How to password protect a folder on Windows 7

NAR

thehappybutterfly wrote: »

Neither did I until Friday night - we were determined to make the most of a night away from the kids! :rotfl:

Or you could just upload them here and your daughter won't see them. :A

Peter999_2

The easiest way would be to install 7-zip on your PC.

Once installed, go into windows explorer and right click on the files you want to encrypt. Choose ADD TO ARCHIVE.

This will open a dialog box to create a zipped file. On the right hand side of the box there is a place to add a password. Once you have set the password click ok. There will now be a .7z file in the folder with the pictures, delete the original pictures leaving just the .7z file.

When you want to view them, double click on the file. Enter the password you created and you will then see the files. Just double click on them to open them.

Rice_Krispie

If you feel like showing us the proof I'm sure we won't complain!!

busiscoming2

Paddy_H wrote: »

Hey Butterfly,

There are many way to protect and hide folders in windows. Some more geeky than others. However have you thought about just a simple hide technique by hiding the folder you want and doing a few easy steps when wanting to view it?

How to hide a folder:

- Right-click the folder you want to hide and select > Properties.
- In the > General tab check the option > Hidden.
- Go to > Advanced change archive and index attributes.
- Click > OK to save your changes.

How to view the folder:

- Open Windows Explorer (open any folder) and go to > Tools > Folder options…
- Within Folder Options switch to the > View tab.
- Under > Files and Folders find the option > Hidden files and folders and select > Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drives.
- Click > OK and proceed to hiding a folder

This is a very simple and easy solution than downloading all sorts of software on the system and encrypting etc etc.

Alternatively - Buy a Password Protected USB, Most USB's comes with software already built in which allows you to set a password.

I've tried this and have managed to hide a folder. I've tried to view it but I can't find anything with the tools heading. Where is it? ( I know I'm a dork!)

thehappybutterfly

NAR wrote: »

Or you could just upload them here and your daughter won't see them. :A

Rice_Krispie wrote: »

If you feel like showing us the proof I'm sure we won't complain!!

Haha! You'd have to gouge your eyes out!:rotfl::rotfl:

starrybee

I wouldn't try just hiding the folder, it's so easy to view hidden folders and most teenagers will know how to do it.

j.e.j.

I am far from techno-savvy (!) but as far as I know you can't password protect a folder or a photo on windows. I had this issue a while back with some images which were of a medical nature, and I really didn't want anyone to stumble upon them. Maybe the USB stick is the way to go. Did someone say you can password-protect the contents of a USB stick?

MackemPunk

http://www.truecrypt.org/

By far the best solution for hiding and locking files, and its free too.

Savvy_Sue

busiscoming2 wrote: »

I've tried this and have managed to hide a folder. I've tried to view it but I can't find anything with the tools heading. Where is it? ( I know I'm a dork!)

Do you know which folder it's in? If you do, do a search with Windows Explorer, and set the option to include hidden files. With my version of Windoze I have to use the Search Companion to do this.

If you don't know where it is, then start with 'My Documents' and work your way back up the tree until you get back to the C: drive (assuming a 'normal' computer set up).

Alternatively, if you viewed these, they might still be available in your 'recent files' option?

southcoastrgi

if you want to send them to me i'll put them in a protected folder & send it back to you.

I promise not to look