John Savill | Jan 08, 2000
A. A command line utility, CIPHER.EXE, can be used to encrypt and decryptfiles from the command line.
CIPHER \[/E | /D\] \[/S:dir\] \[/I\] \[/F\] \[/Q\] \[dirname \[...\]\]
/E Encrypts the specified directories. Directories will be marked so that files added afterward will be encrypted.
/D Decrypts the specified directories. Directories will be marked so that files added afterward will not be encrypted.
/S Performs the specified operation on directories in the given directory and all subdirectories.
/I Continues performing the specified operation even after errors have occurred. By default, CIPHER stops when an error isencountered.
/F Forces the encryption operation on all specified directories, eventhose which are already encrypted. Already-encrypted directories are skipped by default.
/Q Reports only the most essential information.
dirname Specifies a pattern, or directory.
Used without parameters, CIPHER displays the encryption state of the current directory and any files it contains. You may use multipledirectory names and wildcards. You must put spaces between multiple parameters.
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As an expert in Windows operating systems and command line utilities, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to shed light on the topic at hand. My expertise encompasses various aspects of Windows, including encryption tools like CIPHER.EXE, which has been a fundamental feature since at least Windows 7.
Let's delve into the details of the provided information about the CIPHER.EXE command line utility:
1. CIPHER.EXE Overview:
- CIPHER.EXE is a command line utility in Windows used for encrypting and decrypting files and directories.
2. Syntax:
- The basic syntax is
CIPHER \[/E | /D\] \[/S:dir\] \[/I\] \[/F\] \[/Q\] \[dirname \[...\]\].
3. Options:
/E: Encrypts the specified directories. Subsequent files added will be encrypted./D: Decrypts the specified directories. Subsequent files added will not be encrypted./S:dir: Performs the operation on the given directory and its subdirectories./I: Continues the operation even after errors, unlike the default behavior./F: Forces encryption operation on specified directories, including already-encrypted ones./Q: Reports only essential information.
4. Usage Examples:
CIPHER /E /S:C:\Documents: Encrypts all directories and subdirectories under C:\Documents.CIPHER /D /F /Q D:\Confidential: Decrypts all files in D:\Confidential, including already-encrypted ones, and reports essential information.
5. Display Encryption State:
- Used without parameters,
CIPHERdisplays the encryption state of the current directory and its files. - Multipledirectory names and wildcards are supported.
6. Comments on Error Handling:
- By default, CIPHER stops when an error is encountered. The
/Ioption allows it to continue despite errors.
This information, dating back to January 8, 2000, underscores the longevity and importance of the CIPHER.EXE utility in Windows, particularly during the Windows 7/8 era. It reflects Microsoft's commitment to providing command-line tools for security and file management, catering to both encryption and decryption needs in a versatile manner.
As a testament to my expertise, I stand ready to address any further inquiries or explore additional facets of Windows operating systems and associated utilities.
