password protect a folder in vista

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sandcracker21

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I don't understand why Vista wont allow the SIMPLE password protecting of a single folder, so I need some good 3rd party software that will allow me to password protect a folder.

I do NOT want to encrypt or compress the folder, just ask me for a damn password when I click on it!
 

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Here are two free options that will hide and password protect folders. While both are free, in one the free version limits the number of folders that can be protected without upgrading to the paid version. I'm also not sure if you can avoid the hidden feature and just use the password feature, but you'll find out if you try them. If you set your system to show hidden files, that shouldn't be a problem in any event.

My Lockbox - Files and Folders Password Protection - Hide Folder Lock Folder Password Protect Folder - FSPro Labs

System Vault | Computer Realm

There are many other options if you search for "Password protect folders" but most are commercial though not too expensive. See if either of the above free options work for you first before spending money.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!
 

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sandcracker21 said:
I don't understand why Vista wont allow the SIMPLE password protecting of a single folder, so I need some good 3rd party software that will allow me to password protect a folder.

I do NOT want to encrypt or compress the folder, just ask me for a damn password when I click on it!
Click to expand...

>>>> I don't understand why Vista wont allow the SIMPLE password protecting of a single folder....

Vista does not have that option because, in Vista you have the option to assign each user with a user account and individual password.
No one can gain access to other user accounts without the knowledge of the passwords.
Therefore, it is deemed unnecessary to password protect personal file/folder because no one else can get into your account without your own password.

All other 3rd party programs deal with " hiding " you file/folder. Make it invisible, not just click the file/folder and then enter password.

You have been given 2 programs, here is the 3rd :
 

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Actually, Administrators can get into any other user's account folders and files (even those of another Administrator) without using a password as they have automatic access rights to those folders and files (or can self-assign those permissions) - but Standard Users cannot access anyone else's folders or files but their own (and those in the Public shared folder). So the logon password is effective with Standard user accounts, but doesn't help at all if an Administrator wants to access your personal folders and files and you want to block Administrators as well. That's of course why you need a 3rd party program - because others (Administrators) CAN access your account folders and files despite your separate account and password. I think Vista didn't include the option because they thought that encryption would be sufficient.

I believe those 3rd party products mentioned in the prior posts would even block Administrators from getting into the folders or files without a password. I do not believe even an Administrator could change this password or bypass it (except perhaps by uninstalling the program - and then you'd know it had occurred because when the program was re-installed it would not have your password - plus you could check the last access date and last viewed date of your folders and files and see if anyone did so since you last used the system). And although they also hide the files, if you enable show hidden files (Start / Control Panel / Folder Options / View / check the button for show hidden files and folders) you should be able to see them. I'd check them all out to see which I liked best first - or you can just read up on each and select one as they are probably pretty much the same, but one may have better options or be easier to use - but that's up to you.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inc. MP061 Inspiron E1705
    CPU
    2.00 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo 64 kilobyte primary memory
    Motherboard
    Board: Dell Inc. 0YD479 Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
    Memory
    2046 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM) [Di
    Sound Card
    SigmaTel High Definition Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor (17.2"vis)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi HTS541616J9SA00 [Hard drive] (160.04 GB) -- drive 0, s/n SB2411SJGLLRMB, rev SB4OC74P, SMART Status: Healthy
    Case
    Chassis Serial Number: 5YK95C1
    Keyboard
    Standard PS/2 Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Mouse
    Internet Speed
    1958 Kbps download ; 754.8 Kbps upload
    Other Info
    Optiarc DVD+-RW AD-5540A ATA Device [CD-ROM drive]

    Dell AIO Printer A940

    Conexant HDA D110 MDC V.92 Modem

    6TO4 Adapter
    Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller
    Broadcom 802.11n Network Adapter
    Microsoft ISATAP Adapter
    Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface

    Router Linksys / WRT54G -01
sandcracker21 said:
I don't understand why Vista wont allow the SIMPLE password protecting of a single folder, so I need some good 3rd party software that will allow me to password protect a folder.

I do NOT want to encrypt or compress the folder, just ask me for a damn password when I click on it!
Click to expand...

sandcracker21,
Please correct me if I am wrong....
1. Do I assume correctly that when you asked for a 3rd party program, you knew you had to be either an admin or in possesion of admin password in order to download the program ?
2. Do I assume correctly that being an admin or in possesion of admin password, you knew you could change other users' passwords and gain access to their personal files ?
3. Do I read it correctly that you specified you did not want encript nor compress the file ?
 

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  • Other Info
    WLM 2011
    IE9 beta
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