How can i protect or set passwords to certain folders in my pc?

Question

I Wanted saomething like setting passwords or protecting some folders in my pc but i don't know how. Please help!!

The folder i wanted to protect or set passwords is the program files folder. If I wanted to compress that folder, will it disrupt my system? by the way i'm using windows xp home

Answer 1

Here is some material for you to read:

Secure/Protect/Passwords Documents and files

Applies to: Microsoft Office Excel 2003, PowerPoint 2003, Word 2003

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/workessentials/HA011956981033.aspx

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Below link: $35, no trial version

http://www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock/?id=gf

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Windows XP doesn't use passwords for shared disks or folders. If you are running Windows XP Professional, you can disable Simple File Sharing and assign different levels of permissions for each user, and NTFS file permissions for folders and shared resources. Many programs let you password protect individual files (for example, Microsoft Office applications), and with Compressed zipped folders, you can define a password to it. For more details, see the following links.
Windows XP Professional File Sharing
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm
HOW TO: Use Compressed (Zipped) Folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306531

Source: http://ecross.mvps.org/faq.htm


You dont need to download any kind of software at all.

Just create a New compressed folder with your right click button.
Add the folder with all of your files already in it.
Then once that is done go to FILE from the menu of your new compressed folder and select ADD PASSWORD.
I'm sure you'll figure it out from there.



How To Use Compressed (Zipped) Folders in Windows XP and Password Protect the Folder

This step-by-step article describes how to create and use compressed (or "zipped") folders in Windows XP. You can use compressed folders to store files in a compressed format that uses less space than normal, and if needed, you can protect those files with a password.

How to Create a Compressed Folder
To create a compressed folder, use either of the following methods.

• Open My Computer:
1. Double-click My Computer, and then open the folder where you want to make the compressed folder. For example, if you want to make a compressed folder in the root folder of drive C, double-click My Computer, and then double-click drive C to open the root folder.
2. On the File menu, point to New, and then click Compressed (zipped) Folder.
3. Type a name for the new compressed folder, and then press ENTER. Your new compressed folder appears as a folder icon with a zipper.
• Right-click a blank area on the desktop or in a folder:
1. Right-click a blank area in an open folder or on the desktop, point to New, and then click Compressed (zipped) Folder.
2. Type a name for the new compressed folder, and then press ENTER. Your new compressed folder appears as a folder icon with a zipper.

How to Add Items to or Remove Items From a Compressed Folder
• Moving files and folders: Moving files and folders to or from compressed folders works the same as with normal uncompressed folders. For example, you can drag files or folders to the compressed folder. When you place a file in a compressed folder, that item is automatically compressed. A file that is moved from a compressed folder is automatically uncompressed.
• Extract all files: When you open a compressed folder, the Extract all files command appears in the Folder Tasks list. When you click Extract all files, the Extraction Wizard starts. You are prompted to choose a location to place the extracted files, and then the files are extracted.

NOTE: The original compressed files remain in the compressed folder.

How to Use Password Protection
Files and folders in compressed folders can be protected by using a password. To password protect the contents of a compressed folder:
1. Double-click the compressed folder that you want to password protect.
2. On the File menu, click Add a Password.
3. In the Password box, type the password that you want to use. Type the same password in the Confirm Password box, and then click OK.

Note that when you attempt to move or open a password-protected file, a Password Needed dialog box appears. Type the correct password in the Password box, and then click OK.

The password for a password-protected compressed file is not recoverable. If you lose the password, you will be unable to access that file.
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You can also check out some of these websites:
http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=slv8-fp&p=password-protect%20a%20file

Answer 2

I dont think its easy to do this. Better option is to download truecrypt. Free encryption software. Specify a 10 MB file... everything in the file behaves like the folder/file system, and you can password protect it. It is a little clunky as this folder needs to be mounted/unmounted and then listed as a seperate drive so extra mouse clicks but very secure which is what you are going after, eh?

Answer 3

Hi chogie there are many free encryption folders on the net can you post back what operating system etc All the best Rab

Answer 4

search in google the software called " folder lockbocks " and download it ......you can set passwords on 99% of your folders in your pc ........good luck !

Answer 5

If you want to really protect them so now one can see them you can hide those files so no one else can see the,... thats what i do