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Locking files and folders on PC

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meher
meher Posts: 15,910 Forumite
10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
I'd like to lock my folders and I understand there's some software you could download from the internet and lock folders and files with a password. Since I'm not too techi literate could someone give me the least complicated link to one such software please?
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  • Zagu
    Zagu Posts: 2,711 Forumite
    Are you set up as an individual user on the PC? Im sure that there are other ways of doing it, but this is one way.

    How to create and configure user accounts in Windows XP
    "I'm not even supposed to be here today."
  • meher
    meher Posts: 15,910 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Zagu wrote:
    Are you set up as an individual user on the PC? Im sure that there are other ways of doing it, but this is one way.

    How to create and configure user accounts in Windows XP
    Thanks Zagu - I've done that and I've my own user account as well but I really wish to lock files that are work related and confidential and it seems there's some way to lock individual files which means I could perhaps leave some open and some locked.
  • Zagu
    Zagu Posts: 2,711 Forumite
    How about one of the compression programs? They generally have password protection, and the file doesnt actually have to be compressed. Just turn compression to zero. Winzip/Winrar/7-zip should all do the job.
    "I'm not even supposed to be here today."
  • meher
    meher Posts: 15,910 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Zagu wrote:
    How about one of the compression programs? They generally have password protection, and the file doesnt actually have to be compressed. Just turn compression to zero. Winzip/Winrar/7-zip should all do the job.
    So what do I download? I don't think I have winzip or none of them but a quick google tells me they expire in 90 days or so. I'm looking to lock them as in a word that starts with e and I just cannot think of that blessed word .....
  • Zagu
    Zagu Posts: 2,711 Forumite
    Encryption? Winzip and Winrar are available on trial, but 7-zip is free.
    "I'm not even supposed to be here today."
  • meher
    meher Posts: 15,910 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Zagu wrote:
    Encryption? Winzip and Winrar are available on trial, but 7-zip is free.
    thankyou so much - that was the word I was looking for :D but it's not locking files - merely archiving and to open from the archive it needs the password but the file is still out in the open. I was thinking along the lines of an encription that really locks it :o that's you right click and it asks you lock and unlock - I've done a vacation placement for a firm where it was done for files but at the time I didn't quite take note of it :o It certainly wasn't compression. Sorry for being such a hassle
  • rizla01
    rizla01 Posts: 7,260 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Hi Meher.

    Try this http://www.brothersoft.com/file_disk_management/folder_tools/lock_folder_21569.html
    Lock Folder is a new security tool that lets you lock your files and folders with your personal password. Now nobody but you can access your most sensitive information. Locking folders and files also effectively protects you from malicious programs, such as viruses, worms and trojans. Here is how Lock Folder works - all you have to do is to drag file or folder you want to lock to Lock Folder window, and the rest is done automatically. Now your data is protected, hidden and can not be accessed without entering your personal password. It is critical to have effective protection from unauthorized access, since over 80 of reported security breaches come from within the organization, not hackers! Locking files and folders is the best way to guarantee that nobody accidentally or intentionally gets access to your financial, health, private or confidential information. And since locking your files, folders or drives makes them invisible, they can not be deleted, damaged or harmed in any other ways. Even if a virus gets introduced to your system, your locked folders will not be detected, infected or harmed. Here is the important part - Lock Folder uses the encryption standards approved by the US Government. This and others innovative and reliable technologies provide the safest way to store your information well protected against hacker attacks, malicious software and dishonest employees.


    That should do it.
    "Unhappiness is not knowing what we want, and killing ourselves to get it."
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    Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
  • meher
    meher Posts: 15,910 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    rizla01 wrote:
    Hi rizla lovely to see you after a long time - have you abandoned us lot on DT/arms?

    I'll download this - get round to using it and will give a feedback

    thankyou xx
  • rizla01
    rizla01 Posts: 7,260 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    No, Moved house and major computer crash plus MSE ain't what it used to be. (present company excepted, of course.):)
    x
    "Unhappiness is not knowing what we want, and killing ourselves to get it."
    Post Count: 4,111 Thanked 3,111 Times in 1,111 Posts (Actual figures as they once were))
    Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
  • meher
    meher Posts: 15,910 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Alright I've downloaded and pretty much what I was looking for.

    But I dragged the file to the Lockfolder - it says the file/folder is locked but I could still open it without unlocking - where am I going wrong :o
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