High encryption pack for Pocket PC? Not so fast....

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?releaseid=42456">http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?releaseid=42456</a><br /><br />This page contains a software update for your Pocket PC that will give it 128bit encryption for using within Pocket Internet Explorer or may be used by third party software that taps into the Crypto API. But do you need it? Maybe. There is another link from the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/downloads/ssl128.asp">PocketPC.com site</a> that links to the same file, though the download link is a bit different. I downloaded both and ran them through a binary file checker. Same file.<br /><br />So, what is this for? Well, Pocket PC 2000 devices shipped with 40bit encryption, so if you have not installed <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/downloads/servicepack1.asp">Service Pack 1</a> for your Pocket PC 2000 device, like the Jornada 52x, 54x, Casio E-1x5 or a non-upgraded iPAQ 3100/3600, you may want this download. SP1 includes it. Non-upgraded iPAQ users don't need it if they are running ROM 1.69 or higher. Compaq included SP1 in the ROM image. Soft-reset your iPAQ and watch the ROM number when it boots to see what ROM image you have.<br /><br />I <i>think</i> you also need it if you have a Toshiba e740. For some reason, Toshiba seems to have shipped the e740 with 40bit encryption which you should <b><i>never</i></b> use for sensitive information like a credit card number. I don't know about the e310. For everyone else with Pocket PC 2002 devices though, this is not necessary. I've heard people installing it with no problems, so I don't think it will hurt, but it takes up RAM. Thanks to Rick Gomez for the link.

[willkess71]

Problem is that when you install the 128bit encryp it does not always work. I have had to return 3 different e740's and each one was a little finicky about encryption. I have not been able to successfully apply the patch to my current device and it is very frustrating as Hotmail will not work without it. I eagerly anticipate a new rom from Toshiba to fix my dilema until then... Maybe the 30th time will be the charm!

[dochall]

I have total deja vu about this post. Has it been posted before (months ago)?

[Ed Hansberry]

I have total deja vu about this post. Has it been posted before (months ago)?
I've been known to repeat a post within 48 hrs, so could be. :oops: One of the links above is dated Sept 3 2002 though and looks new though it isn't. I was just clearing it up. :)

[jimsparkman]

I'm not completely sure, but I believe the reason for the newly posted link and re-communication for the 128 bit encryption is that certain laws prohibiting 128 bit security in some countries has just been opened up, allowing devices to now use it in these countries. Devices had been restricted to 40 bit, and Microsoft had to deliver versions of the PPC 2002 OS with 40 bit. Could be what happend with the e740 - Toshiba used the wrong image on US bound devices (my own speculation).

- Jim

[jimH]

:?: Is there a way to determine if my Toshiba Genio 550G has 128 encryption installed?

TIA