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Creating an Encrypted File Container with TrueCrypt

The instructions below create an encrypted file container on your hard drive, ArgoNet drive, USB key, or other storage device. The encrypted container acts like a folder. Anything saved within the file container will be encrypted.

System Requirements
Download TrueCrypt
Creating and Encrypted File Container
Accessing the Encrypted File Container

System Requirements

Windows Vista/XP/2000, Mac OS X, or Linux

Download TrueCrypt

Download TrueCrypt at http://www.truecrypt.org/downloads.php.

Creating an Encrypted File Container

Follow the steps below. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk at (850) 474-2075 or helpdesk@uwf.edu.

Step 1:

Launch TrueCrypt by double-clicking the TrueCrypt.exe file or by clicking TrueCrypt in the Windows Start menu.

Step 2:

Click Create Volume.

Step 3:

Select Create an encrypted file container, then click Next.

Step 4:

Ensure that Standard TrueCrypt volume is selected, and then click Next.

Step 5:

Click Select File.

Step 6:

Select the drive or device where you wish to place the encrypted file container. Name the file truecrypt.tc and click Save. Then click Next.

Step 7:

The Encryption Algorithm defaults to AES, do not change this setting. The Hash Algorithm defaults to RIPEMD-160, do not change this setting. Click Next.

Step 8:

You will now select the size of the container. The files that you save within the container must not exceed the selected volume size.

Type a number in the Volume Size box that is less than the free space displayed. Be sure to select the appropriate unit (ex. KB, MB, GB). For conversion purposes, 1000 MB = 1 GB. When complete, click Next.

Step 9:

Type a long password following the on-screen recommendations and re-enter the password to confirm. When complete, click Next.

Step 10:

Move the mouse randomly for next twenty seconds, then press Format. At first nothing may appear to happen, but then a progress bar will display. Wait as it progresses. A message box will appear when formatting is complete. Click OK, then Exit.

Accessing the Encrypted File Container

Step 1:

Navigate to the encrypted file container (using My Computer or Windows Explorer). Double-click the container to open the TrueCrypt application show below. Select an available drive letter (which will temporarily be used to access your encrypted files), then click Mount.

Step 2:

Type in your password. Then click OK.

Step 3:

Then there may be a pause... be patient. A slight delay is no cause for concern. Double click the drive letter you chose in Step 1 to view your encrypted volume. When finished using your encrypted files, click Dismount All. Then click Exit.