Microsoft Privale Folder restore

  • Thread starter Thread starter joe
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joe

Is it possible to recover files from "My Private Folder" in case my
Windows XP pro get corrupted and I need to reinstall them?
 
joe said:
Is it possible to recover files from "My Private Folder" in case my
Windows XP pro get corrupted and I need to reinstall them?
Click to expand...

Data files are not "installed," but may be copied
anywhere we like. If you are apprehensive about
your data files, just copy them somewhere safe (e.g.
a different drive) on a regular basis. WinXP has
several ways of doing this including the Transfer Wizard
for Documents and Settings (which includes "documents")
or you can just use the /Copy function every Monday.
 
Don said:
Data files are not "installed," but may be copied
anywhere we like. If you are apprehensive about
your data files, just copy them somewhere safe (e.g.
a different drive) on a regular basis. WinXP has
several ways of doing this including the Transfer Wizard
for Documents and Settings (which includes "documents")
or you can just use the /Copy function every Monday.
Click to expand...


I'm talking about reinstalling Windows not files. Copying is not a
problem, but this files need to be password protected at all time (on
backup too). Crypted containers like Drivecrypt are not good enough
because of fixed container size. I need protected folders.

I just wonder if Windows die, will i be able to access that protected
folder? Has anyone tried?
 
joe said:
I'm talking about reinstalling Windows not files. Copying is not a
problem, but this files need to be password protected at all time
(on backup too). Crypted containers like Drivecrypt are not good
enough because of fixed container size. I need protected folders.

I just wonder if Windows die, will i be able to access that
protected folder? Has anyone tried?
Click to expand...

With the abandoned application?
"As a result of negative feedback, Microsoft announced that the Private
Folder application will be discontinued and removed from the Download
Center. The application was removed on July 14, 2006."

I wouldn't rely on that protection anyway... (Personally):
"Microsoft Private Folder is not intended to provide security against
hackers. It is a utility that limits access to selected files by other
people that you trust and share your computer with, such as at home with
your family. Users must make sure they remember the password. Without the
password, they cannot unlock the private folder and cannot access any of the
files or folders it contains. Microsoft is not able to retrieve the lost
files if users are unable to enter the correct password. Microsoft support
professionals cannot assist, under any circumstances, in the breaking of
passwords applied to files and features within Microsoft programs."

I'd think EFS or TrueCrypt would be a better option. You mention not being
able to use something like Drivecrypt because of fixed container size - but
seriously - I am unsure why that would be a problem. Make the container
initially large enough and you shold never have to worry. Heck - buy a
special drive just for it and make the whole thing encrypted... "The maximum
possible size of a TrueCrypt volume is 8589934592GB. However, due to
security reasons, the maximum allowed volume size is 1 PB (1,048,576 GB)"
If you need more space than that - you have other issue to contend with
anyway. ;-)

I guess the short answer for you is, "You use discontinued/unsupported
software at your own peril."
 
Shenan Stanley wrote:

cut
I guess the short answer for you is, "You use
discontinued/unsupported software at your own peril."
Click to expand...


I agree, but all u wrote still doesn't answer my question.
 
joe said:
Shenan Stanley wrote:

cut


I agree, but all u wrote still doesn't answer my question.
Click to expand...

Here - more directly...

Backup your own stuff (securely on your own backup media without it ever
leaving your sight) and test your theory.

Or start making an image of the entire drive...

"own peril" means "own peril"...
 
Shenan said:
Here - more directly...

Backup your own stuff (securely on your own backup media without it
ever leaving your sight) and test your theory.

Or start making an image of the entire drive...

"own peril" means "own peril"...
Click to expand...


Tnx, i'll make image and reinstall windows.
 
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