Computer Guide Center

Does Windows XP let you put in a password to protect just one particular program or file? How do you do that?

I know you can put a password on Windows XP as a whole, but I'm just interested in protecting one particular folder or file or program. Any way to do that without using an outside protection program?

Public Comments

1. Fast User Switching involves creating another Settings -> Control Panel -> User (you probably need more memory anyway)
2. I don't think Xp lets you.. to Lock particular Folder but Sure there are other softwares to do Folder Locker is best one... try it free http://www.download.com
3. Yes, if you go to the folder you want to protect and right click it, then click on sharing and security, at the top of the properties page that opens you can click on 'make this folder private'; then other users of the computer are not allowed to see the contents. If it is a file you want to protect and not a whole folder, you can open the properties page for that file and click hidden, however this will not keep people out if the computer is set up to show hidden files. It is best to make the folder that contains the file you want secure a private folder.
4. In XP and I think in Win 2000 you can encrypt the entire folder. In the Explorer open properties on the folder and go to the advanced section of it - there you will find couple of options -- compress to save disk space and encrypt. Keep in mind however, that if you remove user or change password you may not be able to access this folder anymore. So beware....