Copyright: Crypto for Windows 95/NT Help Version 2.6 Copyright © 1997 Gregory Braun. All rights reserved.
Citation: Copyright © 1986-1997 by Gregory Braun. All rights reserved.


Introduction
Crypto for Windows 95/NT

Copyright © 1986-1997 by Gregory Braun. All rights reserved.

Overview

Crypto for Windows 95/NT is a small, easy to use, file encryption utility. Simply drag and drop files to quickly protect your sensitive documents, and then enter an encryption key to encode and decode the files you want to protect from prying eyes.

Drag and Drop Files

Files can be quickly selected for encryption and decoding by simply dragging them to the desired file list windows.

Desktop Locations

Crypto’s location on the desktop is saved when the program is exited. Whenever you start Crypto it will reappear on the desktop where you last placed it. Crypto dialog box locations are also stored and reused the next time they are opened.

Taskbar Tray

Crypto for Windows 95/NT can be optionally configured to place its program icon in the Taskbar Icon Notification Tray. This option provides a simple means of keeping the taskbar button region clear for other running programs.


Installing Crypto

Installation

To install Crypto for Windows 95/NT on your computer simply create a new, empty folder and place the files; CRYPTO.EXE, CRYPTO.HLP and CRYPTO.CNT there.

CRYPTO.EXE	- The Crypto Application

CRYPTO.HLP	- The Windows 95/NT Help File

CRYPTO.CNT	- The Windows 95/NT Help Contents File

To integrate Crypto for Windows 95/NT with the MS Windows Explorer select the Crypto Setup dialog box while Crypto is running.

Note If you have an earlier version of Crypto for Windows 95/NT installed on your computer, simply replace the CRYPTO.EXE and CRYPTO.HLP files with the newer versions. Crypto stores configuration information in the MS Windows 95/NT System Registry.

Note The CRYPTO.INI file is no longer used and can be deleted. The various application settings specified in the Crypto Options dialog box as well as the main window’s size and location on the desktop are now stored in the MS Windows 95/NT System Registry.

Note Some earlier versions of Crypto for Windows 95/NT included a CRYPTO.WRI documentation file. This file has been replaced by the CRYPTO.HLP file and can now be deleted.

Warning If you rename the CRYPTO.EXE file you must also rename the HLP file using the same basename. For example if you change the Crypto application file name to NewName.exe, rename the help file to NewName.hlp. The HLP file must reside in the same folder as the Crypto application file itself.


Configuring Crypto

Crypto Options

Select the File | Options menu item to display the Crypto Options dialog box. This window will allow you to change the various Crypto program settings listed below.

Use NSA File Erasure Method

Check this item to thoroughly erase the original unencrypted version of the files you encrypt. If this item is not checked the original file will simply be rewritten with all blanks and then erased. If this option is selected after a file has been encrypted the original file will be overwritten six times using an alternating 0xFF / 0x00 write sequence as specified by the National Security Agency. This method assures that the original file will not be readable by sophisticated file resurrection utilities. If this option is selected it will take slightly longer to encrypt large files due to the extra disk activity required.

Log All Operations to Disk

Check this option to create a log file of all file encryption and decoding activity. The file created will be named CRYPTO.LOG and will reside in the same folder as the Crypto program itself. Each time you use Crypto additional file operations will be appended to this file. The Crypto log file is a normal ASCII file and can be viewed by any text editor or word processor that can display ASCII text.

Place Icon in Taskbar Tray

Check this item to display a small Crypto program icon in the Taskbar Icon Notification Tray. If this item is selected and the Crypto window is minimized a button will not be added to the Taskbar, to restore the Crypto window on the desktop press the small icon in the taskbar tray instead. This option is available to keep the taskbar free for other running programs.

Minimize Program Icon at Startup

Check this item to minimize the main window on the Taskbar or Icon tray when Crypto for Windows 95/NT is first started.

Duplicate Files

Check this item to skip warnings when adding duplicate files in the list windows. Crypto will cancel the addition of duplicate files without prompting you if this option is selected.

Temporary Files

Check this item to skip warnings when selecting files that have a TMP file extension. Crypto will cancel the addition of temporary files without prompting you if this option is selected.

File Not Found

Check this item to skip warnings about files listed for encoding or decoding that no longer exist on the disk in the folder specified.

Directory Warnings

Check this item to skip warnings when attempting to encrypt or decode folders.

Wrong Format

Check this item to skip warnings when adding file selections that have either already been encrypted or do not need to be decoded.

Missing Extensions

Check this item to skip warnings when attempting to add files for encryption or decoding that do not include a file extension.

Invalid Password

Check this item to skip warnings when files listed for decoding do not have the encryption password key you’ve specified.

