copy-protect a folder or password-protect a folder

[vj]

Hi all,

I have a folder containg an exe file (of a program) and some
associated files. I want to make a shortcut of the exe file on the
desktop (so that users can run the program by double-clicking the
shortcut), but I also want that the users should NOT be able to copy
(and/or view) the contents of the folder.

I searched the newsgroups and found a lot of threads on password
protecting the folder/permissions/sharing, but the options like "make
folder private" are not available in my windows as suggested in the
newsgroups (I am running XP pro, NTFS). Also, encrypting the folder
('Encrypt contents to secure data") doesn't help, as folder is still
accessible. I also tried winzip with password, but in this case the
shortcut on desktop doesn't work.
I also tried leaving the folder in the administrator account while
moving the shortcut to the Guest account, but in this case again the
shortcut does not work. I tried hiding the folder and it worked, but
the hidden folder can easily be traced through the shortcut available
on the desktop.

Is there a way to achieve my target?

Thanks

 

[Paul]

I figured this one out. Copied to one PC, created a shortcut so it
pointed to the C:\ drive and then copied that shortcut to the \\server
folder I will be pulling from.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Hi all,

I have a folder containg an exe file (of a program) and some
associated files. I want to make a shortcut of the exe file on the
desktop (so that users can run the program by double-clicking the
shortcut), but I also want that the users should NOT be able to copy
(and/or view) the contents of the folder.

I searched the newsgroups and found a lot of threads on password
protecting the folder/permissions/sharing, but the options like "make
folder private" are not available in my windows as suggested in the
newsgroups (I am running XP pro, NTFS). Also, encrypting the folder
('Encrypt contents to secure data") doesn't help, as folder is still
accessible. I also tried winzip with password, but in this case the
shortcut on desktop doesn't work.
I also tried leaving the folder in the administrator account while
moving the shortcut to the Guest account, but in this case again the
shortcut does not work. I tried hiding the folder and it worked, but
the hidden folder can easily be traced through the shortcut available
on the desktop.

Is there a way to achieve my target?

Thanks

I think your requirements are contradictory. In order to execute a file, the
user's machine must load (=copy) it into its memory. If you prevent the user
from copying the file then he cannot execute it.

 

[vj]

I figured this one out. Copied to one PC, created a shortcut so it
pointed to the C:\ drive and then copied that shortcut to the \\server
folder I will be pulling from.

Thanks Paul and Pegasus for your time and replies. However, I realise
from the replies that I did not make my problem clear enough in the
first instance, I apologise for this. Let me clarify it: I am refering
to a single machine (and not a server and client configuration over
LAN). I want to copy the folder under question to this single PC, and
the other user is also working directly on the same PC (obviously at a
different time when I am not working on this PC). Kindly read the
original problem in this light, any replies would be highly
appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Bob I]

Hi all,

I have a folder containg an exe file (of a program) and some
associated files. I want to make a shortcut of the exe file on the
desktop (so that users can run the program by double-clicking the
shortcut), but I also want that the users should NOT be able to copy
(and/or view) the contents of the folder.

I searched the newsgroups and found a lot of threads on password
protecting the folder/permissions/sharing, but the options like "make
folder private" are not available in my windows as suggested in the
newsgroups (I am running XP pro, NTFS). Also, encrypting the folder
('Encrypt contents to secure data") doesn't help, as folder is still
accessible. I also tried winzip with password, but in this case the
shortcut on desktop doesn't work.
I also tried leaving the folder in the administrator account while
moving the shortcut to the Guest account, but in this case again the
shortcut does not work. I tried hiding the folder and it worked, but
the hidden folder can easily be traced through the shortcut available
on the desktop.

Is there a way to achieve my target?

Nope, if they have rights to run the program from that folder, then they
can copy out the contents.