Hello:

I am running Windows XP Pro with SP 2. I would like to know if there is a way to password protect folders on my desktop. For instance, lets say I have all the "default" icons and then I create 5 or 6 folders for different things that I want to put in them. Say I forget to log off or leave my desk for a minute and there is one folder I don't want anyone to get into. Is there a free program out there or a way where if someone double clicked on the folder to open it, it would ask them for a password?

Thanks,

Paul

Right click on the folder and chose Send to > Compressed (zip) folder.

Open the new folder and choose File > Add a Password.

Choose a password and you're set.

Hello:

I am running Windows XP Pro with SP 2. I would like to know if there is a way to password protect folders on my desktop. For instance, lets say I have all the "default" icons and then I create 5 or 6 folders for different things that I want to put in them. Say I forget to log off or leave my desk for a minute and there is one folder I don't want anyone to get into. Is there a free program out there or a way where if someone double clicked on the folder to open it, it would ask them for a password?

Thanks,

paul

Set your screen saver to kick in after a short time. Rick gave you one way. I wouldn't put such folders on the desktop.

Scott & Rick have given you some good suggestions. I tried looking for some completely free software but couldn't find any. Plenty of free trials but no freeware. Here's a search at Download.com with a number of results for what you need:

http://www.download.com/3120-20_4-0.html?tag=srch&nid=1&qt=password+protect+folder&tg=dl-20&search.x=0&search.y=0&search=+Go%21


Another helpful tip - if you want to lock your computer quickly, press the Windows key + L. I'd go with Scott's idea of just putting on the screen saver and setting it to return you to the welcome screen on wakeup.