How to Password Protect a Folder in Windows XP

If you have sensitive information, you might want to keep it private. Here is how you can password protect a particular folder in Windows XP.

Instructions

1. Open up Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder that you wish to protect.

2. Right-click on it and choose "Properties."

3. Click on the "Advanced" button.

4. 

   Under "Compress or Encrypt Attributes," check the box "Encrypt Contents to Secure Data." If you do not log on to your computer with a password, you will now be prompted for one.

5. Click "OK" twice and you will now be able to log off and log back in. You will be prompted for a password when trying to access the folder.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose an easy to remember password.

• Make sure your Caps Lock key is off on your keyboard. This might cause your password to be entered wrongly.

• Failure to enter your password correctly will result in a permanent locking of the files.