How can you password protect just 1 folder in Windows XP?

Question

I have a folder that I want to protect, and only have access to. Its a shared computer, can anyone help?

Answer 1

Create an encrypted container (vault) to store any type of data: http://www.cypherix.co.uk/cryptainerle/index.htm Any file(s) can be dragged and dropped into the vault. Once the vault is closed and exited, only by using the password can anyone open the vault and get at your private files.
The best part - It is FREE - Never Expires. No Nag screens.

Answer 2

There should be a way to do this natively in Windows XP, but my understanding is that it only works if your hard drive is formatted to NTFS and you have a US copy (I think) of Windows! So not much luck there...I have WinXP Pro formatted to FAT32 and I can't encrypt a folder and at work I have WinXP Pro formatted to NTFS and I still can encrypt folders...

All is not lost.

You could try Microsoft Private Folder, its a small download that passwords a folder for you. I'm not sure if there is encryption, but it's small and light. After system admins went nuts about it, Microsoft stopped supporting it too. But you can still download it (http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Lockdown/Microsoft-Private-Folder.shtml).

The other option is proper encryption, to lock the folder up properly. I use PGP desktop, because it works and its free. The encryption strength is such that only government computers stand a chance at cracking it. Once its set up it dead easy to run too.

Truecrypt works quite well too. I know encrypting the folder seems a bit harsh, but if you really don't want anyone else to open the folder it's the best route.

Answer 3

Hello,

(ANS) In windows XP when a user log's into the computer, you use your own username & password. XP creates a user profile, within your own user profile you have things like desktop icons, your own wallpaper, screen saver settings, applications etc. These are all the items that personalise your working environment and this includes your "my documents" folder.

**NOTE: your own folders within your profile cannot be openned by another user, in other words they are kept seperate (unless you have administrator or top level permissions). Unless you have made the folder in question a shared folder specifically then it will be visable to other users on the same machine (if the folder is shared it will have a hand holding icon against the folder).

**You cannot password protect or lock or encrypt a folder or directory within XP.

**There is third party software that allows or enables you to password protect folders in XP but XP itself doesnt have that functionality.

**WinZip version 10 which is a useful compression or zipper program also now allows zip files to be password protected. That might be worth consideration?

IR

Answer 4

Why no hide the folder....

Right-Hand click the folder
Select properties
Select hidden folder type under attribrutes

Then when you want to see the folder:

Go to the open window the file is stored in
Go to Tools
Folder options
Then look under the tab "View"
Then look for the sub menu "hidden folders"
Select the option show hidden folders
Your folder will be shown again

Simply change the option to show hidden folders when you close the window

This method is much better as many people don't know about it
and you dont have a password to remember.


This is a tricky method but follwo the instruction and you should do fine.
Practice first so that you know what to do before you lose the file.


If you get really stuck email me (via my acount) and I will Msn you a step by step guide. (Within the next 3 hours) aka 1 - 2 am BST (UK) time.

Answer 5

Well
I was looking for a free download of Lock Folder I found it here http://bit.ly/1r4UgFA
Give it a try.
Have a nice day

Answer 6

I think this site should answer your question:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000705.htm#other