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Secure Your Data with XP Pro File Encryption

Posted By : Chad of Data Doctors on June 17, 2005

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One of many useful Windows XP Pro functions.

This question was answered on June 17, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.


There’s a lot of concern among Internet users over the security of their personal files that they entrust to their computer And while there is good reason for unease, there is a simple, proactive step you can take to prevent that data from being accessible to an unauthorized third-party Here’s how:

1 For this exercise we’ll assume you want to encrypt you’re My Documents folder (it’s not recommended that you encrypt your entire drive This could have unpleasant side-effects) Also, make sure you don’t have any documents open that reside in you’re My Documents folder Now then, start by right-clicking on My Documents and click Properties.

2 Navigate to the General tab and click the Advanced button.

3 Check the fourth option in the box that says Encrypt contents to secure data

4 Click OK and then Apply (click OK to exit the dialog box when done).

Depending on how much data you have in you’re My Documents folder, the encrypting process could take some time Once finished, the encrypted files will be labeled with green text to signify encryption.

Keep in mind, this only works with Windows XP Pro If you don't have Pro, maybe now is a good time to upgrade

You can try this tip on a single file too Have fun and enjoy!

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Posted by Chad of Data Doctors on June 17, 2005

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