Password Protected Files

accio_apple · 03-21-2008, 06:49 PM

Firstly, I hope this is in the right section.
Now, this is kind of a dumb question, but is there a way I can password protect some of my files? For example, if I had something saved in Word, would I be able to put a password on that particular file?

johnwill · 03-22-2008, 12:41 PM

Word has a password facility for individual documents. In addition, you can use NTFS file permissions if you have XP-Pro to enable only your access to selected files.

accio_apple · 03-23-2008, 01:50 PM

Thanks very much!

**Cellus** · 03-23-2008, 06:46 PM

You can also use EFS (Encrypted File System) if you have NTFS in XP to encrypt/lock your files in Windows, so even if someone were to steal your files off your computer, they would still have to actually log in as you to decrypt and read them. This is all done seamlessly and transparently within Windows, and setting it up is as easy as enabling the feature on a file or folder.

johnwill · 03-24-2008, 06:13 AM

Note that EFS is somewhat dangerous in that if your profile ever gets corrupted or the computer crashes, you MUST have created and saved the recovery agent file or those files are gone forever! I wish I had a nickel for all the times people have come after the fact and wanted to recover the data after using EFS and having a crash. Read the fine print and make SURE you have the necessary recovery agent disk or file saved before encrypting the files!

**Cellus** · 03-24-2008, 09:41 AM

Without a shred of doubt Quoted For Truth.

Unlike other more traditional encryption systems, EFS depends not on a password you simply must remember, but an actual account you must actually have on hand. If you decide to use EFS, it is highly recommended you backup the recovery agent and keep it on hand in a safe location, incase the worst happens.

03-21-2008, 06:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
accio_apple Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2 OS: xp	Password Protected Files Firstly, I hope this is in the right section. Now, this is kind of a dumb question, but is there a way I can password protect some of my files? For example, if I had something saved in Word, would I be able to put a password on that particular file?

03-22-2008, 12:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 31,329 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Password Protected Files Word has a password facility for individual documents. In addition, you can use NTFS file permissions if you have XP-Pro to enable only your access to selected files. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

03-23-2008, 01:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
accio_apple Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2 OS: xp	Re: Password Protected Files Thanks very much!

03-23-2008, 06:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Cellus Moderator Networking Team Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,633 OS: Windows Vista Business SP1, Windows XP Professional SP3 My System	Re: Password Protected Files You can also use EFS (Encrypted File System) if you have NTFS in XP to encrypt/lock your files in Windows, so even if someone were to steal your files off your computer, they would still have to actually log in as you to decrypt and read them. This is all done seamlessly and transparently within Windows, and setting it up is as easy as enabling the feature on a file or folder. __________________ TSF Networking Team HijackThis 5 Step Process Donate!

03-24-2008, 06:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 31,329 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Password Protected Files Note that EFS is somewhat dangerous in that if your profile ever gets corrupted or the computer crashes, you MUST have created and saved the recovery agent file or those files are gone forever! I wish I had a nickel for all the times people have come after the fact and wanted to recover the data after using EFS and having a crash. Read the fine print and make SURE you have the necessary recovery agent disk or file saved before encrypting the files! __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

03-24-2008, 09:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
Cellus Moderator Networking Team Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,633 OS: Windows Vista Business SP1, Windows XP Professional SP3 My System	Re: Password Protected Files Without a shred of doubt Quoted For Truth. Unlike other more traditional encryption systems, EFS depends not on a password you simply must remember, but an actual account you must actually have on hand. If you decide to use EFS, it is highly recommended you backup the recovery agent and keep it on hand in a safe location, incase the worst happens. __________________ TSF Networking Team HijackThis 5 Step Process Donate!