File Security

[DavidUK]

Is there any way to protect a file or directory so that no-one else can open it, e.g. by needing a password?

[j2buttonsw]

You can have share level security (ie requires a password to access a share over a network) which works on NTFS and FAT partions. On NTFS partitions you can set NTFS permissions for files and folders (use the security tab) and on NTFS 5.0 partitions you can envoke EFS (encrypting file system).

[DavidUK]

Thanks for the answer j2 but I have no idea what you mean! I just want to be able to prevent other people accessing my files and directories within shared directories both on my computer at home and my computer at work.

[ABsolution]

xp home edition doesn't have security tab but you could try abc chaos freeware; http://www.topshareware.com/ABC-CHAOS-download-623
.htm

[j2buttonsw]

You need an NTFS partition: Windows NT, 2000 and both XP editions support NTFS. You may well have XP home/pro as a FAT32 partiton but you can convert it (use windows help and search for the convert command). You will only see the security tab on an NTFS partition. If you do have XP (or Windows 2000) on an NTFS partition then experiment with the security settings (when you right-click a folder/file and select properties) to lock people out. The best thing to use is file encryption (search windows help for EFS)

[DavidUK]

I have Win 2000 at work but WIN ME at home. I had a quick look at EFS but I'm not sure it's what I need. I just wondered if there was a way to protect individual files or directories e.g protect files containing personal information from colleagues at work and kids at home where they otherwise have access to my stuff. It looks as though ABC Chaos might be the answer. Anyway, thanks both.

[j2buttonsw]

Since you use 2000 at work I would use file encryption since only you will be able to view your encrypted files (not even the enterprise admin account can view them). You will need 3rd party software to lock down your home files though.

[rinkytink]

Why don't you try file encryption ? K-Crypt encryptor is pretty good - and it's freeware. You can get it here - http://www.k-crypt.net/