Windows 7: How do I effectively hide and lock folders/files in Windows 7 64bit?

I have some files that I would like to hide from anyone that may use my computer. I already know how to hide folders/files in the 'folder and search options.' However, when I hide my files/folders and then search for one of the file names in the Start Menu search bar, the file will show up despite it be hidden and the 'Do not show hidden files' option is checked. I also attempted to put a password on the folder (one folder has all the files I want hidden) using this site for a guideline:

How to create a Password Protected Folder in Windows 7

When I lock the folder, I can still search for the files in the Start Menu search bar and they will open without the password. Is there a better site or program to effectively lock my folder/files? And what can I do to prevent the Start Up search from looking for my hidden files.



Thanks for anyone who is looking at this thread

welcome to sevenforums,
ive used this software effectively in the past,
WinMend Folder Hidden - Safely and quickly hide files and folders.

DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSWORD.

if i want to hide something from my wife these days i just need to place it in a folder in my movies/action genre folders

Encryption's the way to go. Truecrypt is your best friend when it comes to hiding files and folders. Creating a new container to keep all your sensitive files and folders is relatively simple.

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux

The documention and guides:-

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source Disk Encryption - Documentation

See as mentioned in the following link

HTTP://www.simplehelp.net/2010/11/29...-in-windows-7/

You can do additional 2 steps to effectively hide your data

Step 1:
First hide the "private" folder and then move "locker.bat" file to any other location
So that no one else but you can find the private folder even if they know your password
And move "locker.bat" back to the actual location of your folder to access your folder by entering the password

Step 2:
Encrypt the "private" folder and deny all the permissions to system and user in the security tab
This will prevent any file to be found using the search option

Wise Folder Hider is another freeware choice to protect your file, folder or removable drive. Wise Folder Hider - Free Folder Hidden tool - hide your personal or privacy data.

Download links:
https://www.wisecleaner.com/soft/WFHSetup.exe
https://www.wisecleaner.com/soft/WFH.zip

I used WinMend myself for awhile. Was totally happy with it, same goes for TrueCrypt. But nowadays all I do is make a new folder, name it "System ____ " usually whatever comes in my head and stick it somewhere in my program files folder. I have very very few people besides me who even touch my machine and I find that the "System" prefix scares them to death. Not what you were looking for I know but an aside.