Security is a critical element in data storage and retrieval, no matter the size of the storage device. USB drives are often used to transfer data between computers or as a stand-alone storage device. These portable storage USB drives are convient, but they may be lost or stolen due to their size. One method of protecting data in case of theft, accident or loss is to encrypt the USB drive and the data it contains.

The process of encrypting a USB drive can vary between operating systems, so it is important to understand the encryption method that matches the OS system installed on your computer. In the Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate operating system edition there is a simple tool called BitLocker that can be used to encrpt storage devices, including USB drives.http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/bitlocker.aspx

Turn on your computer and insert a USB Drive into an available USB port on your laptop, desktop or other computing device running the Windows 7 operating system. While you can initialize encryption when you have programs and folders open, it is easier to start with a clean desktop before beginning any security process.

Open your "Computer" folder by clicking on your start menu button and selecting "Computer" from the right-hand menu. Once the computer window is open, right click on your primary hard drive which is often labeled with the name of the drive and ends with (C:). Select "Turn On BitLocker". This action initializes the encryption software that is included in the Windows 7 Ultimate edition.

Once you have activated BitLocker, you can proceed to save items onto your hard drive or USB device. All items saved will be automatically encrypted, without the need for further modifications or actions. BitLocker secures your data in case of theft or loss.

Check out the how tos below to learn other tips for the Windows 7 Operating System:

1. How to Burn Disk Images in Windows 7
2. How to Change the Taskbar Clock Setting in Windows 7
3. How to Change What the Power Button Does in Windows 7
4. How to Combine Apps and Make the Taskbar Smaller in Windows 7
5. How to Create a Full Search in Windows 7
6. How to Create a Virtual Hard Disk in Windows 7
7. How to Display Empty Drives in Windows 7
8. How to Dock Window from Left to Right to Center in Windows 7
9. How to Encrypt a USB Drive in Windows 7
10. How to Magnify the Screen in Windows 7
11. How to Make Your Background a Slideshow in Windows 7
12. How to Minimize Hide Expand Browse Windows in Windows 7
13. How to Quickly Arrange Icons in Windows 7
14. How to Quickly Create a New Instance of a Program in Windows 7
15. How to Quickly Lock the Screen in Windows 7
16. How to Remove or Add Run Command in Start Menu in Windows 7
17. How to Run an Application as Administrator in Windows 7
18. How to Run An Application As Another User in Windows 7
19. How to Show or Hide the Preview Side Bar in Windows 7
20. How TO Stretch a Window Vertically in Windows 7
21. How To Turn On and Off Security Settings in Windows 7
22. How to Use the App Locker in Windows 7