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Veracrypt: Works with password in command line, - but NOT with key file (-ver 1.24 - Win 8-64 )

Incis-B
2021-05-31
2021-05-31
  • Incis-B

    Incis-B - 2021-05-31

    Simple 10MB VC file. simple pw. Works great on CMD-line with /p abcdefg,
    but FAILS with key file /k vc-key.txt

    Versions: win 8.1 64 VC Version 1.24-64.

    (This line WORKS FINE)
    C:\Program Files\VeraCrypt\VeraCrypt /v E:\VeraCrypt-abcdefg /l Z /a /p abcdefg /e /b

    (This line FAILS !)
    C:\Program Files\VeraCrypt\VeraCrypt /v E:\VeraCrypt-abcdefg /l Z /a ** /k E:\VC-Keys.txt** /e /b

    Error= :
    "Operation failed due to one or more ...
    Source:MountVolume:8424

    Also tried moving all to c:-Drive. (rather than split c: & e: ) with the same results.

    (below: the contents of the KeyFile ( E:\VC-Keys.txt)

    abcdefg
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    "abcdefg"
    6
    7**

     

    Last edit: Incis-B 2021-05-31
  • Adrian Kentleton

    You don't make clear whether when you use a keyfile, you are also using a password or not. If the latter, you need to specify /tryemptypass in the command.

     
  • Incis-B

    Incis-B - 2021-05-31

    tried the /tryemptypass y . Same results.
    also dropped the /Auto and the /Beep flags. Same results .
    Also verified on 2nd machine.

     

    Last edit: Incis-B 2021-05-31
  • Adrian Kentleton

    I'm wondering whether you misunderstand how keyfiles work, because your keyfile is apparently a text file, containing (at least two) possible password expressions, as if you think that VC iterates through the lines, looking for a password that works. Please confirm this is not the case!

     
    • Incis-B

      Incis-B - 2021-05-31

      Adrian, Yes, that IS what I'm assuming .
      Will - search internet for knowledge re: keyfiles !
      TNX a (10^6) for the Heads-Up !

       
  • Incis-B

    Incis-B - 2021-05-31
     

    Last edit: Incis-B 2021-05-31
  • Adrian Kentleton

    As far as VC is concerned, a keyfile is just (meaningless) random data (as, to VC, is a password, even though it might be meaningful to a user); when it tries to mount a volume using a keyfile, it looks for the same random data in the keyfile as was present when the volume was encrypted using it. So, you must use keyfiles that are not subject to random changes, other wise you'll get locked out; it's OK to use text files, as long as you don't edit them (or they might be randomly edited by some program on the PC).

    You can use VC itself to generate a suitable file full of random data.

    PS A big thumbs up to you, for experimenting with a small test file as a way of learning how VC works! I wish more new users did the same. Too many people jump straight in, encrypting all their important data, without backups, and then lose the lot when some misunderstanding causes a snafu. It's a pleasure to try to help folk like you, who approach using VC sensibly.

     

    Last edit: Adrian Kentleton 2021-05-31
    • Incis-B

      Incis-B - 2021-05-31

      Adrian, got a better understanding of the keyfile concept. utube has some cute clips.
      too, I see UR point re: not using rnd() changing files. !
      -Lastly, UR a little quick with the compliment re: experimenting b4 jumping in.
      I jumped in with TC&VC , and have forgotten about 5k number of files :(
      I have a dic file and have written a PY 3.9 app to do the heavy work.
      also, reading over "KeyFiles" materials, decided to re-try HashCat which actually worked (a little) - This Time !
      Again, truly appreciate UR help to point me in the right direction. (Really was thinking that a keyfile was another name for DictFile. !
      ( from the Baltics - - TC & SS . )

       

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