Using FAOPGP

Unprotecting (decrypting/verifying) Files using the FAOPG GUI

The advantage of using the FAOGPG GUI to unprotect files over Windows Explorer is that you can see who they have been encrypted for/signed by before you unprotect them.


Unprotecting a File

1.  Highlight the protected file in the FAOPGP window.  The file you have selected to unprotect will be displayed in the right-hand pane.

NOTE: If you want to unprotect multiple files you must use Windows Explorer. Multiple files can be unprotected in the FAOPGP GUI only if they are stored in an archive.

2.  Press the UNPROTECT button Unprotect/Verify button

Unprotected files are restored to their original filename and saved to the folder selected in the 'Default Settings' dialog.

Alternatively, double-clicking on a protected file in the right-hand pane or right-clicking on a protected file in the right-hand pane and selecting 'Unprotect selected files' will automatically unprotect them.


NOTE: It does not matter what encryption or signing key is displayed in the 'Encrypt For' and 'Sign As' drop-down list boxes as these are ignored. The unprotection process is transparent - FAOPGP automatically checks if the key(s) required to unprotect files are present in your keystore. If you do not posess the correct key(s) then FAOPGP will notify you because unprotection of files cannot take place.


Log File Window

FAOPGP displays a log of the files you have unprotected in the bottom half of the right-hand pane as shown below:

Unprotection/verification log


Selecting will clear the log file window.

Selecting  will display the log in a full browser page. If you want to save or print the log file, press this button and then select the appropriate action from your browser menu options.

Clicking on the hyperlink will display the unprotected file in its associated application. 



Error Messages

If you do not have the unprotect key for a file then FAOPGP will be unable to decrypt it.  The original filename cannot be displayed because it is encrypted, and who it was encrypted for cannot be displayed because that private key is not known.