Security solutions for protecting your files and folders in Windows

File and folders not frequently used:

If you need to password protect files and/or folders that you do not frequently use, one of the simplest ways is to compress the folder and files with a compression utility and password protect the compressed file. However, each time you wish to work or modify the files you will need to uncompress the files using the password.

Windows ME and Windows XP users:

Microsoft Windows ME and Windows XP come with their own compression utility. This utility can also be used to compress and password protect files.

Tip: When a file is compressed, users can still view a listing of the files in the compressed file. If you wish for both your file names and the contents to be hidden, move all the files into a single folder and password protect that folder.

File and folders frequently used or accessed

If you need to password protect and/or encrypt data you frequently use, you will need to install a third-party program that will enable you to protect your files and folders. Below are some free and commercial solutions.

• AxCrypt - An excellent free encryption utility that enables users to encrypt all files within a folder and not allow those files to be viewed unless a passphrase (password) is known.
• WinCry - A freeware utility that enables your files to be encrypted, secure deletion, as well as other helpful methods of protecting your files.
• Folder Guard - A commercial version of a password protection software that enables you to password protect files, folders, and other Windows resources.

Things to remember when encrypting or password protecting files and folders

1. There is no such thing as a 100% protected file. There are numerous tools, utilities, and instructions for how to break a lot of the encryption and passwords on files. However, the protection methods listed above will protect your files from the majority of users who may encounter them. If you're working with really sensitive data we suggest a commercial product for protecting your files and data.
2. Even though a file or folder may be password protected it still can be deleted (unless the program supports the ability to protect files from being deleted). Always remember to backup all your files, even those protected by passwords.
3. If you forget the password, unless you're willing to spend the time attempting to break it or pay someone else to break the password, all your file data will be lost. Unless you've made a backup of the non-password protected data.

Additional information:

• If you're wanting to simply password protect your Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel documents see document CH000748.
• See our password dictionary definition for additional information about passwords as well as related pages and definitions.
• See our encrypt dictionary definition for additional information about encrypt as well as related definitions.