Creating a Self-Extracting Encrypted File With AxCrypt

Note for Mac Users: The technique outlined in this document requires the use of the encryption program AxCrypt which is a Windows only program. Mac users will need to use an alternate method of sending encrypted files to non-UT College of Education people such as by using UT's WebSpace which is explained in another tutorial which you can view by clicking here.

The default encrypted file created by AxCrypt requires a person to have the AxCrypt program installed on their computer in order to decrypt the encrypted file. So if you are unsure if the person you are sending an encrypted file to has the AxCrypt program installed on their computer, you can send them a self-extracting encrypted archive. A self-extracting archive is essentially a mini-program that contains your encrypted file. When a person runs this mini-program on their computer, it will decrypt your encrypted archive file - provided the person knows the proper password to decrypt the files. This way the person does not need to have AxCrypt installed on their computer to decrypt and view your encrypted archive file.

Create the Self-Extracting Encrypted Archive

1. Find the file you want to encrypt and click the file once to select it and then click the right button on your mouse. In the AxCrypt menu that appears click the Encrypt copy to .EXE option.

2. In the Window that appears specify a strong password. This will be the password that the person you send the self-extracting file to will need to type in order to extract the encrypted file. After you type the password you want to use, press the OK button.


3. A new encrypted version of the file will be created. The icon for the encrypted version of the file will be different than the original version. The encrypted version of the file will have the AxCrypt icon with the two red keys as shown in the screenshot below.


4. The self-extracting encrypted file is now ready to be given to the person you are wanting to share the sensitive file with. Send the self-extracting encrypted file to the other person by whatever means are available to you for sending files to people. This may be via email or a common network file share both of you can access. UT provides web accessible file space to all faculty, staff, and students. You can learn more about this web space at the UT WebSpace homepage.

IMPORTANT: Do not communicate the password you set on the self-extracting encrypted file in the same message or directory that you use to transfer the self-extracting encrypted archive file. This would negate the security of the password. You need to communicate the password to the other person using some other means such as by phone, fax, postal mail, or in-person.