KeePass Portable download and set up
KeePass comes in two versions, which differ in some functions. The basic operation is, however, in both variants the same. For the following steps KeePass 2 Portable was used.
- First of all, you need to KeePass 2 download. The Portable version has the advantage that it does not need to be installed, and therefore also on a USB-Stick can be used. Unzip the ZIP file in any directory.
- A small downside of KeePass is that the program is by default only available in English. But there is a German language file, which you later can download. Unzip the file in the subdirectory "Languages" of your KeePass directory.
- Then start the file "KeePass.exe". When you first Start, you need to specify whether the Software should automatically check for Updates or not.
- To set the user interface to English. To do this, click on "View" and then on "Change Language". You choose the German voice file and close the settings with "Close". Now you need to start the program again.
- Your passwords in an encrypted database. Press [CTRL] + [N] button to create a new database. Enter a name and select the location of your KeePass directory.
- Now comes the most important point: you must create a master password to secure your database. Choose a sufficiently secure password and keep it secret. Anyone who is in possession of the main password, has access to all the KeePass stored access data.
- Finally, the database settings are displayed, you can assume unchanged. On request, you can print out an emergency sheet with all the important info to the database. After the expression, you can record manually the main password. Keep the rescue sheet in a safe place.
KeePass Portable: The master password protects the other passwords (image: Screenshot)
Passwords you create and use
Passwords are stored in groups. On the edit menu, you can create new groups. Or use the default. Before you create a password entry, select the correct group.
- A new password to enter, press [CTRL] + [I]. Assign a title and enter the user name of the access in the appropriate field.
- KeePass is a suggests, a password, and carries it into the password field. You want to view it, click on the three dots behind the box. You can override the default, of course. The password must be entered twice for security reasons according.
- Would you like to a secure password generate, you can use the built-in password Generator to use. To do this, click the key icon to Repeat behind the password field. In the password Generator, you can set various criteria such as uppercase letters, Numbers, special characters and password length.
- All of the other fields, you can optionally fill in. In the case of an access to a web page it is recommended, for example, in the field "URL" is the web address to be entered. If you activate the Option "Valid until" and the expiration date reminds you KeePass after the start of the program to expired passwords.
- To the Acquisition of stored passwords in forms, or the login window, KeePass offers two simple key combination. You must select the respective password entry. The user name you will have to copy with [CTRL] + [B] to the clipboard and the password with [CTRL] + [C]. Insert the data with [CTRL] + [V] in the login fields.
- In most cases, the automatic Filling in of the required fields is likely to work. You don't have to copy the user name and password separately, and paste. You open, for example, the website in question. Then select KeePass Portable password entry and press [CTRL] + [V]. The program jumps back to the website and enters the access data automatically.
- Important: If you leave your Desk, you should see the program window with a click on the lockicon in the lock, so that no one Unauthorized your access data can support. In the options you will find in the "tools" menu, you can also set a time after which KeePass automatically locks.
Password in KeePass to store (image: Screenshot)
If you are only using an alternative password Manager want to learn more before you to KeePass set, we will advise you in a further practical tip.
