How to create a password protected folder?

Question

I want to create a password protected folder on my laptop so I can let people onto my computer without full access to all of my documents. It is just a single folder but needs this protection. Using Windows Vista btw.

Answer 1

I'm not sure if you can readily password protect a folder that you can access regularly. I know that you can password protect a .zip or .rar using WinRAR, but then you must unpack to read/write and pack to secure. I run XP, so I know little about any additional software on Vista.

I found this ( http://www.download.com/Advanced-File-Lo... ) software at download.com, which I trust completely (adware, spyware, virus free). It is only a free trial, but it was once used by the government. So they say at least.

I would suggest this one ( http://www.download.com/My-Lockbox/3000-... ) although I have never used it. It seems to be Vista Compatible, and its free.

Answer 2

Create a separate standard user without administrator privilege, instruct people to loggon using that user id.  Without administrator privilege they can not reset your password to gain access to private informations.

Answer 3

Windows does not include built-in capability to password protect your files other than your user account which can be easily bypassed. You will also be required to make changes to security settings so other users cannot gain access which requires XP Professional or Vista Home Premium or better.

The easiest and most secure option would be to get encryption software. I recommend Truecrypt, which is a free program to password protect your files and folders. You are able to create an encrypted file of a size you specify which you are then able to mount to a virtual drive. You can also encrypt an entire drive.

Truecrypt is a free open-source disk encryption software for Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Linux. CNET gives Truecrypt a 5 star rating so you know this software won't disappoint you.

Answer 4

If you do not have Password Protect installed,  download the installer.from the site below .

To password protect a folder, right-click it and select Protect This Folder. Also, you can use the built-in wizard, which lets you password protect folders with a single password. That's how it's done:

   1. Run Password Protect (Start > Programs > Password Protect > Password Protect).

   2. Click Next to skip the intro screen.

   3. Select the Lock Folders option.

   4. Click the Add button to add folders to the list.

All the folders you add to the list are protected with the same password. If you wish to protect two separate folders with different passwords, you need to run Password Protect twice adding each time only one folder to the list and then entering its unique password.

To exclude a folder from the list, select the folder and click the Remove button. Click here to see a screenshot.

Answer 5

Right Click - Choose Sharing - Choose make Personal Folder.

However if you want to give other people acces you should make a guest account with limited privileges.