Overview of Rescue Procedures

BestCrypt Volume Encryption provides the user with a number of procedures to avoid loosing of encrypted data in accidental cases. For example, because of damaging physical sectors where critical data is stored (like encrypted volume headers).

Recovering encrypted data is possible if the user has Rescue File for the volume. BestCrypt Volume Encryption always creates and updates Rescue File (rescue.rsc) in the folder where the software is installed. Information inside Rescue File is encrypted exactly in the same way as on volumes, so there is no risk that someone not knowing proper passwords can use the file. Since the folder where the software is installed can also be encrypted or even stored on damaged disk, BestCrypt Volume Encryption suggests the user should use commands from Rescue menu to copy Rescue File to safe place.

Several accidental situations are possible:

Boot/System volume is encrypted. If physical damage of the volume occurs, it will be impossible to boot computer. BestCrypt Volume Encryption suggests the user should create Rescue Bootable CD or Floppy Disk. The bootable disk contains Rescue File and special recovering program that starts just after booting computer from the disk. The recovering program displays information about volumes and after confirmation starts decrypting process.
Regular volume is encrypted. In this case it is possible to run BestCrypt Volume Encryption program, select damaged volume in the main window of the program and run the Rescue->Decrypt Volume using Rescue File command. The program allows using Rescue File located on any disk.
Another kind of problems can also occur. BestCrypt Volume Encryption can store encryption key on hardware USB token device (Aladdin eToken). If you lose the token, it will be impossible to access the volume. So it is strongly recommended to copy keys stored on the token you use in everyday work to another token and keep the backup token in a safe place. Command Rescue->Hardware Token->Backup Encryption Keys to other Token is added for that purpose.

Note that Rescue File stores information in encrypted form. If you forget password for some volume, it will be impossible to decrypt the volume using Rescue File.