Re: Encription for MDF files

From: Hari Prasad (hari_prasad_k_at_hotmail.com)
Date: 07/28/05 

Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 01:05:00 +0530

Hi,

You can use the Encrypted File System Support on Windows 2000

Windows 2000 support encrypted file system property.

Below are the steps encrypt the data files:

1) Logon with the SQL Server startup account
2) Stop SQL Server and sql agent service
3) Right click the data files, select properties, click Advance button,
check the "Encrypt contents to secure data"
4) Start the SQL Server service

See the below KB for more information:-

HOW TO: Encrypt Data Using EFS in Windows 2000
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;230520

Note:
If you change the SQL Server startup accout you have to redo the same,
otherwise SQL Server service will not start.

"With EFS, database files are encrypted under the identity of the account
running SQL Server. Only this account can decrypt the files. If you need to
change the account that runs SQL Server, you should first decrypt the files
under the old account, then re-encrypt them under the new account." 

-- 
Thanks
Hari
SQL Server MVP
"Sharad2005" <niitmalad@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in message 
news:9667DEDF-C6BD-4817-BC5E-88941ABE10D2@microsoft.com...
> Dear Friends
>
> I want to use the encryption for the MDF files so that no one can just 
> copy
> the data and attach the MDF files to access the database.
>
> When i have done the same the database is in Suspect Mode. Please suggest
> what can be the reason.
>
> I also have the following questions.
>
> 1. Can another user restore the database backup for the encrypted MDF 
> files.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Best regards
> Shailesh