DaVinci Encryption System for Windows

Ghosted function buttons, locked settings, and an unusual installation are the few high points for this encryption application. The low points are stronger, though, especially the fact that the demo doesn't encrypt. DaVinci Encryption System's multitabbed and convoluted interface does its best to evoke the look of DaVinci's notebooks.

Installing this application is a mess. It fails to request confirmation or allow users to choose an installation folder. It also requires users accept the EULA on uninstall, which doesn't make any sense. The program allows users to create a virtual drive that should encrypt all included files. Except the encryption can't be tested until after paying for the program. At least setting up the drive is a quick and easy process.

Encrypting a single file is as easy as browsing to the file and choosing a target directory for the encrypted file. However, some testers complained the application failed to allow them to decrypt the file.

That wasn't the only complaint testers had with the demo. They couldn't test Security Settings protection for e-mail, Internet temporary data, cookies, and Internet settings. A feature to encrypt the Clipboard was as wonky, working only a single time during testing, and it too proved hard to decrypt.

DaVinci Encryption System's demo installation problems, unavailable features and inconsistent results make this an encryption application with too many problems to even deserve a test drive. The field of encryption tools is filled with better programs.