • USB Devices that are used to start Windows PE or other operating systems may not work with BitLocker. Reformat the USB device in the encrypted computer so that it is not used as a startup device. Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Thank you for your reply. I have tried everything that has been suggested but nothing works. Please note that the original USB key I generated when I first encrypted the HD works fine in starting the system. I am simply trying to create a duplicated key for a backup. Using the procedure outlined in bitlocker seems to create the second key, but the system will not start from it.

Hi, Please format this USB device as the format of original USB key, then save the startup key into the new drive. Additionally, You may also turn off the Bitlocker, then use this USB key for saving the startup key to determine whether this USB key can be detected.Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

I examined a USB device under Linux and discovered a file that I could not see under Windows. You mentioned you saw the text file, but there may also be a file on the USB device ending with BEK. Try to find this BEK file and copy the file to the new USB device and see if this works.