Hibernation File Note: The issue described below does not affect you if the system partition or system drive is encrypted * (for more information, see the chapter System Encryption
) and if the hibernation file is located on one the partitions within the key scope of system encryption (which it typically is, by default), for example, on the partition where Windows is installed. When the computer hibernates, data are encrypted on the fly before they are written to the hibernation file. When a computer hibernates (or enters a power-saving mode), the content of its system memory is
written to a so-called hibernation file on the hard drive. You can configure TrueCrypt (
Settings >
Preferences >
Dismount all when: Entering power saving mode ) to automatically dismount all
mounted TrueCrypt volumes, erase their master keys stored in RAM, and cached passwords
(stored in RAM), if there are any, before a computer hibernates (or enters a power-saving mode).
However, keep in mind, that if you do not use system encryption (see the chapter
System Encryption ), TrueCrypt still cannot reliably prevent the contents of sensitive files opened in RAM
from being saved unencrypted to a hibernation file. Note that when you open a file stored on a
TrueCrypt volume, for example, in a text editor, then the content of the file is stored unencrypted in
RAM (and it may remain unencrypted in RAM until the computer is turned off).
Note that when Windows enters Sleep mode, it may be actually configured to enter so-called
Hybrid Sleep mode, which involves hibernation. Also note that the operating system may be
configured to hibernate or enter the Hybrid Sleep mode when you click or select "Shut down" (for
more information, please see the documentation for your operating system).