Building FadCrypt for Windows

Prerequisites

pip install -r requirements.txt
pip install pyinstaller

Build Steps

1. Build GUI Executable (console=False)

python -m PyInstaller FadCrypt.spec --clean --noconfirm

Creates: dist/FadCrypt/FadCrypt.exe

2. Build CLI Executable (console=True)

python -m PyInstaller FadCryptCLI.spec --clean --noconfirm

Creates: dist/FadCryptCLI/fadcrypt.exe

3. Build Installer (requires Inno Setup)

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Inno Setup 6\ISCC.exe" innosetup/FadCrypt-inno-setup-script.iss

Creates: dist/FadCryptSetup.exe

Quick Build (PowerShell)

.\build-windows.ps1

This builds both exes and optionally creates the installer.

Installation

Run FadCryptSetup.exe to install FadCrypt with:

• GUI shortcut: "FadCrypt" (launches GUI)
• CLI shortcut: "FadCrypt CLI" (launches TUI in console)
• Both added to %PATH% for command-line access

Usage

GUI Mode

FadCrypt.exe --gui
# or just: FadCrypt.exe

CLI Mode

fadcrypt --cli          # Interactive TUI
fadcrypt --lock file    # Lock a file
fadcrypt --unlock file  # Unlock a file
fadcrypt --list         # List locked items

Architecture

• FadCrypt.exe: GUI application (PyQt6, no console window)
• fadcrypt.exe: CLI/TUI application (runs in native console)
• Both share same core code, differ only in console mode
  • CLI: Run fadcrypt --cli from any terminal/PowerShell

Usage

GUI Mode

FadCrypt.exe

CLI/TUI Mode

fadcrypt --cli

Lock Files

fadcrypt --lock "C:\path\to\file.txt"

Unlock Files

fadcrypt --unlock "C:\path\to\file.txt"

List Locked Items

fadcrypt --list

Context Menu

After installation, you can:

• Right-click any file/folder → "🔐 Lock with FadCrypt"
• Right-click any locked file/folder → "🔓 Unlock with FadCrypt"

Uninstall

Use Windows Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall "FadCrypt"

This will:

• Remove both executables
• Remove from PATH
• Remove context menu entries
• Remove Start Menu shortcuts
• Leave user config in %APPDATA%\FadCrypt\ (can be manually deleted)

Troubleshooting

PowerShell 7+ not found for CLI:

• Install PowerShell 7+ from: https://github.com/PowerShell/PowerShell/releases
• CLI mode requires pwsh.exe (PowerShell 7+)

Context menu not appearing:

• Restart File Explorer: Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Find explorer.exe → Restart
• Or reinstall FadCrypt

Files in use error during unlock:

• Close any programs using the file
• Try again

Development

For local development without installer:

# Run GUI
python FadCrypt.py --gui

# Run CLI/TUI
python FadCrypt.py --cli

# Run with verbose logging
python FadCrypt.py --cli --verbose