Problem with decrypting files

How are they "encrypted" ? What software did you use to decrypt them previously.

Does it involve compression ? compression of JPEGs usually proves pointless.

Well, what format are they encrypted in? Try using Stuffit Expander or something like that to decrypt them.

Do you remember what program you were using for encryption? I'll have to reboot into OS9 to check but I don't recall it including encryption as one of its contextual menu items, though it did have the Security application as one of its features (which might work in Classic BTW). Since I don't recall it being contextual this suggests you used some other program to encrypt which does have a contextual items feature, and you need to know what that program is (as well as the password you used, otherwise you can forget about ever opening the file again unless your uncle works for the CIA).

Yeah, I forgot about the Security application. It will probably need to be unencrypted with this program.

It's likely *Apple File Security* you're talking about. It's located in the Applications OS 9 Folder.

Regards,
L+

If the files are no longer recognized as encrypted by the same software that encrypted them in the first place, then they are almost certainly corrupt and unsalvageable.

Hello

Perhaps the files in question have just lost proper file type and/or creator code information.

You may try the following AppleScript script which will set the file type and creator code of chosen file to those of the encrypted by Apple File Security and open it.
(I see no 'decrypt' menu item in contextual menu for encrypted file under OS9.1. Double clicking it or opening it by Apple File Security application will ask you the password and then decrypt and open it.)

--SCRIPT
(* For OS9/Classic *)
set a to choose file
tell application "Finder"
tell item a
set {file type, creator type} to {"enc2", "crp2"}
end tell
open a
end tell
--END OF SCRIPT



Copy and paste the code into new window of Script Editor and run it. It will let you choose the file and set its file type and creator code and try to open it.
I think this should be run under OS9 or Classic. So use OS9's Script Editor located at (e.g.):

HD:
Applications (Mac OS 9):
Apple Extras:
AppleScript:
Script Editor

Last but not least, make a copy of the file and apply the script to the copy for safety.

Good luck,
H

Hi there

I did assume if I do a backup with FileVault activated I can restore without problems if I know the password I have choosen. I did not work and I had to go far in the past to pick a backup where FileVault was not activated. That worked, the encrypted one gave an error as the system wanted to start up , I think the message was can not read at this stage any file.
I put the password in I used for FileVault but could not start up, the Password Window was rejecting any password.

I'm afraid to activate FileVault again, what's the use of it if I can't restore a backup.

Thanks for any info or advice.