DEVONthink 3: no longer asked to authenticate after upgrading from DEVONthink Pro Office

DEVONthink
1

After upgrading to DEVONthink 3 from DEVONthink Pro Office, I’m no longer asked to Authenticate when I open up my (supposedly) protected databases. I’ve verified that the username and password are still set in Database Properties. How can I return my databases to their password-protected state?

Thanks,
Stefan

2

The password is only used by the synchronization of version 3 (see File > Database Properties…) as the former protection was very simple and not an encryption at all. Usage of encrypted databases (see File > New Encrypted Database…) is now recommended instead.

3

Hello,

Thanks for the quick reply! Is it possible to convert an unencrypted database to an encrypted one?

Thanks,
Stefan

4

The easiest possibility is currently this one:

  1. Use Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility to create a new, encrypted sparse image. Please ensure that the maximum size is really sufficient as your database might grow. In addition, HFS+ is recommended, not APFS as HFS+ is more reliable in our experience and compatible to older macOS releases.

  2. Mount the created sparse image in the Finder

  3. Move your database (*.dtBase2) to the mounted volume

  4. Unmount the volume

Finally, change the extension of the sparse image to .dtSparse. Now you can open this encrypted database by double-clicking on it.

5

To add to Criss’ comments, estimate the maximum size of your database then increase it by a reasonable amount. For example, if you think your database’s maximum size will be 10GB, make an encrypted sparsebundle disk image at 12 to 15GB.

6

Great-- thank you both!

Stefan

7

You’re welcome :slight_smile: