Laptop unable to use BitLocker on drive with invalid file characters

4.5

Files containing non-standard or illegal characters in their names block encryption.

Symptoms
  • Encryption error
  • Cannot delete/rename file
  • Explorer crash
Possible Causes
  • Linux/Mac file transfers
  • Web downloads

Step-by-Step Fix

1

Rename via CMD

Use the command prompt to rename files with illegal characters.

2

Use Linux Live USB

Boot into Linux to easily rename files that Windows can't handle.

3

Run chkdsk

Chkdsk can sometimes fix invalid filename entries.

When to See a Technician

Characters like * ? : " < > | are reserved in Windows and can cause system errors.

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