About Windows Encrypt/Compress. (Password locking a folder)

I want to lock a folder on my PC. If I do it the XP way, what are the steps to password protection.

I read you must press compress, then encrypt the new folder. However for me I don't get any window to add a password. The file just opens.

Also I am compressing videos, docs and photos. Will compressing mess with my quality?

I just want to lock the folder so no one can access it without a password.

BTW, although a prefure to use windows alone if possible. Anyone know the best free folder locking software?

 

To protect files in a zipped compressed folder with a password
1-Open My Computer, and then locate the compressed folder.
2-Double-click the compressed folder.
3-On the File menu, click Add a Password.
4-In the Password box, type a password.
5-In the Confirm Password box, type the password again.

another way (if you use a password to sign on to your account)

1-Right-click the folder that you want to make private and choose "Properties" (or Alt+Double-click).
2-Go to the "Sharing" tab and check the "Make this folder private" box.
3-Click Apply . If you do not have a password on your account, a box will pop up asking if you want to assign a password. This must be done if you want to make the folder private, so click Yes . You will need to use your password to log on to your computer from then on.
4-Type in a password then confirm it. Click the "Create Password" button then close the Password window.
5-Click OK in the Properties dialog box.

Now anyone else logged on to your computer can't access that file without knowing your password.

ALSO - There are programs out there to download, but I don't have any to recommend.






I'm sure you wont have any quality issues with compression, but just to be safe, compress a few to be sure.

 

Will compressing leave artifacts on my videos and lower my photo quality?

 

No, compressing won't lower quality. You aren't re-encoding them, which would. Compression in the disk sense is lossless.

You can also consider using programs like TrueCrypt, which is more secure than Windows folder locking. If I boot your computer off my Linux disk, your files are mine to peruse, even with the Windows folder locking. They aren't encrypted, they just have the permissions removed from other users pretty much.

 

Hi, I find that "Make this folder private" check box is greyed out on my computer. I have an administrator account on windows XP and password protected it. What could be the possible reason?