Password on folders

  • Thread starter Thread starter Margotbf
  • Start date Start date
M

Margotbf

Hello,

Is there any way at all to put a password on any individual folders in My
Documents, for example? Meaning, that everytime would want to open a
"passworded" folder, I'd to be prompted to enter a password.
Thanks!
 
Margotbf said:
Hello,

Is there any way at all to put a password on any individual folders in My
Documents, for example? Meaning, that everytime would want to open a
"passworded" folder, I'd to be prompted to enter a password.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

XP doesn't not use passwords to protect resources. NT-based operating
systems use permissions instead. Here is information to help you with that:

How to disable Simple Sharing and set permissions on a shared folder in
Windows XP (Pro only)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307874

How to configure file sharing in Windows XP (includes information about
permissions):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040

By default in XP Home, you can only make files and folders under My Documents
"private". Otherwise, to see the security tab in WinXP Home, restart in Safe
mode and log on with an account that has administrator privileges. To get
into Safe Mode, repeatedly tap the F8 key as the computer is starting up.
This will get you to the menu where you can choose Safe Mode.

Note that the file system must be NTFS, not FAT32.

Passwording of folders is not supported unless you zip them. When you do
(right click a folder, then "send to > compressed folder") and then open the
zip file, you will find an option under file>"add a password". Otherwise, use
third-party software. Google "password protect folders".

Malke
 
Margotbf said:
Hello,

Is there any way at all to put a password on any individual folders in My
Documents, for example? Meaning, that everytime would want to open a
"passworded" folder, I'd to be prompted to enter a password.
Thanks!
Click to expand...


Like WinNT and Win2K before it, WinXP's file security paradigm
doesn't rely on, or allow, the cumbersome method of password protection
for individual applications, files, or folders. Instead, it uses the
superior method of explicitly assigning file/folder permissions to
individual users and/or groups.

HOW TO Create and Configure User Accounts in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;279783

HOW TO Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q308418

HOW TO Set, View, Change, or Remove Special Permissions for Files and
Folders
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;[LN];Q308419

HOW TO Set the My Documents Folder as Private in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;298399

Of course, if you have WinXP Pro, you can encrypt the desired
files/folders.

Best Practices for Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;223316

As a crude work-around, you can place the file in a compressed
folder, and set a password to uncompress the folder to view/access its
contents. Also, some applications allow the user to password-protect
their specific data files. Read the specific application's Help files
for further information on this capability.

Further, as you've stated that these folders are within your "My
Documents" folder, all you need do for basic protection is to ensure
that no one else has the login password to your user account.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
 
Very good... Thank you!
--
Margot


Malke said:
XP doesn't not use passwords to protect resources. NT-based operating
systems use permissions instead. Here is information to help you with that:

How to disable Simple Sharing and set permissions on a shared folder in
Windows XP (Pro only)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307874

How to configure file sharing in Windows XP (includes information about
permissions):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304040

By default in XP Home, you can only make files and folders under My Documents
"private". Otherwise, to see the security tab in WinXP Home, restart in Safe
mode and log on with an account that has administrator privileges. To get
into Safe Mode, repeatedly tap the F8 key as the computer is starting up.
This will get you to the menu where you can choose Safe Mode.

Note that the file system must be NTFS, not FAT32.

Passwording of folders is not supported unless you zip them. When you do
(right click a folder, then "send to > compressed folder") and then open the
zip file, you will find an option under file>"add a password". Otherwise, use
third-party software. Google "password protect folders".

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

.
Click to expand...
 
Margotbf said:
Hello,

Is there any way at all to put a password on any individual folders in My
Documents, for example? Meaning, that everytime would want to open a
"passworded" folder, I'd to be prompted to enter a password.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

You can do this with an application called Folder Guard.
The relevant site is winability.com
Locking away data can be serious business, so I'd
investigate thoroughly before biting.
 
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