WinXP uses the command line cipher to encrypt and decrypt files or folders.

There are many ways to encrypt and decrypt files. WinXP system provides users with a special function —— encrypt and decrypt files or files through command line cipher folder. Let's take a look at this feature.

Detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Command format:

cipher [{/e| /d}] [/sir] [/a] [/I] [/f] [/q] [/h] [/k] [/u[/n]] [PathName […]] |  [/rathNameWithoutExtension] |  [/wathName]

2. Parameter setting:

When used without parameters, cipher will display the encryption status of the current folder and the files it contains.

/e Encrypts the specified folder. After the folder has been marked, the files added to the folder in the future are also encrypted.

/d Decrypts the specified folder. After the folder has been marked, the files added to the folder in the future are also encrypted.

/s: dir Performs the selected action in the specified folder and all its subfolders.

/a Execute file and directory operations.

/I The specified operation continues even if an error occurs.

/f Encrypt or decrypt all specified objects. By default, cipher skips encrypted or decrypted files.

/q Report only the most basic information.

/h Displays files with hidden or system properties. By default, these files are not encrypted or decrypted.

/k Create new file encryption for users running cipher. If you use this option, cipher will ignore all other options.

/u Update the encryption key for the user file or restore the proxy key to the current file in all encrypted files on the local drive (if the key has changed). This option is only used with /n.

/n Prevents key updates. Use this option to find all encrypted files on your local drive.

PathName Specifies a style, file, or folder.

/rathNameWithoutExtension Generates a new recovery agent certificate and private key and writes them to a file whose name is specified in PathNameWithoutExtension.

/wathName Deletes data for unused portions of the volume.

/? Displays help at the command prompt.

After learning the above command line settings, friends will know how to encrypt and decrypt files through the command line. There may be a lot of parameters, and friends may wish to back it up in case of emergency.