How do I make a file non duplicatable?

Question

I want to have an .exe file that can not be moved or copied. example If i set up a ftp client to access my database on a flash drive how do I stop the other person from copying it to any and all computers that they are on.

Answer 1

In order to keep a file private you need to set permissions. There isn't any "make this file private" for an executable. In order to do this you would need to use NTFS File Permissions, which you can access at the Properties dialog box, under the Security Tab.

In order to use NTFS file permissions you have to be using the NTFS file system on your hard drive. It is easy to tell just by going into the Properties dialog box and checking for the Sharing tab on a file and/or the Security tab on any item.

If you are using Simple File Sharing, the Security tab will not show up on the properties dialog box. Nor if you are using XP Home. XP Home uses only Simple File Sharing. There IS a back door via Safe Mode, but it is unweildy and combersome.

In XP Pro, Media Center you have to go into the File Options dialog box and uncheck, Use Simple File Sharing--Reccomended" check box. This unveils the full NTFS File System Security options.

Now, using this options is very compilcated and confusing. If you do set an option using this security, avoid checking any boxes under the Deny heading. The Deny option can have unforseen consequences. Also, never deny the Everyone group any permission because this affects every user of a computer system, and that includes Administrators, and the hidden System Administator account. Denying Everyone means exactly that.

However, this is the only method of ensuring best security. Even using these things can still allow others access. Such security doesn't stop people from peeking into the list of files in a folder, for example. If your folder has decriptive names these names can give a peeker a lot of information regarding files.

A person with only Read permissions can still read the contents of a file, read permissions, and a few other limited permissions, but still access. Also, this does not stop people from MOVING files or executables. Once a file is moved off of a hard disk and onto another the file or exectuable takes on the permissions of the location it is copied too. So, if it is moved to a hard disk which does not use the NTFS file system all security options are null. The person can then open, read, delete, copy, run and basically do anything you could have done with it.

The best way to ensure nobody gets into sensitive data is to not share your computer. This is the single best method, but it is not always feasible. If you have to share your computer using the NTFS file permissions and using encryption and passwords is the best you can do.

There are several resourses at the Microsoft knowledge base outlining the NTFS file system permissions. Here is one to get you started:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/security/permissions.mspx#top

From this site you can access links to further information. It can take some time to learn enough to set up a good security system, but this page can help you to get started.

Hope this helps some, have a good day.

Answer 2

Right click on the file/folder and choose properties - sharing tab - click "make this file private".