To stop the file from being encrypted entirely, mount it, copy the contents to a regular folder, and then delete the .hc container . 2. HTTP Custom Configuration Files
If the .hc file fails to open, it is either corrupted or you are using the wrong version of VeraCrypt. Sometimes, renaming a file to .hc does not mean it is a valid VeraCrypt file. 2. Forgotten Password/Keyfile
If none of the above works:
| Prefix | Hash Type | Hashcat Mode | |--------|-----------|---------------| | $2a$ , $2b$ , $2y$ | bcrypt | 3200 | | $6$ | SHA512crypt | 1800 | | $5$ | SHA256crypt | 7400 | | $1$ | MD5crypt | 500 | | 32 hex chars (no colon) | MD5 | 0 | | 32 hex:32 hex | NTLM | 1000 | | $P$ or $H$ | phpass | 400 | how to decrypt hc file
To extract the plain-text settings from this type of .hc file, you can use community-developed decryption tools.
VPN app. These are usually "locked" by the creator to hide server details or payloads. Legitimate Use: These files are meant to be imported directly into the HTTP Custom app to connect to a VPN service. "Decrypting" to View Settings:
Launch the VeraCrypt software from your Start Menu or Applications folder. To stop the file from being encrypted entirely,
If you’ve come across a file with the .hc extension, it’s likely an encrypted container created by (or a similar cryptographic tool). These files are designed to be secure, so you’ll need the correct password or key to decrypt them. Here’s how to do it properly.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to safely decrypt your HC file, troubleshoot common errors, and recover your data. Understanding HC Files
If you lose the password and do not have a backup of the header/keyfiles, the data inside the HC file is permanently lost. Be cautious of online services or software tools claiming they can instantly decrypt an HC file for a fee—these are universally scams. The only technical recourse is using brute-force tools like Hashcat to guess the password, which only works if your original password was very short or simple. Sometimes, renaming a file to
: Open the HTTP Custom app, click the Plus (+) icon or Open Config , and select your .hc file. If the file was exported by someone else and locked, it will function within the app but you typically cannot view the raw plaintext settings without a specialized tool.
Once successfully decrypted, the HC file will appear next to your chosen drive letter in the VeraCrypt list.