How to password protect files and folders in XP

Private information, private photos, or just a present for your loved one in a word files, all these are files, that you need to protect on your computer, so that other people can not access them, or even see them.

The first problem here is that the operating system Windows XP does not have encryption software, when you install it. The best way to do the job is to get third party software that you can use to hide and encrypt your files and folders. There are many different programs that you can use, such as WinCry, a free program, or a commercial version, called Folder Guard. These programs will give you the biggest security that you can expect from a program on Windows XP.

You need to know, that there is no 100% security, and if someone really wants to get to the file, he will. But, for the normal user, you can use any of these programs.

There are ways, how you can hide your files and folders, using just Windows XP. You need to choose a folder that is connected to your account that means that it is located in the C:\documents and settings\your-name\ folder. If that is not the case, then you won't be able to use this option, and you will need to download one of the mentioned programs. But if you would like to protect a folder within the \your-name\ folder, then you navigate to the folder in Windows explorer and right click on it. Choose properties and the "Sharing" tab. Now here you can choose the "make this folder private" option. If you tick this box, this means, that the folder is only accessible to you, when you are log into your windows account. So if your son, for example, uses another account to log into Windows, then he won't be able to see the folder. But if someone uses the computer while you are logged in, then he or she will be able to see the file.

So Windows XP have only limited ways to protect your files and folders. If this is not enough for you, then download a program, and use it. It will give you a much better protection.