There is however a way to enable Bitlocker encryption even if the computer does not have a TPM chip. The following method will enable Bitlocker and should work in the upcoming Microsoft operating system Windows 7 as well.

• Run [gpedit.msc] by either clicking on the Windows Vista Start Menu button or by using the shortcut [Windows R]. This will open the Group Policy Editor.
• Locate the following menu: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\BitLocker Drive Encryption
• Enable the Advanced Startup Options by double-clicking on Control Panel Setup to display the advanced options.
• Click on Enabled and check the Allow Bitlocker Without A Compatible TPM Checkbox.

A click on OK will enable Bitlocker on computer systems without Trusted Platform Module chips. It is from then on possible to save the Bitlocker encryption key on an external storage device like an USB stick or Flash memory card. This key is essential for accessing the encrypted partitions. There is no way of accessing the encrypted partition or hard drive if the storage device gets damaged or lost.

Related posts

• Yuck new Windows Vista Ultimate Extras (20)
• Disable Balloon Tips in Windows Vista (14)
• XP SP3 and Vista SP 1 available through Windows Update (6)
• WPF Performance Fix for Windows Vista and XP (1)
• Wireless Migrator (1)

The Windows Vista Ultimate extras that have been released are Windows Dreamscene, a video background application, A Hold’Em Poker game, a puzzle game called Tinker that comes with an extra sound scheme, two additional sound schemes, various MUI language packs and the Bitlocker and EFS Enhancement tools.

And that’s it. The main focus seems to be on entertainment which is probably a sector that most Windows Vista Ultimate users do not care about. To be fair, Windows Vista Ultimate is the only edition of Windows Vista that provides all features of the operating system by combining Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Enterprise in one software package.

The reason for this post? Well Microsoft released new extras which have already been mentioned in the second paragraph: The Tinker game that includes the sound scheme and another Dreamscene package.

Users who bought Windows Vista Ultimate for the extras can rejoice and enjoy another background and some new sounds. How many will be happy with the new extras? Take an educated guess.

Related posts

• Yuck new Windows Vista Ultimate Extras (20)
• Windows Vista Editions – Do you know the differences ? (6)
• Windows Vista SP1 WGA Changes (2)
• Windows Vista SP1 Refresh 2 is Vista SP1 RTM (0)
• Windows Vista SP1 Download (12)

Microsoft promised cutting edge programs, innovative services and unique publications just for Windows Vista Ultimate users. If you take a look at what they have delivered after more than one year: DreamScene, Language Packs, BitLocker, a poker game and sound schemes. What you get is a video screen saver, a game, some sounds, new languages (wonder how many need these) and Bitlocker which is a drive encryption software. Does that look like cutting edge programs, innovative services and unique publications to you ?

I wonder how many users who actually made the purchase thinking that they would receive some great add-ons and bonus will buy the ultimate edition of Windows 7 once it comes out. Are you a Vista Ultimate user ? What are your thoughts about the extras so far ? Oh, in case you are wondering what new extras have been released: Two new sound schemes and a third Dreamscene pack.

Related posts

• The Extra Money For Windows Vista Ultimate Is Finally Paying Off (11)
• XP SP3 and Vista SP 1 available through Windows Update (6)
• Windows XP WGA To Mimic That Of Windows Vista (18)
• Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor (0)
• Windows Vista SP2 Registry Hack (11)