This problem occurs because Jaunty eCryptfs stored some configuration data, and an encrypted copy of the mount passphrase in /var/lib, which can get wiped on a reinstallation.
I've looked at various ways of automatically moving this data out of /var, but none are safe enough to force this on all ecryptfs users through a Jaunty SRU. Instead, I have meticulously documented the process here: * http://blog.dustinkirkland.com/2009/08/moving-your-encrypted-home-meta-data.html Hopefully this helps... :-Dustin ** Changed in: ecryptfs-utils (Ubuntu) Status: Confirmed => Invalid ** Converted to question: https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/ecryptfs-utils/+question/83203 -- Karmic install renders Jaunty encrypted /home directory unusable https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/405997 You received this bug notification because you are a member of eCryptfs, which is subscribed to ecryptfs-utils in ubuntu. Status in “ecryptfs-utils” package in Ubuntu: Invalid Bug description: Binary package hint: ecryptfs-utils After installation of Karmic Alpha 3 I was unable to access my previous Jaunty encrypted /home directory. This may only affect certain situations, in particular /home on a separate partition or LVM. Steps followed mv /home/stefan /home/stefan.upgrade Installation of Karmic Alpha3 Format all partitions except /home. Try to access /home/stefan.upgrade I believe the problem exists as Jaunty included the ecryptfs files (wrapped-passphrase) in /var/lib/ecryptfs/home/$USER /home/$USER/.ecryptfs was a link to this directory. On upgrade, I formatted /var rendering my files unreadable. If as the original jaunty installation had mentioned I recorded my unwrapped passphrase, i could regenerate this data. I suspect that not everyone has done this / understand the implication of encrypting and not recording this passphrase. In Karmic, this situation is fixed by placing .ecryptfs on /home. My concern is for those upgrading Jaunty and following similar steps to mine (which I believe is a fairly common way to reinstall (hence a separate /home)) I propose an SRU to Jaunty move /var/lib/ecryptfs/ to /home/.ecryptfs to prevent this happening to potentially many users who upgrade in this fashion. _______________________________________________ Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~ecryptfs Post to : [email protected] Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~ecryptfs More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp
