When the user has a permanently encrypted volume, BestCrypt Volume Encryption software transparently decrypts all of the data when reading from the volume when it is opened for access. In terms of BestCrypt Volume Encryption software, an encrypted volume is mounted when it is opened for access and volume is dismounted if the software does not transparently decrypt it and access to plain data is impossible.
To mount an encrypted volume, select the volume in the main window of BestCrypt Volume Encryption and run the ->Mount volume command. The software will ask you to enter passphrase for the volume. After entering a proper password BestCrypt Volume Encryption will start transparent decrypting of the volume and its data will become available for the user.
If you use removable storage (like a SafeNet eToken device) to store the encryption key for the volume, the device must be inserted to USB port and the passphrase for it must be entered when BestCrypt Volume Encryption calls for it. For security reasons, the software does not give any hints in the Enter password window concerning such device; no one else except the rightful user should know whether removable storage is used for the volume or not.
For troubleshooting, it is possible to launch BCVE so that it will show the characters when the password is typed. To do so, open Command Prompt, navigate to BCVE program folder and run bcfmgr.exe -ShowPwd. At boot time, to show/hide the password characters, press F1.
To dismount an encrypted volume, select the volume in main window of BestCrypt Volume Encryption and run the ->Dismount volume command. BestCrypt Volume Encryption will stop transparent decrypting of the volume. Access to plain data from the volume will be impossible.
Removable storage device with encryption key for volume is required only for mounting the volume. After that you can remove it from USB port and continue normal work with mounted volume. The volume can be dismounted at any time by running Volume->Dismount volume command. The way of managing removable key storage devices is chosen to minimize advertizing your use of them. Besides, it minimizes risk of losing the devices.
Note: If user tries to dismount an encrypted volume with open files or windows from that volume, BestCrypt Volume Encryption will send the warning message. To keep integrity of data on the volume, it is strongly recommended to close all related files and applications before dismounting.
Note: If you want to format an encrypted volume, it is recommended to dismount it first. If mounted volume is formatted, BCVE will encounter an error in defining encryption status of the volume.