- name
- truecrypt-cli
- description
- Use installed TrueCrypt on Windows to mount, dismount, inspect, and automate legacy TrueCrypt containers or encrypted partitions from the command line. Trigger when a user specifically wants TrueCrypt rather than VeraCrypt, asks for TrueCrypt CLI syntax, wants a batch/PowerShell command for mounting or dismounting, needs to check whether TrueCrypt is installed, or wants help scripting safe non-destructive TrueCrypt operations.
TrueCrypt CLI
Use this skill when the user explicitly wants to work with installed TrueCrypt on Windows, especially version 7.1a, instead of being redirected to VeraCrypt.
Workflow
- Confirm that
TrueCrypt.exeexists before giving machine-specific commands. - Prefer the full executable path in examples to avoid PATH issues.
- Ask only for the minimum needed details:
- volume path or device path - target drive letter - whether a keyfile is used - whether the operation must be non-interactive
- Prefer non-destructive operations first: detect install path, dismount, or prepare a command without running it.
- Warn before using
/pbecause command-line passwords may be exposed to process listings, logs, or shell history. - If built-in help does not print to the console, rely on known command patterns and cautious validation instead of pretending the CLI is self-documenting.
Quick checks
First, locate the binary. Common paths:
C:\Program Files\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exe
C:\Program Files (x86)\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exePowerShell check:
$tc = @(
'C:\Program Files\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exe',
'C:\Program Files (x86)\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exe'
) | Where-Object { Test-Path $_ } | Select-Object -First 1If nothing is found there, fall back to Get-Command TrueCrypt.exe.
Safe command patterns
Use the cookbook in references/commands.md for exact examples.
High-confidence operations:
- mount a volume with
/vand/l - dismount one letter with
/d X - dismount all with
/d - use
/qfor quiet mode - use
/kfor keyfiles when needed - use
/mfor mount options when explicitly required
Prefer examples like:
"C:\Program Files\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exe" /v "C:\path\container.tc" /l X /q"C:\Program Files\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exe" /d X /q"C:\Program Files\TrueCrypt\TrueCrypt.exe" /d /qSafety and communication rules
- Do not casually recommend migrating to VeraCrypt if the user explicitly asked for TrueCrypt help; answer the TrueCrypt question first.
- Do mention that TrueCrypt is discontinued when security or long-term maintenance is relevant.
- Do not put a real password into saved scripts unless the user explicitly requests that tradeoff.
- For destructive or risky actions, prepare the command and ask before executing it.
- If uncertain about a rare switch, say so plainly and stick to the known-safe command surface.
Outputs to provide
Depending on the request, provide one of these:
- exact one-line mount or dismount command
- PowerShell or batch wrapper
- install-detection command
- short explanation of each switch used
- a cautious test plan for validating a container without exposing secrets