Retrieving CSS encryption keys with a new motherboard

[jus_chillin]

Hello everyone,

I spilled some water on my laptop, ruined the motherboard and now have a new one installed by IBM warrranty.

My HD was not damaged and I am able to access all my files except a few files and my passwords. The files reside within a "private disk" that was created through CSS 7.0. The passwords are stored in the Password manager.

I followed the instructions for restoring the encryption keys that came back with the repaired laptop. These refer to a utility on the IBM website called "CSS_Gina_reset.exe" to be run in the safe mode after enabling the security chip in the BIOS setting. I tried this a few times and kept getting the response "CSS is not installed in the subsystem". IBM support asked me to remove the existing CSS on the HD and reinstall it - then to run the utility again. Same results.

I tried IBM support again and after being passed around by atleast 4 different groups (about 30 min. wait each), the last guy simply put me back on hold hoping I'd go away - it worked!

I do have a backup of my data on the HD including the "private disk" done prior to the unistall and reinstall of CSS 7.0

So the questions are: Can I get into the "private disk"? If yes, I'd appreciate your assistance. Or is it a lost cause?

I find it hard to believe that there is no way to access these files again. If so, then shame on IBM for their much hyped security chip as it is only a water spill away from complete loss of data.

[egibbs]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about the spill and now the CSS issue.

I had a MB replaced on T42P and didn't have any problem recovering the keys or accessing my private disks, so it is in fact possible.

Are you sure that the version of CSS you are usng now is the same as the one you had before the spill?

Ed Gibbs

[jus_chillin]

Hi Ed,

I was using CSS 7.0 earlier and it is the same verision that I have downloaded. The previous version may not have had the latest update of the 7.0 version - probably was not updated for 3 months or so.

I am glad to hear that it is possbile to restore the keys.

Thanks