Re: Secure or Password protect a folder

Bob S wrote:

> See below for comments.

>
> Thanks Malke.
> I tried this and got a message saying that it could not create output
> file. bob

Tried what? There was a lot of information in those posts and it is
unclear what you did. Tell us exactly what you tried. Here's your
original post with some comments inline:

"I use XP Pro SP2 and desire to secure (and preferably password protect
a folder, or at least a file. I have found the ability to right click
the folder and select properties | security and select "deny" for all
of the "permissions for administrators". I have 3 specific questions
about this."

"1. I have 3 options in the "Groups or user names": "Administratior",
"Bob"
(note I am an administrator), and "System". Can I deny permissions to
"general users" by highlighting the "System" option?"

Do not do this. Instead, since you have XP Pro, make a new user group
from the Computer Management>Local Users and Groups section in your
Administrative Tools. Assign users to that new group, making sure you
also include Administrator and yourself. Now you can set permissions on
the folder/files to only allow members of that particular group access.
Go to the links I gave you and do some reading. For your convenience,
here are the ones you should look at:

How to disable Simple Sharing and set permissions on a shared folder in
Windows XP (Pro only)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=307874

HOW TO: Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions in
Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308418

"2. If I do this, log onto my account, and step away from my compter,
can someone else step up to my computer and access the folder wtih
using a password?"

If you are a member of the new group you've made (and of course you
would be) then the answer to Question 2 is "of course" because your
user is the one who is logged in. To prevent this, make sure your
computer requires a user account and password to log on and your
screensaver/power options require a password when resuming. When you
step away, as you've already been told, lock the computer with Windows
key + L.

"3. Is there a way to password protect a folder?"

As you've already been told, you protect computer resources with
permissions, not passwords. Otherwise, use XP's built-in zipping
facility and assign a password as Mr. Hensley told you. Refer to XP's
Help & Support for "zipping" for more information. Or you can use
third-party software like WinZip.

Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
.

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