DOCUMENT:Q115476 24-AUG-1999 [foxpro] TITLE :How To Encrypt FoxPro .DBF Files PRODUCT :Microsoft FoxPro PROD/VER:2.50 2.50a 2.50b 2.60 3.00| 2.00 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS:kb3rdparty ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Windows, versions 3.0, 6.0 - Microsoft FoxPro for MS-DOS, versions 2.0, 2.5, 2.5a, 2.5b, 2.6 - Microsoft FoxPro for Windows, versions 2.5, 2.5a, 2.5b, 2.6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY ======= FoxPro can encrypt database files by building them into an encrypted .EXE file. However, when the .EXE file is run, the database files cannot be modified. To work around this behavior, you can use several third-party products to encrypt FoxPro database files while allowing the data to be modified. You can also write a program to encrypt FoxPro database files. MORE INFORMATION ================ Encryption prevents users from accessing .DBF files directly. It works by changing the file so it is not recognizable as a .DBF file. FoxPro cannot use the database file again until it is decrypted. Following are some of the ways you can encrypt .DBF files in FoxPro. Using FoxPro to Encrypt .DBFs ----------------------------- If a database file does not need to be modified, you can add it to your project list and not mark it for exclusion. When you build an encrypted .EXE file, the .DBF data will be included in it. You do not need to physically copy the .DBF file to the subdirectory where the .EXE file will be found. When you run the .EXE file, the database information can be accessed but it cannot be changed. Decryption of the .DBF file is automatic when the .EXE file is run. Third-Party Products to Encrypt .DBFs ------------------------------------- NOTE: The third-party products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability. NetLib Communication Horizons 65 High Ridge Road, Suite 428 Stamford, CT 06905 Phone: (203) 656-0448 or (800) 480-1604 Fax: (203) 655-4049 http://www.netlib.com Available for FoxPro 2.0, 2.5, and 2.6 for MS-DOS and Windows. A 32-bit version is scheduled to release in January 1997. Retails for $399. Cryptor Xitech, Inc. 5515 Southwyck Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614 Phone: (419) 867-3622 Available for FoxPro for MS-DOS only, Windows version in development. Retails for $99 single user or $299 multiuser six-pack. Writing a Program to Encrypt .DBFs ---------------------------------- Many FoxPro reference books contain sample code for different methods of encrypting and decrypting database files. For examples, see these books: "FoxPro 2.0 Power Tools," Malcolm C. Rubel, pages 938-942, Bantam Books, 1991, ISBN 0-553-35294-6 "Tom Rettig's FoxPro Handbook," Tom Rettig, pages 622-625, Bantam Books, 1990, ISBN 0-553-34937-6 "FoxPro 2.5 Advanced Developer's Handbook", Pat Adams and Jordan Powell, pages 222-228, Brady Publishing, 1993, ISBN 0-13-325341-4 Additional query words: VFoxWin FoxDos FoxWin encrypt hide ====================================================================== Keywords : kb3rdparty Technology : kbVFPsearch kbAudDeveloper kbFoxproSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbFoxPro200DOS kbFoxPro250DOS kbFoxPro250aDOS kbFoxPro250bDOS kbFoxPro260DOS kbFoxPro260 kbFoxPro250 kbFoxPro250a kbFoxPro250b kbVFP300 kbVFP600 Version : 2.50 2.50a 2.50b 2.60 3.00| 2.00 ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.