How do I password protect my files and folders in Windows XP sp2?

Question

Version 2002

Answer 1

Encryption and password protection are not the same things--even though in many applications it looks like they work the same way (an encryption key is a password, too).

Without knowing your specific needs and circumstances, it is impossible to advise whether password protection is sufficient or whether you ought to encrypt what you want to protect. Encrypt is stronger protection.

See Winston's response re encryption.

Answer 2

It depends on which version of Windows XP you use. Windows XP Pro has an encryption feature to password protect files while the Home edition does not. For the home edition, you need to install a third party program. For example, you can use the free TrueCrypt or AxCrypt.

Windows XP Pro: There is file encryption built into Windows XP which only allows certain users to access the file. If you go to the Properties window of a file and click the Advanced button towards the bottom there will be a box to check to encrypt the file.

1. TrueCrypt (http://www.truecrypt.org/)

2. AxCrypt (http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/)

Answer 3

Theres a good program called FolderLock