3.10 Feature: Database Encryption

[rsharp@advancedgamin]

Harpoon 3 ANW editors can now encrypt their databases. This allows the editor to distribute their databases as play-only. Encrypted databases cannot be edited unless the editor also provides a password.

[hermanhum]

I'm still awaiting the release of the Reimer version for the editor as promised back in 2/10/2009:

ORIGINAL: rsharp@advancedgamin

Just to sum up what I've said before and reiterate.

The database editors will be included with the other executables once 3.10 is made public beta. Until then you can get both by applying for them at

http://www.computerharpoon.com/dbe_request/

We've yet to turn anyone down. The RE (Access based editors) may not be immediately delivered but it will be sent.

Thanks,

fb.asp?m=2029902

[hermanhum]

ORIGINAL: VCDH

To convert a database from the original .DAT format for encryption:

1. Backup your database somewhere.
2. Launch the v3.10 In-Game Database Editor; this will automatically load your database from its folder
3. Save the database using the: Database -> save annex command. This will convert the existing database format to v3.10.
4. Exit the editor
5. Two new files will be created in the folder locating your database files, ‘signature.bin’ and ‘annex.hsd’. These two files are the complete encrypted database (modified text and picture files are not included in the encryption).

[SNIP]

The editor creates the HSD file as the encrypted database. This HSD file is what is to be distributed to the public. The DAT files are to be kept by the DB author for editing by the MS Access editor.

http://www.computerharpoon.com/wiki/mai ... Encryption

I tried this out and followed all the steps as directed and it doesn't work.

When I take out the 17 *.DAT files and leave only the annex.hsd, signature.bin, and Database.xml file in the folder, I am unable to select the database from the Database Manager tab in the ANW launcher when it re-starts. Only when I re-insert all the *.DAT files does the database re-appear as an option within the database selection window.

Incredibly, this wiki page has been up for 16 months and, evidently, no one ever bothered to test and find out if it even worked. Normally, I would consider this unbelievable (for anything except ANW; where this abysmal standard of quality is considered 'par for the course'). Judging by the author, I am simply not surprised by the level of competence, quality, and professionalism.

I'm just glad they don't make cars or Airbuses. [:D]

[rsharp@advancedgamin]

The H3 Launcher required the 17 DAT files to exist to list the database. We've updated the H3 Launcher to list databases that only have the annex.hsd file as well. I'm still testing it as it has some other bug fixes. Of course, you can still modify the harpoon3.ini file to use the database. I believe the instructions for manual database configuration are on our wiki for those that wish to use the beta before I provide a new H3 Launcher build.

Thanks,

[rsharp@advancedgamin]

Documentation available on the AGSI wiki.

http://www.computerharpoon.com/wiki/mai ... Encryption