Is it possible to lock files in Windows XP and if so how?

Answer 1

First you need to know which hard drive configuration your computer is using. If you are using NTFS then you can lock files. Also, each user needs their own account on your computer.

"Q: How do you lock files .....

A: NTFS has built-in security feature.....

http://www.ntfs.com/quest13.htm

Answer 2

If you are trying to prevent others from viewing or accessing certain files you need encryption. For fairly secure encryption, you can use Microsoft Private Folder. It is easy to install and use, and it integrates well into Windows. After installing you create an encrypted folder with a password, and an icon on your desktop. Double-click to unlock, and it is simple as drag and drop, just like a regular folder. Double-click again to close. Be aware that this utility is no longer being supported though. You can download it here:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Lockdown/Microsoft-Private-Folder.shtml

For more secure encryption, you can use a utility called TrueCrypt. It is a little harder to use but offers strong encryption, on the fly, with the ability to specify a file, folder, or partition as a container to hold your files. Unlike private folder, you have to specify the size of the container beforehand. It works well, has lots of options, and best of all it's free. You can download it here:

http://www.truecrypt.org .

Answer 3

Not sure what you mean by lock, but you can do one of two things without outside programs.

1- Right click, properties, read only. People can no longer edit the file, only double click.

2- Right click, properties, hidden file. Will keep someone from seeing it, thus editing it.

There is software out there that will reset a computer to a set state everytime you reboot, Im not sure on the name, though.

Answer 4

Over the network some how possible, but on same computer, I mean stand alone it is difficult. Windows have no advanced file features like Unix or Linux.

Anyway, you can use software like WinZip or other utilities to compress and assign the password to the file, so that no one can open it without the password.

Answer 5

Sure, go to help and support and open upyour files for xp!