PGP Command Line cannot decrypt large files due to low System Memory (RAM)

Products

• PGP Command Line

Issue/Introduction

PGP Command Line generates an error when attempting to decrypt large files. The error is likely to occur when the contents of the encrypted file exceeds the available RAM on the system.

For example, the file in question is 8GBs, but the system RAM/Memory is only 4GBs.

3090:operation failed, sizeAdvise promise not kept

Environment

Symantec PGP Command Line releases 10.4.2 MP1, 10.4.2 MP2 and 10.4.2 MP4.

Cause

There is insufficient memory to decrypt the entire file.

Resolution

Upgrade to PGP Command Line 10.5 or above for improved handling of these types of files, although you may still need to increase system memory.

If you cannot upgrade, to workaround the issue, decrypt the file with PGP Command Line 10.4.2. Alternatively, on a 64 bit system, increasing the RAM may also workaround the issue.