Locked Files

Check this item to skip warnings when attempting to add files for encryption or decoding that are write-protected on disk.

Sounds with Warning Dialog Boxes

Check this box to play a short beep sound when Crypto displays a warning dialog box or an error occurs.

OK

Press this button when you have completed your selection of Crypto program options. When you press this button the Crypto Options dialog box will be closed and your settings will be saved.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Crypto Options dialog box without making any changes. If you have made any changes to the option settings, and then press this button your changes will not be used, and your previous settings will remain in use.

Help

Press this button to open the Crypto Help Window and go directly to the Configuring Crypto topic.

Note The options you have selected will be saved when you press the OK button. The desktop location of the Crypto Options window itself will also be stored. Your settings will be saved in the MS Windows 95/NT System Registry.


Crypto Explorer Setup

Crypto Setup

Select the Help | Setup menu item to display the Crypto Setup dialog box. This window will allow you to integrate Crypto for Windows 95/NT with the Microsoft Windows 95/NT Explorer.

Create a Start Menu Item

Check this item to create a Crypto Start Menu entry. The Crypto for Windows 95/NT program entry will be located in the Software by Design folder on the Programs menu.

Create a Desktop Icon

Check this item to create a Crypto for Windows 95/NT program icon on the Explorer desktop.

Create a Startup Folder Item

Check this item to automatically run Crypto for Windows 95/NT whenever Microsoft Windows 95/NT is started. This option creates a Crypto program icon in the MS Windows Explorer Startup folder.

OK

Press this button when you have completed your selection of MS Explorer shortcuts. When you press this button the Crypto Setup dialog box will be closed and the MS Explorer shortcuts you have selected will be created.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Crypto Explorer Setup dialog box without creating any MS Explorer shortcuts.

Help

Press this button to open the Crypto Help window and go directly to the Crypto Explorer Setup topic.


File Menu

File Menu Commands

The File menu provides commands to work with the document files used by Crypto. A short description of each item follows:

Properties

Opens and displays a small window describing the file properties for a selected file. The Alt+Enter shortcut can be used for this command. You can also double-click your mouse on a file name listed in either of the file windows to quickly display file properties.

Access

Displays a dialog box that allows you to change the Crypto program access password. This password will be required to run the Crypto program itself. The password selected here is not used to encrypt and decode files. If you assign a program access password you will be prompted for it the next time you start Crypto. When Crypto for Windows 95/NT is installed for the first time no access password is used. To set a password leave the first entry box empty and assign a password in the second entry box and then retype it to verify your selection. To remove a password enter the current password in the first entry box and leave the remaining two fields blank.

Options

Opens the Crypto Options dialog box and allows you to change Crypto program settings. Use this command to configure the Crypto program.

Exit

Closes the Crypto program and returns control to the Explorer desktop. The Ctrl+Q shortcut can be used for this command.

Tip Commonly used File commands can be invoked using shortcut keys or buttons on the toolbar ribbon.


Encrypt Menu

Encrypt Menu Commands

The Encrypt menu provides commands used to edit the contents of the Crypto file encryption list. A short description of each item follows:

Encrypt Files

Encrypts the files currently displayed in the file encryption list. You will be prompted to assign an encryption password and then asked to retype it to verify. The Ctrl+E shortcut can be used for this command.

Add Files

Opens the MS Windows Explorer File Browser and allows you to select files to be added to the encryption file list. Multiple files can be specified by Ctrl-Clicking and Shift-Clicking the mouse on items in the file list.

Tip You can also drag and drop files directly onto the encryption list to quickly add files for encryption.

Remove File

Removes the currently selected file from the encryption list. You will be prompted to confirm file deletions.

Clear Encryption List

Clears the entire file encryption list. You will be prompted to confirm this command before the file encryption list is cleared.

Tip Commonly used Encryption commands can be invoked using shortcut keys or buttons on the toolbar ribbon.


Decode Menu

Decode Menu Commands

The Decode menu provides commands used to edit the contents of the Crypto file decoding list. A short description of each item follows:

Decode Files

Decodes the files currently displayed in the file decoding list. You will be prompted to enter the encryption password you originally assigned to these files when they were encrypted. The Ctrl+D shortcut can be used for this command.

Add Files

Opens the MS Windows Explorer File Browser and allows you to select files to be added to the decoding file list. Multiple files can be specified by Ctrl-Clicking and Shift-Clicking the mouse on items in the file list.

Tip You can also drag and drop files directly in the decoding list to quickly add files for decoding.

Remove File

Removes the currently selected file from the decoding list. You will be prompted to confirm file deletions.

Clear Decoding List

Clears the entire file decoding list. You will be prompted to confirm this command before the file decoding list is cleared.

