Search code examples
ubuntuecryptfs

How do I mount an encrypted /home directory with Linux Mint 18.3 KDE?

I decided to figure out how to recover data on a disk if the system does not start. It's better to do it before it happens;)

Since there is no definitive correct answer for Linux Mint 18.3 KDE anywhere, I had to find a solution myself.

Good topic for other OS like "Ubuntu": https://askubuntu.com/questions/238047/how-do-i-mount-an-encrypted-home-directory-on-another-ubuntu-machine

Solution
    1. Boot PC from Live CD (Linux mint 18.3 KDE)
    2. Run in console: sudo ecryptfs-manager and exit (select 4 => Enter) (see bug 455709 mount: mount(2) failed: No such file or directory)

    sudo ecryptfs-manager result

    1. Find your encrypted /home/UserName directory by checking every device in Dolphin. In my case, it is located on a separate volume (But in your case, most likely this path will be inside the home folder like: /media/mint/1234567-1233-1233-32423-1a95b2c5dc68/home/UserName)

    encrypted home directory in separated volume

    1. Open dolphin in home directory "as root"

    Open dolphin in home directory "as root"

    1. Press Alt + . for show hidden files

    enter image description here

    1. Go to .ecryptfs folder inside and try to find .Private folder (in every new Folder you have to "Show hidden files" by pressing Alt + . !!!)

    2. As final your .Private folder:

    enter image description here

    1. Press F4 for opening console here
    2. Run in console: ecryptfs-recover-private ./.Private (Passphrase is your login PC Password !!! )

    enter image description here

    1. Well done! Go to /tmp/ecryptfs.JSiaYsbz directory using cd

    enter image description here

    p.s. Use the flag --rw (in step 9) to mount the encrypted filesystem as read and write (read only as default!)