Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We've put together a range of FAQs about using EncryptOnClick to help you understand the program better, and quickly solve any difficulties that you might encounter.
Q: If I encrypt a folder does it encrypt every file in that folder?
A: When you encrypt a folder it will encrypt every file in it that isn't already encrypted. This includes all files in all sub-folders. Files that are already encrypted are ignored.
Q: If I decrypt a folder does it decrypt every file in that folder?
A: When you decrypt a folder it will decrypt every encrypted file. This includes all files in all sub-folders. Files that are not encrypted are ignored.
Q: What type of files can be encrypted?
A: Any file can be encrypted.
Q: What happens to a file when it is encrypted?
A: An encrypted version of the file is produced, and if successful, the original unencrypted file is automatically and securely deleted.
Q: What happens to a file when it is decrypted?
A: The file is decrypted, and if successful, the encrypted file is deleted.
Q: How is this different from other programs that encrypt/decrypt files?
A: The files are both compressed & encrypted, which results in a smaller file (with documents the files can be considerably smaller). A very secure encryption method is also used (256-bit AES encryption). Not only that, but the files can be opened and decrypted using WinZip 9 (provided the correct password is used). This means even people who don't use EncryptOnClick can access the files.
Q: Why don't I then use WinZip 9 instead?
A: You certainly could, but EncryptOnClick is completely free from 2BrightSparks, and is much simpler to use. It also securely deletes the file once it's been encrypted. The user interface is designed with maximum simplicity in mind.
Q: How are the files encrypted?
A: By default the files are encrypted using WinZip compatible 256-bit AES encryption, and they are also compressed. You can actually open and decrypt the files (using the correct password) using WinZip 9 or later.
Q: What happens if I forget the password?
A: You are entirely responsible for remember the passwords you use. 2BrightSparks Pte Ltd cannot tell you what your password is if you forget it. We have no method for retrieving lost or forgotten passwords.
Q: What does 256-bit encryption actually mean?
A: It means a key (the password) with a maximum length of 256-bits is used to encrypt the data in the file. 256-bits are equivalent to 32 bytes, so the most secure password to use is one that is 32 characters long.
Q: What kind of password should I use?
A: The best password to use is one that contains letters, numbers, and punctuation characters.
Q: I'm getting the error "The COM file XceedZip.dll is not registered or missing" whenever I try and encrypt or decrypt.
A: The file XceedZip.dll must be in the same directory as the EncryptOnClick.exe file, or SyncBackSE must be installed. If you already have SyncBackSE installed and want EncryptOnClick to run on another PC then copy the XceedZip.dll file from the SyncBackSE installation (which is typically C:\Program Files\2BrightSparks\SyncBackSE\)
Q: I'm getting the error "The decrypted file could not be deleted …The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process" when trying to encrypt a file.
A: The decrypted file is being used, or is open, in another program. The encrypted file will still have been created, but the decrypted file could not be automatically deleted. Close the program that is using the decrypted file then delete it manually using Windows Explorer.
Q: I'm getting the error "Cannot create target file. [114]" when decrypting a file.
A: The encrypted file could not be decrypted because the file it is to replace (the decrypted) already exists and is being used, or is open, in another program. Close the program that is using the decrypted file then try again.
Q: I'm getting the error "The encrypted file is corrupted - it must contain only one file" when decrypting a file.
A: The file being decrypted is either not a valid encrypted file, its contents is corrupted, or it's an empty file. Try repairing the file with WinZip 9.
Q: But can't people simply undelete the unencrypted file?
A: No. EncryptOnClick securely wipes and deletes the unencrypted file once the encrypted file has been created. If the unencrypted file is undeleted then the files contents will contain random bytes and not the original contents.
Q: Can I use EncryptOnClick on the command line?
A: Yes, the following command line parameters can be used:
-p [password]
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You can pass the password on the command line instead of being prompted for it. If the password contains a space then wrap it in double-quotes, e.g. –p "my password"
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-e
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Encrypt files in the folders
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-d
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Decrypt files in the folders
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-u
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Run unattended, i.e. do not prompt me. Any error messages will be written to the file 'Errors.txt' in the current directory. Note that errors are appended to the file if it exists.
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Any other parameters are taken as filenames or folder names. Note that a file with the .EOC extension is assumed to be encrypted and so will be decrypted. Any files without the .EOC extension will be encrypted.
Note that file and folder names, and passwords, should be wrapped in double-quotes if they contain spaces.
You cannot use filters, e.g. *.txt, *.*, etc. Valid file and folder names must be used.
Examples
To encrypt all the unencrypted files in two folders and be prompted for the password:
EncryptOnClick –e "D:\My Folders\Encrypted Files\" "D:\Another folder\"
To decrypt all the encrypted files in a folder, not be prompted for the password (as it is supplied), and run unattended (i.e. you will not be prompted):
EncryptOnClick –p "the password" -u –d "D:\My Folders\Encrypted Files\"
To encrypt two files:
EncryptOnClick "C:\My Documents\My document.doc" "C:\My Pictures\my picture.jpg"
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