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TrueCrypt 5.x

for Windows

Creating a Storage Area: As a File

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.

This document shows you how to create a TrueCrypt volume in a file called a container. As such, this container can be moved, copied, or deleted like other files.

• Creating a Volume
• Additional Resources

Creating a Volume

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

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

3. Verify that Create a file container is selected
   

4. Click NEXT

5. Verify that Standard TrueCrypt volume is selected
   

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

7. Click SELECT FILE…
   The Specify Path and File Name dialog box appears.
   

8. From the Save in pull-down list, select a location for the volume

9. In the File name text box, type a name for the volume
   HINT: You cannot encrypt a file by overwriting it with a TrueCrypt volume; the file will be replaced.
   

10. Click SAVE
    You are returned to the wizard window.

11. Click NEXT
    The wizard window refreshes to Encryption Options.

12. Click NEXT
    The wizard window refreshes to Volume Size.

13. In the Volume Size text box, type the amount of file storage you want for this volume
    HINT: You may not exceed the amount of indicated free space for the drive you have chosen.
    

14. Select the unit size

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

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

17. 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.
    

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

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

20. 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.

21. Click FORMAT
    A dialog box appears once the volume has been created.

22. Click OK
    You are returned to the TrueCrypt window.

23. 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)