Tip Commonly used Decoding commands can be invoked using shortcut keys or buttons on the toolbar ribbon.


View Menu

View Menu Commands

The View menu provides commands used to change Crypto display options. A short description of each item follows:

Tool Bar

Use this command to turn the toolbar ribbon on and off. If this item is checked the Crypto toolbar ribbon will be displayed below the menu bar. To hide the toolbar ribbon uncheck this item. Most commonly used Crypto menu commands have a toolbar button. If the toolbar ribbon is turned off you will have to use the normal Crypto menu commands.

Status Region

Use this command to turn the status region on and off. If this item is checked the Crypto status region will be displayed at the bottom of the Crypto window. To hide the status region uncheck this item. The status region displays current program status and will also display a brief description of each menu command as the mouse is moved through these items.

Font

This item displays the standard MS Windows Font selection dialog. Use this window to select the font face, size and style to be used when displaying files in the encryption and decoding lists. The font information you select will be saved and used whenever Crypto is launched.

Minimize on Use

Minimizes the Crypto window to a button or icon on the taskbar during file encryption and decoding operations. If this item is checked the Crypto window will be minimized during file operations.

Always on Top

Use this command to keep the Crypto window top most on the desktop. When this item is checked the Crypto window will float above all other non-topmost windows on the desktop. This item is useful if you normally run Crypto with a small window that would be easily obscured by other applications. The Ctrl+T shortcut can be used for this command.

Tip Commonly used View commands can be invoked using shortcut keys or buttons on the toolbar ribbon.


Help Menu

Help Menu Commands

The Help menu provides commands used to get help with Crypto operations. A short description of each item follows:

Contents

Opens the Crypto Help window and displays the Table of Contents. The F1 shortcut can be used for this command.

Search

Opens Crypto Help and displays the Search window. You can use this window to search for specific Crypto help topics.

How to Use Help

Opens a Help window that explains how to use the MS Windows 95/NT Help program.

Setup

Displays the Crypto Explorer Setup dialog box. This window provides options to integrate Crypto with the MS Windows Explorer. Use this window to create MS Explorer Start Menu items and desktop icons.

About Crypto

Displays the Crypto splash box. This window contains program information, the current version of Crypto you are running and a program copyright notice. Click the mouse anywhere in this window to close it.

Tip Commonly used Help commands can be invoked using shortcut keys or buttons on the toolbar ribbon.


Toolbar Buttons

Tool Ribbon Buttons

Most commonly used Crypto menu commands can also be quickly invoked by pressing a button on the toolbar ribbon displayed at the top of the main window. These buttons work exactly the same way as the corresponding menu items that they duplicate. The Toolbar selection on the View menu must be selected to display the toolbar ribbon.

Encrypt – Encrypt files

Add – Add files to the encryption list

Remove – Remove files from the encryption list

Decode – Decode files

Add – Add files to the decoding list

Remove – Remove files from the decoding list

Properties - Show file properties

Topmost – Make the Crypto window topmost

Font – Select a font for file lists

Options - Open the Crypto Options dialog

Help - Open this Help file

About - Show the Crypto splash box

Tip A small popup tip window will appear when the mouse pointer is placed over a button. A short description of what each button does can be viewed using this method.


Shortcut Keys

Shortcuts

Shortcut keys allow you to quickly invoke Crypto menu commands without first displaying the menu and then selecting an item from it. The most commonly used Crypto commands can be invoked using the following shortcut keys.

Alt+Enter	Display file properties

Ctrl+Q	Exit Crypto, and return to the desktop

Ctrl+D	Decode the current file list

Ctrl+E	Encrypt the current file list

Ctrl+T	Make Crypto topmost

F1	Display this Help file

Tip  The Ins, Del and Clear keys can also be used to quickly add and remove files from the currently selected file list window.


Comments and Upgrades

Comments and Suggestions

If you have comments, questions or find any bugs in Crypto for Windows 95/NT please feel free to contact me on CompuServe or America Online.

Upgrade Notification

If you would like to be notified when this application is upgraded send me an email message with your online address. Please include the version number of Crypto that you are using and the location that you downloaded my software from.  I will email you when a new version of Crypto for Windows 95/NT is uploaded to my web site on the Internet, CompuServe, America Online, ExecPC, ZD Net, and MSN.

Gregory Braun

CompuServe: 71613,2175

AOL: GreggBraun

Email: 71613.2175@compuserve.com

Web Site: http://www.execpc.com/~sbd

Phone: 1.414.444.8497

Contributions

While Crypto is offered as Freeware, if you would like to pay for it you are welcome to send any amount you wish to:

Gregory Braun

5609 West Hadley Street

Milwaukee, WI 53210-1554  USA

Your contributions are always welcome, and encourage me to continue developing new applications.

