How do I encrypt a folder or file on my computer?

Question

How can I make it so that I can password protect a file on my computer? I have valuable info stored.

Answer 1

To password protect a file:
open the file
click File
Save as
in the Save as window, at the top right,
in Word 2000, click Tools, General
at the bottom left enter a password
follow easy prompts
save the file to the same name

in Word 2003, click Tools, Security Options

To encrypt a folder, you will have to do some reading.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306531

Answer 2

You can use Windows EFS (encrypting file system).
I would strongly suggest you add a DRA (designated recovery agent) AND backup your security keys... if not, if the computer crashes you will lose your data because you will have no way of every decrypting those files.


You can also use a third party software.. I recommend PGP (pretty good privacy)... you would need to take the same precautions as far as backing up your security keyrings.

PGP is an excellent program... and does many kewl things.. such as encrypting single files, whole hard drives (great for a laptop), portions of a hard drive (such as a x number of gigs).

It will also provide you will secure file shredding, wiping of freespace and slack space. Encrypting emails. etc...

Encrypting is obviously much more than a simple password. If all you want is a password you could use winzip, winrar, OR you could simply use the password feature in MS Word, Excel, etc... although a simple password is simple to hack.

Good Luck!