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Encrypt or Password Protect CD Contents

Hello,

I need a method to either encrypt or password protect the contents of a CD. The CD will be viewed on a Microsoft Windows machine.

I would prefer not to use TrueCrypt, because it requires mounting a drive on the user end and mounting drives may be disabled on their machine.

Would a ZIP file work? What are some good options?

Thank you

☠ MASQ ☠

This may sound a stupid question but what do you want to achieve?
Do you want to protect the contents from unauthorised access or prevent copying of the content?
The second is unlikely to be achieved as once the contents is decrypted copying can be done (even if not simply) so you will not deter someone determined to copy the content.

The first is difficult because you are dealing with read-only media so decryption will need to be supported by the host machine and this will require the correct permissions to install the decryption software unless it is something which is already installed or part of the OS.

WinZip could so this but the encryption used on the version bundled with XP (for example) does not support the stronger encryption available in the true WinZip software.

Depending on how reliable you want the security of the encryption to be you may be better using media designed for this such as USB drives with integrated encryption or if you are using an environment that supports the use of only encrypted USB media.

xmlmagician

WinZip self extract file would do it or you can use a free utility like 7-zip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgJKEHOIPuM

also there is loads of good info here:
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6121_102-113076/easy-way-to-password-protect-recorded-cd-s-dvd-s-files/

if you had win7 it would have been a better option as you will not need any additional sortware

marsilies

AxCrypt is another option. You could include the portable AxCrypt2Go.exe program on the CD for the recipient to use:
http://www.axantum.com/axcrypt/Downloads.html

There's also FreeOTFE, which offers a portable viewer called FreeOTFE Explorer you could include on the CD:
http://www.freeotfe.org/

While neither of these options will require a drive mounted, they do require that the recipient can run a program off the CD, although they don't need installation rights with the portable versions.

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TacomaVA

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☠ MASQ ☠

Found my own solution - encrypted flash drives - Like I suggested ;)

TacomaVA

ASKER

Found my own solution - encrypted flash drives