Password Protect Folders in Windows XP Home

How can I protect my private files from nosey roomates or family members?

This question was answered on July 21, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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If you have a multi-person computer, you may not want all of your personal data accessible by other users There’s a feature built-in to Windows XP Home that allows you to password protect folders to limit their accessibility

If you use a password to login to Windows, you can use that same password to protect certain folders Here’s how:

1 Right-click the folder you wish to password protect and choose Properties.

2 Go to the Sharing tab and check the box that says Make this folder private, and click Apply.

3 If you don’t have a password configured for your account, a box will pop up asking you to assign one This must be done, as it uses your account password to make the folder private From that point on you will need to use that same password to log in to Windows.

4 Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.

You can also assign a unique password to a Zipped file for more secure transport of file through email, etc Follow these steps:

1 Double-click the Zip file you wish to password protect

2 Select File and then Add a Password.

3 Type a password into the Password box, and then again to confirm.

4 Click OK to confirm the action.

Now you can give the password to the intended recipient without worry of the data falling into the wrong hands.

About the author

Posted by Chad of Data Doctors on July 21, 2005

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