Password protect and lock your folder or file on XP/Vista
Did you know you are able to password protect your folders or files on Windows XP and Vista? Before you proceed further, make sure you have a back up of any files or folders you wish to password protect, just in case you forget your password. You should keep your back up copy in a secure location such as a USB flash drive you carry around with you at all times. If you want to secure your files another way, perhaps you would like to hide them instead using this simple method.
Password protecting/locking your folders or files on Windows XP
1. Select the folder which you wish to encrypt.
2. Right click the folder and select properties.
3. Click the advanced tab.
4. CheckĀ the “encrypt contents to secure data” option
5. Click Apply and ok.
Password protecting/locking your folders or files on Windows Vista
Unfortunately, Microsoft seems to have taken a back step for Vista by disabling the encrypting feature in its OS. To encrypt folders in Windows Vista, you need to install 3rd party software such as Password protect folders.
