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.

Difficulty: Moderate

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.

[Tuborg]

on 12/23/2008 You have to create a separate Windows account for each user. If there is only 1 account, you cannot use the built-in encryption option. However, this is not a problem as there are many program allowing to password protect folders. I personally recommend Folder Password Expert
http://www.folder-password-expert.com

[AmiraAB]

on 12/4/2008 Windows xp technique of password protecting folders is not secure,I use Folder Lock to password protect my personal files on XP and vista Os.
Its a good security software which also protects data on usb.I got it from here,
http://www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock/

[johnli]

on 11/27/2008 MyFolder is a free powerful program to password-protect and hide your folders. You can download it here http://virtual-protect.com/myfolder.aspx

[Rational]

on 6/8/2008 Gr8 Article ! :)