I just answered a question on whether you could import somebody else's keys from a file named "other.txt" rather than "other.asc" or "other.gpg". While perhaps technically correct I also pointed out that Windows depends on the proper file-name extension and some Linux distros like OpenSuSE are very persnickety about the file having the proper extension.
If you are going into the unknown make a backup of your key folder before experimenting. The following in a terminal would be a good idea on 'nix: $ cd ; rm -f gnugp.zip $ zip -r9 gnupg.zip ./.gnupg Now go ahead and experiment to your hearts content. Just be aware that something like OpenSuSE may block an --import unless the file-name is something like "other.asc" or "other.gpg". That doesn't mean any damage will be done with something like "other.txt", The shell will just refuse to let gpg / gpg2 do anything. But if you do damage or think you damaged your key-ring, the old fail-safe can always be put back: $ cd # # if you are unsure if you damanged keys $ rm -fr zzz.gnupg $ mv .gnupg zzz.gnupg # # or if you are POSITIVE you killed things: $ rm -fr .gnupg # then put the fail-safe back in place $ unzip gnupg.zip If nothing else you have a backup of your keys in case of files being damaged due to power failure, et al. But you never want to take steps into the unknown without a way to go back to something that works. If you don't believe me, watch the movie The Eiger Santion some time. Karl Freytag said: "I consider it self defeating to plan in terms of retreat." Hemlock replied "I consider it stupid not to." The ending of the movie drives the point home in a very dramatic manner despite one of the climbers saying they would continue in style. Sooner or later you think can get away with something and you can't no matter how good you are. When that happens you need some way to recover from the disaster. Now go ahead and gpg --import other.txt. HHH -- Gnome 3, Ubuntu Unity, Windows 8 - poor iPhone GUI on Desktop Thinking has been suspended indefinitely Anybody caught thinking will be immediately shot!
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