Generating checksums for a file

An MD5 checksum is a 32-character hexadecimal number that's computed on files. A SHA-256 checksum is an equivalent 64-character hexadecimal number. These values can be used to verify data integrity against unintentional file corruption during transfer.

Generating MD5 Checksum

Windows

1. Open Command Prompt - Press Windows + R, type cmd and press enter.

2. Navigate to the folder that has the file for which the integrity needs to be verified: type cd followed by the path to the folder having the file to do so.

Tip: Open the folder having the file in Windows Explorer, then drag and drop it in Command Prompt to inset the path.

1. Type the following command.

certutil -hashfile <File whose MD5 needs to be computed> MD5  

certutil -hashfile <File whose SHA256 needs to be computed> SHA256  

For example, in order to generate the MD5 checksum for a Oracle Linux 8 ISO file:

Linux

1. Open Terminal

2. Navigate to the folder that has the file for which the integrity needs to be verified: type cd followed by the path to the folder having the file to do so.

3. Run the following command.

md5sum <File whose MD5 needs to be computed>  

sha256sum <File whose SHA256 needs to be computed>  

For example, in order to generate the MD5 checksum for a Oracle Linux 8 ISO file:

Verify if the estimated MD5/SHA-256 matches the MD5/SHA-256 value provided by the file's original owner. If the two checksums are different, the file is likely corrupted. Re-transfer the file and repeat the process.

For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #8482), contact Illumina Technical Support [email protected].