WD Passport external drive asks for 48 digit recovery key

[hbling]

Hi,

My WD Passport external drive suddenly now asks for a 48 digit Bit locker recovery key. It was never encrypted before and has been working properly. Any idea what happened? Is my drive corrupted?

Appreciate any help. Thanks much!

 

[RolandJS]

Is this one of those devices that use SmartWare and/or DriveUnlock to allow the computer to access the hard-drive?

 

[hbling]

Thanks for your response RolandJS. I have never used anything on it. It's a normal drive and just worked whenever I plug it in.

 

[Josbeph]

You might of accidentally set an encriyption service. See if there is any way to get rid of it.

 

[samuria]

Is it bitlocker or ransom ware? a screenshot would help