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TrueCrypt 5.x

for Windows

Creating a Storage Area: On a Device

TrueCrypt allows you to create a storage area for encrypted data. This area is called a volume and is similar to other storage areas such as drives or removable disks. The difference is that it encrypts files as they are saved to it. Additionally, it unencrypts files as they are opened from the volume.

• Creating a Volume
• Additional Resources

Creating a Volume

The following steps show you how to create a TrueCrypt volume on a device called a partition. Specifically, this document will refer to encrypting a USB device.

WARNING: Any existing files on a USB drive should be relocated prior to creating a TrueCrypt volume on the device. If not moved, any files on the USB drive will be overwritten and therefore lost.

1. Connect the USB device

2. From the Start menu, select All Programs » Utilities » TrueCrypt
   The TrueCrypt window appears.

3. Click CREATE VOLUME
   The TrueCrypt Volume Creation Wizard appears.
   

4. Select Create a volume within a non-system partition/device

5. Click NEXT

6. Verify that Standard TrueCrypt volume is selected
   

7. Click NEXT
   The wizard window refreshes to Volume Location.

8. Click SELECT DEVICE …
   The Select a Partition or Device dialog box appears.
   

9. From the Device list, select a partition or device

10. Click OK
    NOTES:
    A confirmation dialog box appears.
    Because you will be creating a volume on the entire device, any existing files will be overwritten.

11. Click YES
    The wizard window refreshes to show the Volume Location.

12. Click NEXT
    The wizard window refreshes to show Encryption Options .

13. Click NEXT
    The wizard window refreshes to show the Volume Size.

14. Click NEXT
    The wizard window refreshes to Volume Password.

15. OPTIONAL: To make it easier to create and confirm a long password, select Display password

16. In the Password text box, type a password
    NOTES:
    Read the suggestions provided in this window.
    For additional information, refer to Password Protection in the Overview document.
    WARNING: Forgotten pass phrases cannot be recovered or reset.
    

17. In the Confirm text box, retype your chosen password

18. Click NEXT
    The wizard window refreshes to Volume Format.

19. Within the wizard window, move your mouse randomly for at least 30 seconds
    NOTES:
    The duration and randomness of mouse movements enhance the quality of the encryption key as it is created.
    Read the information in this window.

20. Click FORMAT
    A confirmation dialog box appears.

21. Click YES
    Another confirmation dialog box appears.

22. Click OK

23. Click OK

24. Click EXIT
    Before you can use this volume for storing and encrypting files, you must mount it.

Additional Resources

• TrueCrypt website
• TrueCrypt Tutorial (YouTube)
• TrueCrypt Simple Demonstration (YouTube)