DbDefence FAQ

Is DbDefence "HIPAA compliance software"?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 09:45:46 +0000

Yes it is. DbDefence implements reliable transparent encryption and prevent access by persons or software programs that have not been granted access rights.

How can I activate DbDefence silently?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:32:53 +0000

If you have a redistribution license then your license file (dbdefence.key) is valid for every server without activation. No interactive activation will be required.

If you have a single license then you will need to activate with us interactively.

If we purchase DbDefence, will we have support ? And for how long ?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:31:27 +0000

Yes, we provide free lifetime support on our DbDefence products as long as you have an account with us.

However, it is important to note that you may encounter technical difficulties with upgraded versions of SQL servers that become incompatible with earlier versions of DbDefence. If this does become an issue, you will most likely need to upgrade your copy of DbDefence in order to make it compatible with future SQL server upgrades. Doing this may cost money to you, but we do offer significant discounts to our regular customers on upgraded versions of DbDefence. If you would like additional information regarding our discounted upgrade policies, please review our question and answer section contained in the “Order” page or contact us directly.

Will we face a problem with upgrade SQL Server 2005 database to SQL 2008 or 2012?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:30:13 +0000

If you properly follow the steps in order to upgrade your system, you will not experience any difficulties when upgrading from any previous versions of SQL servers. Upgrading procedures are included in our support. We support the latest release of SQL Server 2014.

What should we do to move a database to another server?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:29:12 +0000

Assuming that DbDefence is installed on the new server, just copy the database and .dbd_key files to it.

How do I make a backup of an encrypted database?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:27:41 +0000

Like you normally would. However, .dbd_key files are not saved with the backup. Take extra measures to make sure you will have access to them when you need them.

How do I attach an encrypted database?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:27:00 +0000

This is a simple task for DbDefence. Just make sure that the encryption .dbd_key files are in the same folder as the database files. Without those files you will get a “checksum mismatch” error and won't be able to attach the database.

If I use the same password, will my .dbd_key files be identical? Can we use any .dbd_key file with ourdatabases ?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:26:05 +0000

No. Each time you encrypt a database, the key files will be different and they will not be interchangeable. To simplify the distribution process, we recommend you copy the database files and key files together so you can just attach the database without encrypting it every time.

What will we do if the .dbd_key files are ever corrupted or deleted?

support@activecrypt.com (Super User) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:24:51 +0000

Don't let it happen! If you lose the key file, our support staff will be unable to assist you! Be sure to copy those dbd_key files somewhere into a secure place immediately after you encrypt your database! However, if you still have the .dbd_key file and forget your password, we will be able to recover it after a valid identification and confirmation of your account with us.