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Dual-boot Fedora 18 and Windows 7, with full disk encryption configured on both OSs

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3. Install GRUB 2 to Fedora’s boot partition: Once inside Fedora, the next task is to install GRUB in the Partition Boot Record (PBR) of the boot partition, that is, the first sector of the boot partition. Once in Fedora, launch a shell terminal and su to root. To install GRUB 2 in the boot partition’s PBR, you need to know its partition number or device name. The output of df -h will reveal that information. On my installation, it is /dev/sda3. Next, type grub2-install /dev/sda3. The system will complain and refuse to do as instructed. Not to worry, you can force it.

To compel it to install GRUB 2 where we want, type add “- -force” option to the command, so that it reads grub2-install – -force /dev/sda3. Once that’s done, reboot the computer. Note that completing this step does not remove GRUB from the MBR. It just installs another copy in the boot partition. At the next step, GRUB will be removed from the MBR.
Fedora 18 Anaconda GRUB Install PBR /boot Partition

4. Restore Windows 7’s boot manager to the MBR: When the computer reboots, you will still see Fedora’s boot menu, but instead of booting into Fedora 18, boot into Windows 7. The next task is to restore its boot program to the MBR and add an entry for Fedora 18 in its boot manager’s menu. The program I know that makes it easy to do that, is EasyBCD. Download it from here. Note that EasyBCD is free for personal use. After installing it, start it, if it does not start automatically. Shown below is its main window. Click on Add New Entry to begin.
EasyBCD Windows 7

Then click on the Linux/BSD tab. Select GRUB 2 from the Type dropdown menu, and edit the Name field to match. Click on Add Entry.
EasyBCD Windows 7 Add Linux

This is a preview of what the entries will be on the boot menu of Windows 7. The final task is to restore the Windows 7 boot program to the MBR. To do that, click on BCD Deployment.
EasyBCD Windows 7 Edit Linux

Under MBR Configuration Options, make sure that the first option is selected. Then click on Write MBR. Exit EasyBCD and reboot the computer.
EasyBCD Windows 7 Restore MBR

If you reboot the computer after that last operation, you will be presented with Windows 7’s boot menu. Test to make sure that you can boot into either OS. When you are satisfied, reboot into Windows 7 to start the last series of steps in this operation.

5. Encrypt Windows 7 with Truecrypt: If you’ve not downloaded Truecrypt, you may do so now, and install it. Start it by clicking its icon on the desktop. Throughout this step, very little extra explanation is necessary because the on-screen explanations will suffice. So, at this step, the default is good. Next.
Encrypt Windows 7 with Truecrypt

Click Create Volume.
Encrypt Windows 7 with Truecrypt

Select the last option as shown, then Next.
Encrypt Windows 7 with Truecrypt

The first option is it. Next.
Encrypt Windows 7 with Truecrypt

For obvious reasons, the last option offers a more (physically) secure system. Next.
Encrypt Windows 7 with Truecrypt

Though not indicated in this screen shot, I chose “No”. I think the on-screen explanation is sufficient.
Encrypt Windows 7 with Truecrypt

Last option, then Next.
Encrypt Windows 7 with Truecrypt

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Srini
Srini
10 years ago

I am unable to proceed further after “Number of System Drives” menu. After I select the number of drives as ‘1’, TrueCrypt comes with an error mentioning that “True Crypt does not support encrypting a whole drive that contains multiple operating systems” and comes up with two possible solutions of “encrypt single system partition as opposed to encrypt entire system drive” and “move other system to other drive”. Not sure if I have missed anything. Any help is much appreciated.

Ishan
Ishan
Reply to  Srini
9 years ago

This tutorial has a flaw.
1. We should select to encrypt System partition only, and not Whole drive.
2. Select “Number of System Drives” 2 or more
A correct tutrial is here:
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-encrypt-your-system-drive-truecrypt-multi-boot-configuration

Ishan
Ishan
Reply to  finid
9 years ago

If you have only one drive (doesn’t matter how many partitions and OS are installed on those partitions), then first try “1”. If it gives error, then select “2 or more”. Simple.

Ishan
Ishan
Reply to  finid
9 years ago

If we encrypt whole drive using Truecrypt then wudn’t it become a double encryption when we run fedora! as fedora is encrypted too

vin
vin
10 years ago

1. How do I make a bootable flash drive of the desktop version of fedora 18 (4.5GB)?

2. I have win7 installed on c drive. On D drive, I’ve my media files. And I can install Fedora on E Drive (100GB). After installing fedora 18 with a DVD, will I see a proper entry of windows7 on the list?

vin
vin
Reply to  finid
10 years ago

thanks. Somehow, Unetbootin fails to boot the installer of fedora 18. It shows some error – /dev/root does not exist – and is stuck on it forever. I’ve tried other software in that link you provided, all are for live installation, not the desktop installation. (sorry I don’t know what exactly that is called).

vin
vin
Reply to  finid
10 years ago

no. it never works with fedora this way.

Srini
Srini
10 years ago

Excellent article. The only drawback I can think of is losing access to windows partitions from Linux. Is there any workaround.

ch
ch
Reply to  Srini
10 years ago

not true, you can mount the windows partition from linux using truecrypt.

Padraic
Padraic
10 years ago

that’s a great tutorial. does it limit the installation of new operating systems?

I currently dual boot windows 7 and Fedora 18. I want both encrypted.

I am also thinking of having a small 3rd OS installed which will have no personal data but will allow easy access to the internet so as to make recovery of a stolen laptop through something like Prey more likely.

Am I correct in thinking that your method wouldn’t allow that?

Curious Apprentice
Curious Apprentice
11 years ago

If I have Ubuntu 12.04 and Fedora 18 along with Windows 7, does creating auto configured Grub 2 menu for Windows Boot loader using EasyBCD will work ?

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