Can I create password protection on a folder on Windows XP?

Question

I have a folder or two on my computer that I was wondering I could attach a password too and how to do that. I don't use a shared computer but there are instances where my roommate will sneak on and use it. And I really don't feel like setting the password protection on my screen saver because I'm a lazy bum!!!!

So is it possible?

Answer 1

NOTE: You can encrypt files and folders only on volumes that use the NTFS file system.
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
2. Locate and right-click the folder that you want, and then click Properties.
3. On the General tab, click Advanced.
4. Under Compress or Encrypt attributes, select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box, and then click OK.
5. Click OK.
6. In the Confirm Attribute Changes dialog box that appears, use one of the following steps:
• If you want to encrypt only the folder, click Apply changes to this folder only, and then click OK.
• If you want to encrypt the existing folder contents along with the folder, click Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files, and then click OK.
The folder becomes an encrypted folder. New files that you create in this folder are automatically encrypted. Note that this does not prevent others from viewing the contents of the folder. This prevents others from opening items in the encrypted folder. For example, if another user attempts to open a Microsoft Word document that has been created in the encrypted folder, the following message appears:
Word cannot open the document: Username does not have access privileges
(drive:\filename.doc)
If another user attempts to copy or move a document from the encrypted folder to another location on the hard disk, the following message appears:
Error Copying File or Folder

Cannot copy Filename: Access is denied.

Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected
and that the file is not currently in use.

Answer 2

These links will take you to the information you seek. I am too lazy at this time to study them and break them down into bullet points for you. I'm afraid you will have to put some effort into it.

How do I password protect my files and folders in Windows?
Source: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000705.htm
Password protecting Microsoft Word and Excel documents.
Source: http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000748.htm
Windows Tips: Password-Protect Your Sensitive Files and Folders
Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,110663-page,1/article.html

Answer 3

Windows Password Recovery Software - http://tinyurl.com/cCkkWfhR8z

Answer 4

Try this:

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000705.htm

Good luck!