Set Up a Working Copy
- Close manager windows. Preserve the current profile and all original backup files.
- Create a dedicated local folder for the recovery attempt. Copy the kit into it as protected-executables.vault.
- Start the installed FreeAppLock.exe with --data-dir and the full path to that folder.
- Sign in using the password that belonged to the export, then inspect and restore the required original files.
"C:\YourInstallFolder\FreeAppLock.exe" --data-dir "C:\YourRecoveryFolder"Keep This Folder After Restoring
A successfully opened profile is recorded in the local directory catalogue. Safe uninstall later verifies its password and that it has no remaining records. Keep the folder and vault until this check is complete; deleting the folder does not clear its catalogue entry.
Avoid an Accidental Rollback
Never replace a newer active vault with the older recovery snapshot. It may omit records for files still restricted. Each necessary profile and password should remain available until its files have been accounted for. An export is a snapshot, not a merge operation.