How to Encrypt a file/folder in Win XP SP2?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Grev
  • Start date Start date
G

Grev

I would like to encrypt certain documents,but the nearest I came to finding
out how to do this is right-clicking on the file>>left clicking on
Properties>>left clicking on Advanced.

At this point the selection for "Encrypt contents to secure data" is
unavailable/dimmed/greyed out.

Could someone tell me why this would be unavailabe? Thanks.

~Grev~
 
No problem. That's available if your drive is formatted with NTFS instead of
FAT32 (which is recommened for performance reasons among other things). You
can convert your drive to NTFS without losing anything (but do please back up
before running any disk utlity like this, just in case).

Before you convert, run disk defragmenter.

To convert it, type this at the command prompt or "run" box:

convert c: /fs:ntfs

Where c: is the drive you want to convert.
Note: NTFS-formatted drives can NOT be read by Windows Me/98 or earlier, Mac
OS, or some Linux versions. If that's a concern, don't convert your data.

You might get a prompt to reboot to complete the convertion (it can't run
while files are being used).

What you can expect: better performance, more options, more security.

After you convert, run disk defragmenter again, just to clean things up.
__________________
About using encryption: this will make the files undreadable if accessed by
other users on your machine, but does not "password protect" the files
per-say. It just means you have to be the one logged on to the computer to
read those encrypted files. Also, files are de-crypted if you move them to a
folder or any other device that's not encrypted or doesn't support the EFS
(Encrypting File System), such as a CD.

If you have any questions, post back here.


- skeene
 
Windows XP Home or Pro?
Windows XP Home does not have the capability to encrypt data.

If you have Windows XP Pro:
1. You must be using NTFS and not FAT32 file system.
http://aumha.org/win5/a/ntfscvt.htm
2. You must Disable Simple File Sharing:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307874

Also read the information on the bottom of this page:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/encrypt.htm
Be sure you are fully knowledgeable of how EFS works.
There is a reason EFS is often called the "Delayed Recycle Bin".
Improper use of EFS often causes permanent loss of data.
 
Thanks,Shawn,for your input. Under MyComputer/Local Disk(C:)/Properties/File
System, it says NTFS.

According to Jupiter Jones and the links he provided,it seems Win XP Home
Edition does not have the capability to encrypt.

I'm new to PC since I've always used only Macintosh. What I was hoping for
is something like the ability of the Mac to easily encrypt a file:
CTRL+click
the file/from the contextual menu select "Encrypt" => then a dialog box asks
for a password.

In trying to open said file,a prompt opens asking for the password.

Oh well,it seems I'll just have to have files I want encrypted on the Mac.
 
Thanks,Bob,for this link. It looks like just the thing that I could use.

Unfortunately,I can't download it. I tried several times. It seems my
security settings are preventing the download. I even turned off Norton
Internet Security,but still no go.
===
 
Just wanted you to know that I was finally able to download and install it.
I found out all I had to do is list the download site as a "Trusted Site" in
IE. Thanks again!
~grev~
======
 
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 21:36:45 -0700, Bob Horvath wrote:

Great. Glad you got it. I tried to email you but it bounced back.
Bob
 
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