Web Site

Visit my web site on the Internet to download the latest versions of all of my freeware offerings.

Software by Design Web Site

(http://www.execpc.com/~sbd)


Release History

Crypto for Windows 95/NT Release History

v2.0	Original in-house development and testing of MS Windows 95/NT conversion using the Microsoft Win32 SDK.

v2.1	Added 95/NT splash box for release.

v2.2	Fixed several minor bugs.

v2.3	Added MS Windows 95/NT Help file.

v2.4	Replaced the CRYPTO.INI file with MS Windows 95/NT System Registry entries. Added the Crypto Setup dialog box  Fixed several minor bugs.

v2.5	Added a tool bar ribbon and ListView file windows.

v2.6	Added missing string resources to the executable.

Last Update  October 14th, 1997

Web Site

Visit my web site on the Internet to download the latest versions of all of my freeware offerings.

Software by Design Web Site

(http://www.execpc.com/~sbd)


System Registry

Crypto for Windows 95/NT System Registry Key

Crypto for Windows 95/NT stores configuration settings in the MS Windows 95/NT System Registry. These settings are updated automatically while Crypto is running. There is no need to edit these settings manually.

If you insist upon editing these settings, you do so at your own risk. Crypto automatically updates registry entries when it exits. If you wish to edit these settings make sure Crypto is not running while you edit them. If Crypto is currently running your editing changes will be overwritten when Crypto exits.

Crypto for Windows 95/NT stores configuration settings in the following system registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER

Software

Software by Design

Crypto for Windows 95/NT

Section

Label = Value

Warning There is no need to edit these settings manually. Crypto will automatically maintain these settings for you. If you do edit these, you do so at your own risk.


Software by Design Web Site

Software by Design

You can download the latest versions of all of my freeware from my web site on the Internet. I post the latest releases of my software there first. Click your mouse on the link listed below to visit the Software by Design web site.

Software by Design Web Site

(http://www.execpc.com/~sbd)

Freeware Titles

The following software titles are available at my web site on the Internet and can also be found on CompuServe, America Online, ExecPC, MSN and ZD Net.

NoteBook for Windows	(NBOOK.ZIP)

NoteBook for Windows 95/NT	(NBOOK32.ZIP)

Reminders for Windows	(REMIND.ZIP)

Reminders for Windows 95/NT	(REMIND32.ZIP)

ToolBar for Windows	(TBAR.ZIP)

ToolBar for Windows 95/NT	(TBAR32.ZIP)

Screen Loupe for Windows	(LOUPE.ZIP)

Screen Loupe for Windows 95/NT	(LOUPE32.ZIP)

Screen Loupe for Macintosh	(LOUPE.SEA)

Audition for Windows 95/NT	(AUDITION.ZIP)

Password Keeper for Windows 95/NT	(PASSKEEP.ZIP)

Quiz Wizard for Windows 95/NT	(QUIZWIZ.ZIP)

CardBase for Windows 95/NT	(CARDBASE.ZIP)

File Editor for Windows	(FXEDIT.ZIP)

File Editor for Windows 95/NT	(FXEDIT32.ZIP)

Crypto for Windows 95/NT	(CRYPTO.ZIP)

Icon Extractor for Windows	(ICONX.ZIP)

Icon Extractor for Windows 95/NT	(ICONX32.ZIP)

TxEdit for Windows 95/NT	(TXEDIT.ZIP)

DLL Show for Windows 95	(DLLSHOW.ZIP)

RGB Editor for Windows	(RGB.ZIP)

RGB Editor for Windows 95/NT	(RGB32.ZIP)

FontShow for Windows 95/NT	(FONTSHOW.ZIP)

Programmer's IDE	(PMAN.ZIP)

Programmer's IDE 95/NT	(PMAN32.ZIP)

Touch for Windows	(WTOUCH.ZIP)

Disk CleanUp for Windows 95/NT	(CLEANUP.ZIP)

BattleStar for Windows	(BSTAR.ZIP)

BattleStar for Windows 95/NT	(BSTAR32.ZIP)

World Radio for Macintosh	(WRADIO.SEA)

Note The latest versions of my software programs are always posted on my web site first. Versions found on the other online services may be earlier releases.


BBS and Internet Operators

Webmasters

Please upload the original ZIP file intact and title the submission:

"Crypto for Windows 95/NT v2.6"

--Author Gregory Braun

Web Site

Visit my web site on the Internet to download the latest versions of all of my freeware offerings.

Software by Design Web Site

(http://www.execpc.com/~sbd)

Note This site also supports anonymous FTP transfers.