XP Pro - Making folders private

[pianogeezer]

When I try to make a folder private, I right-click, click 'sharing and security' but the 'Make this folder private' box is greyed out, how do I enable it? I've tried reloading xp thinking there was a 'custom load' option but no luck.

[manfredini]

this is a guess but could it be that there are only system administrators with logins for the system? To test this out add a limited user account using the add new user option via the control panel. If the box becomes active then thats the answer. I don't know if you can make files private from system administrators.

[pianogeezer]

I've tried the various combinations eg trying to enable it both as an 'administrator' and not, also I tried a ficticious 'new user' in both modes but still no luck!

[j2buttonsw]

Is your system formatted as an NTFS partition or FAT32? All the security features will not be available on a FAT32 partition. If it is NTFS how about encrypting the folder?

[pianogeezer]

It hasn't been partitioned, it's just a regular setup.

[j2buttonsw]

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear: right click 'My Computer' then left click 'Explore', right click C: then left click 'properties' on the General tab will be the 'File System' which will be either NTFS or FAT32.

[pianogeezer]

sorry, errrr, it's fat32.

[j2buttonsw]

As stated, you have no security features with FAT32. You can, however, convert your FAT32 partition to a NTFS one using the convert command: Start-programs-accessories-command prompt type: convert C: /fs:ntfs [/v] It will ask you to reboot then it will do the file conversion. Once you have an NTFS file system you will be able to privatise your folder as well as use file/folder encryption

[pianogeezer]

Thanks but I sorted my problem another way. I've d/loaded 'Access Administrator Pro' from http//www.softheap.com/acadmpro.html (free too, I think).....it seems fine.