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### GPG secret key

Prof. Parthasarathy S [drpartha at gmail.com]

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:38:22 +0530

Is there a neat way to export and save my GPG/PGP secret key (private key) on a USB stick ?

I have to do this, since I am often changing my machines (most of which are given on loan by my employers). The secret key goes away with the machine, and I am obliged to generate a new key pair each time. I did a Google search and did not succeed.

I know I can save/export my public key, but GPG/PGP refuse to let me use a copy of my secret key.

Any hint, or pointers would be gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks,

partha

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Jimmy O'Regan [joregan at gmail.com]

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:19:44 +0100

On 22 September 2010 06:08, Prof. Parthasarathy S <drpartha at gmail.com> wrote:

    > Is there a neat way to export and save my GPG/PGP secret key (private
    > key) on a USB stick ?
    >

gpg --export-secret-keys > secret-file

would be my guess

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    <Leftmost> jimregan, that's because deep inside you, you are evil.
    <Leftmost> Also not-so-deep inside you.

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René Pfeiffer [lynx at luchs.at]

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:34:53 +0200

On Sep 22, 2010 at 1219 +0100, Jimmy O'Regan appeared and said:

    > On 22 September 2010 06:08, Prof. Parthasarathy S <drpartha at gmail.com> wrote:
    > > Is there a neat way to export and save my GPG/PGP secret key (private
    > > key) on a USB stick ?
    > >
    >
    > gpg --export-secret-keys > secret-file
    >
    > would be my guess

Correct. Don't forget to do this and backup your key in a safe place. There's no way to revoke your key if your secret key is lost.

Cheers, Ren?.

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