How do I make a folder password protected?

[aa]

How do I make a folder password protected?
I have a single account everybody shares and I want to enable users to
set-up passwoprd protected folders

 

[R. McCarty]

Not an easy thing, as it goes against the "Profile/User" design
that XP uses. You might use a Zipped folder with a password
but that isn't really an efficient way to use/access personal data.

 

[Malke]

How do I make a folder password protected?
I have a single account everybody shares and I want to enable users to
set-up passwoprd protected folders

XP does not use passwords to protect resources. It uses 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: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in
Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308418

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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

How do I make a folder password protected?
I have a single account everybody shares and I want to enable users to
set-up passwoprd protected folders

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.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[John Wunderlich]

How do I make a folder password protected?
I have a single account everybody shares and I want to enable
users to set-up passwoprd protected folders

IMHO, your best bet for this situation is to go to 3rd party software.
I would recommend the freeware "Truecrypt" which can create a virtual
disk (instead of a folder) that will mount only with a password. When
you're done using it, you will have to dismount it or logout to secure
it. Other options for dismounting after xxx minutes, etc, are
available.

<http://www.truecrypt.org>

HTH,
John

 

[Kayman]

I am using Cryptainer LE and like it! It is available for free download at
http://www.cypherix.co.uk/download/cryle.exe?source=recommendit