Answers to your frequently asked questions

1. What are the system requirements?
   

   CryptoForge runs on Windows 10, Windows 8 and 8.1, Windows 7, Vista, XP SP3, Server 2019, Server 2016, Server 2012 and 2012 R2, Server 2008 and 2008 R2, Server 2003 and 2003 R2 (all 32 and 64-bit editions). It does not require any driver, framework, or system restart. The installer is small and it will take about one or two minutes to download on a standard broadband connection. CryptoForge is not available for Mac OS X at this time.

   
   
2. Is it legal to use CryptoForge?
   

   Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as other international agreements, and national laws, make clear the importance of privacy protection for human freedom and civil society. However, some countries impose restrictions on the use of strong cryptography systems like CryptoForge. Be sure to check domestic regulations.

   
   
3. Where is the program's user manual?
   

   To open up the user's guide -if you have already downloaded and installed CryptoForge- press the Windows Start button and choose All programs >> CryptoForge >> Help, or type "CryptoForge Help" into the Windows search box, or just press the Help button on any dialog box. You can also see the manual's web version here.

   
   
4. If I send an encrypted file by email, does the recipient need to have CryptoForge installed to be able to decrypt the file?
   

   No, they don't have to install CryptoForge. You can send encrypted files to anyone, and the recipient can decrypt the files with the Decrypter app, which is portable (it doesn't require installation), free, tiny, and consists of a single exe file. You can, for instance, send an encrypted file by email along with the Decrypter app. Note that Decrypter is digitally signed by us so that recipients and system administrators can verify its authenticity and integrity. This app-based solution is much better and safer than others based on "self-extracting" files, because that way recipients would have to run an unsigned, potentially dangerous, and different executable every time they wanted to extract a file, which is unfeasible in today's environments. For details, please see the topic on the user guide.

   
   
5. Does CryptoForge have a government backdoor?
   

   Absolutely not. CryptoForge does not have any kind of backdoor. CryptoForge has been developed and compiled outside of the USA and is not subject to its domestic regulations or export restrictions.

   
   
6. What would happen if there was a system failure while a file is being encrypted?
   

   That's an excellent question. Power outages and system or equipment failures can occur at any time and without warning, so high quality software must be fully prepared for these contingencies. CryptoForge is designed in such a way that it ensures that there will be no data loss no matter when disaster strikes, even while a file is being encrypted. In order to achieve this level of reliability, CryptoForge divides the process of encrypting a file into two steps: first, it creates a new encrypted file that contains all of the original file data. Only once the encrypted version has been completely written to disk, does the program shred and delete the original file. This way, if a disaster occurred while encrypting a file, there would always be a safe version of the file on disk, either encrypted or unencrypted depending on exactly when the failure took place.

   
   
7. I have questions about ordering CryptoForge, where do I go?
   

   Please send us your questions to . You can also have a look at our distributor's Frequently Asked Questions , which are available in several languages.

   
   
8. Will you drive me nuts with nagging "reminders" to "register" during the 30-day trial period?
   

   Absolutely not. The only way to see a license reminder is by trying to encrypt or shred information after the 30-day trial period.

   
   
9. How do I know when the trial period will expire?
   

   The number of days used appears in the About dialog box. (Right-click the CryptoForge system tray icon and choose About from the pop-up menu). Note that the Decrypt function will always be available, even after the evaluation period has expired. Also, CryptoForge will not abruptly disable the Encrypt function after just 30 days.

   
   
10. What is the difference between the Evaluation and Full versions?
    

    There are just two differences. After 30 days use you will no longer be allowed to encrypt or shred data, but the Decrypt function will never expire. And, the evaluation version is limited to passwords up to 14 characters in length, which is enough for personal security. The Full version allows you to reach the professional level of security by using pass phrases of up to 256 characters.

    
    
11. I can't remember my password. Is there any way to get it back?
    

    Absolutely not. There is no way of recovering your information without the correct password.

    
    
12. If I paid you, could you decrypt information without the password?
    

    While we would love getting money from strangers, there is nothing we can do to help you because it is not technically possible to decrypt information without the correct password. But feel free to send the money anyway!

    
    
13. Where can I ask questions that are not answered here?
    

    Click and ask your questions! Messages are answered in a timely manner.