How to secure folder in Windows 7?

I have a folder in my notebook to keep sensitive files like tax returns, contract agreements, etc. What is the best way to secure this folder only? Is there anyway to password protect this folder where any users including administrator itself HAS TO enter the password in order to open it?

I need something simple, yet secured. I do not expect my laptop to be in stolen scenario as the laptop is mostly inside the office. My goal is I just want to prevent someone quickly access the folder while I'm away getting coffee or something and I forgot to lock.

I have looked at truecrypt, but it seems it's quite complicated/perhaps too comprehensive for me.

I welcome all suggestions. Thanks.

 

Encrypting is the best way to secure anything. Truecrypt is the best example. It is not complicated at all - I can only advise you to spend some time to figure it out. It is pretty simple.

 

Give the free program in the link below a go, I saw it the other day but have not tried it yet.

Protected Folder - Protect Folder and File with Password in Windows 7, Vista and XP - IObit

 

Been using AxCrypt to do exactly what you describe. Locks the folder, need to enter the password to then actually view the files.
Axantum Software AB | AxCrypt | File Encryption Software

 

bigbulus, all of the above are good, another layer of security is to make sure you have a password associated with your user id and always click the windows key and L when machine is unattended (this should lock your system assuming you do not have 3 rd program install that uses that key combo).


Tinderbox is that Lauren Pope??

 

similar to what josea suggested, make sure your user account is password protected. however, this doesn't doesn't stop anyone from access the contents of the folder; the files will need to be encrypted.

assuming the laptop has XP Pro/Vista Business/7 Pro, you can encrypt the folder. this will allow only your user account to open the file. also, if your laptop is stolen, the thief will not be able take the hard drive out and browse to the encrypted folder (it will not let him/her open the file).

i would recommend creating a dedicated encryption folder on your profile. to encrypt that folder, right click on it, click on properties. then click on advanced and put a check mark next to encrypt contents to secure data.

 

Truecrypt with long password and token/key files ... anything less can be cracked pretty fast.
Payed option is pgp.
Or a notebook with hardware based encrypting.

 

I use Pismo File Mount (freeware) which has a "Private Folder" feature.

Basically, when you double-click on your PFO file, you type in the password and it instantly transforms into a folder (mounted file system in NTFS). You can read and write to that folder, and instead of saving the files unencrypted to NTFS, the Pismo filesystem driver transparently redirects the I/O to the encrypted container.

It's a great program!