Creating a PGP Key with PGP Desktop (Symantec Encryption Desktop) for Windows
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Creating a PGP Key with PGP Desktop (Symantec Encryption Desktop) for Windows

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Article ID: 178742

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Updated On:

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Desktop Email Encryption PGP Command Line PGP Key Management Server PGP Key Mgmt Client Access and CLI API PGP SDK Drive Encryption Drive Encryption Encryption Management Server Endpoint Encryption File Share Encryption Gateway Email Encryption PGP Encryption Suite

Issue/Introduction

 

Resolution

To create a PGP keypair

  1. Open Encryption Desktop.
     
  2. Select File > New PGP Key. The first screen of the PGP Key Generation Assistant is displayed.
     
  3. If you want to generate your new PGP keypair on a token or smart card, make sure the token or smart card is connected to the system and then select the box labeled Generate Key on Token: [name of smart card or token on system].
     
  4. Click Next. The Name and Email Assignment screen is displayed.
     
  5. Type your real name in the Full Name field and your correct email address in the Primary Email field.

    Note:If you would like to add more email addresses to the key you are creating, click More and type them in the fields that appear.
     
  6. To specify advanced settings for the key you are creating, click Advanced. The Advanced Key Settings dialog box is displayed. Use this dialog box to specify settings for the key including:Key type, subkey, key size, expiration, Allowed Ciphers, Preferred Cipher, Allowed Hashes, Preferred Hash.
     
  7. Click OK to close the Advanced Key Settings dialog box.
     
  8. Click Next. The Passphrase Assignment screen is displayed.
     
  9. Type the passphrase you want to use for the private key of the keypair being created.
     
  10. To confirm your entry, press Tab to advance to the Confirmation field, then type the same passphrase again.

    Warning: Unless you are in a Symantec Encryption Server environment, no one, including Symantec, can salvage a key with a forgotten passphrase. Be sure to record the passphrase.
     
  11. Click Next to begin the key generation process. Symantec Encryption Desktop generates your new keypair. This process can take several minutes.
     
  12. When the key generation process is complete, click Next. You are prompted to add the public key portion of the key you just created to the PGP Global Directory.
     
  13. Click Next to add your new key to the PGP Global Directory (recommended). Click Skip if you want to prevent the public key from being posted to the PGP Global Directory.
     
  14. Click Finish. Your new PGP keypair has been generated. It should be visible in the PGP Keys Work area. If you don’t see it listed, make sure All Keys or My Private Keys is selected in the PGP Keys Control box.
     
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