home folder encryption

[Viva]

I chose to encrypt my home folder while installing oneireic. On the first boot, a window popped up telling me to do something important to complete the encryption process, but I overlooked it and closed the window. Was it related to setting up the pass phrase and key? How do I go about completing the process? Sorry for the lack of clarity about the actual message, it was late in the night and I overlooked it except for the fact that it was related to encryption of the home partition.

[orange2k]

It is a message telling you to write down the decryption key for your now encrypted home folder if case you ever had system brake down and want to retrieve the data from the home folder...

I also don't know how to make the system repeat that message...

[Mark Phelps]

If the encryption completed successfully, and you did not write down the passphrase, or otherwise remember what you entered -- you're HOSED!

Don't bother asking if there's any way to "crack" the password because there isn't. And, it is not stored anywhere such that you can find it.

Basically, if you don't know what you're doing, you should not be messing around with encryption.

Don't use this myself, so my guess would be that you would have to reinstall to get access back. And this time, reconsider your need for an encrypted /home folder.

[Viva]

Couldn't I just reinstall ubuntu? I can still log in to ubuntu btw.

[dFlyer]

If you can login and have access to your home folder you have nothing to worry about. Just write down your passcode and move on.

[Rex Bouwense]

You can always re-install, but unless you can back up any data, pictures,etc. that is on home, it will be lost.

[Viva]

If you can login and have access to your home folder you have nothing to worry about. Just write down your passcode and move on.

How do I find out the passcode?

[U-Ren]

If you used encryption, there is no way that your home folder will open unless you know the pass code or log on with your account. Trust me, I tried (lol-poor me!)
Do not re install without backing up the data, in fact, that will end any chance for you to access your files. Keeping your home folder encrypted has no problems unless your system dies as you won't be able to back them up say, with a Ubuntu live cd. Basically, you'll have to keep your files backed up at all times.

I always use home encryption and I also tend to lose my pass codes. Back up is the only way to be sure that your stuff will be there no matter what.

[Mark Phelps]

How do I find out the passcode?

Basically ... you DON'T!

What would be the point of encryption if you could simply find out the passcode?

[dFlyer]

How do I find out the passcode?

If your home folder opened when you logged in you know the passcode because you would have had to use it. Otherwise your home folder isn't encrypted.

[orange2k]

If your home folder opened when you logged in you know the passcode because you would have had to use it. Otherwise your home folder isn't encrypted.

Thats not true. You still need that long password to recover data from the home folder if a system breakdown occurs. If the system works fine then you only need the login password, but only then. It is wise to write down that long password...

[SlugSlug]

that box that pops up asking to create a recovery code, -- mine popped back up after a reboot & I also noticed there is a command to run to force it to come back up... but i didn't take note sorry

[Viva]

Looks like the drive wasn't encrypted after all. I could simply mount it from the live cd.

[Viva]

Just checked my log messages and found this.

pam_ecryptfs: pam_sm_authenticate: /home/main is already mounted

Is this related to home folder encryption?

[Viva]

Bump

[Viva]

I need your help guys. Should I just re-install? I don't have any important data on the drive yet.