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Scan this entire tutorial so you get a general overview of what needs to be done before doing anything
else. If you follow along step-by-step then the process wont seem so intimidating.
This tutorial is based on the Microsoft XP Pro SP2 Operating System installation and use.
When installing and using on different versions of MS operating systems there will be
minor variations. Please determine your operating system and if it's different from XP or XP PRO
then be sure to check with GnuPG.org
to acertain the proper installation and use.
What we need to do first is install GnuPG and create your public and private keys. Get the
GnuPG program.
The following download link is the one I used for this tutorial and is valid for download at the
time this tutorial was written...
http://mirrors.rootmode.com/ftp.gnupg.org/binary/
Download this file: gnupg-w32cli-1.4.2.exe
Install following the default setup options and directory unless you have
a very good reason for altering them. The default installation path will be C:\Program Files\GNU\GnuPG so be sure to maintain it.
System Variables
The install program does not establish the program path in your registry nor in your environment variables.
So, to allow programs and yourself to access gpg from any directory at the command prompt or program access on the fly you
need to set the path in your Environment Variables for windows XP and XP PRO.
BEFORE EDITING THE SYSTEM VARIABLE WRITE DOWN THE EXISTING VALUES SO YOU CAN RESTORE SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY
IN CASE SOMETHING GOES WRONG!
Set up your system so all programs can find GnuPG using the Windows "Environment Variables". Assuming
you installed to the default installation directory, use values below. If you installed to a custom path/directory then change
the "Variable Value" as needed.
Go to Control Panel =>System =>Advanced => Environment Variables
Under "System Variables" look for the Variable Name "PATH". If it is present
IMG then you need to append it.
If it is not present IMG then you need to add it.
Be sure to scroll the "System Variables" window when determining whether or not the "PATH" exists!
Appending "PATH"
If the Variable Name "PATH"
already exists in the System Variables window then click edit IMG.
Enter the disk path (as outlined below) to the GnuPG folder at the end of the existing disk path(s)
...no space(s) between disk path entries. File and folder names are case sensitive so be sure to use exact names and disk path
IMG. Click OK and check that
nothing was removed or replaced and that your new path looks correct.
Variable Value:
disk path to GnuPG...
;C:\Program Files\GNU\GnuPG
Note: There Is a space in the "Program Files" folder name. If your disk path folder
names contain a space then include them!
Note: The leading semi-colon is required when appending "PATH". So your new appended
path may look something like this:
C:\One\diskpath;C:\Another\diskpath;C:\Program Files\GNU\GnuPG
Then click OK then OK again to save the changes. you may have to restart your pc.
Adding "PATH"
If there is no Variable Name called "PATH" in
the "System Variables" window IMG
then you need to define one. Click "New" IMG
then type in "PATH" without the quotes and all caps (case sensitive) into the Variable
Name text box. Then type in the path to GnuPG in the Variable Value text box IMG.
For a new entry you do not need the leading semicolon as explained in the "Appending"
instructions. Simply enter:
C:\Program Files\GNU\GnuPG
No leading or trailing spaces and case sensitive.
Note: There Is a space in the "Program Files" folder name. If your disk path folder
names contain a space then include them!
Click OK. Your new PATH should be added to your System Variables window IMG. If everything looks ok then click OK then OK. The path should now be set up for gpg.
Testing Environment Variables
Open a command prompt window and type in the following command:
gpg --version
You should see a report concerning gpg version, copyright and encryption details. If not then there is something wrong with
the install path or the way you entered the Environment Variables details. If everything looks ok...no leading blank spaces, correct path and drive, no trailing spaces and directory names are exact and still no success then you can try adding a trailing backslash to the PATH Variable Value...
C:\Program Files\GNU\GnuPG\
This may work whether appending the PATH or creating a new one.
If the version command was successful then your next step is to create your key pair (private and public) and you
should create a revocation certificate.
Using GnuPG
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Tutorials
