A challenging situation - to create a "secure" Folder

I am knowledgeable in computers but not an expert by any means. That means I should be able to understand explanations w/o too much work on the part of you expert people. I know how painful it is to bring someone -w/o too much computer experience- up to speed, even on the simplest things.
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SITUATION: Person “A” bought a computer and barely learning the basics of it (Win 7 home…)

Person A = PA

PA logs-on using her password. PA wants to keep some files secret. The problem is other users know her password (this cannot be changed), so essentially they have the same access to EVERYTHING she has on the machine.
So the challenge is to find a way for her to have a place where she can keep private information, files etc, even though others have access to her password.

IS THAT POSSIBLE?
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I found a way, simply by creating a Folder and make it “invisible” (properties = hidden)… and that sort of works… except that if someone knows about computers they could easily go to Folder Properties and allow to see “hidden files” and that would be bad.

So, is it possible via PERMISSIONS to device a way in which even if someone were able to change the properties of the Folder and thus see the folder and files in it…. To LOCK IT up so that no one would be able to open the folder, even if visible?
I am sure you guys understand the problem now. I wish there was a way to secure the Folder just with an additional password (just for the folder), like you can do in Excel with a particular work sheet… So the Folder would invisible but in addition to that, LOCKED (somehow) just in case.


TIA

eb

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Would using the Windows Encrypting Files System (EFS) be any good to you?

A challenging situation - to create a "secure" Folder

Best practices for the Encrypting File System

The Encrypting File System

Thank you for your response and I will investigate.

I do have a question and I wonder if you or anyone can help?
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Just one question, isn’t central to any computer? That only the “owner” or “Administrator” can make changes to this computer?

I know for a fact this PC is not in a Network. It might be a member of a Workgroup, as most PCs are by default when you first enter and ID & PASSWORD (What would this account be? “owner” “administrator?”

regarding your first post--first read this article:

Password Protecting Folders in Windows 7

then check out TrueCrypt

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

regarding your second question..."when you first enter and ID & PASSWORD (What would this account be? “owner” “administrator?”

most likely...yes

go to control panel>user accounts--this will show all user accounts and the type of account--account 'type' can also be changed here (if you are an admin)

tman69 said:

regarding your first post--first read this article:

Password Protecting Folders in Windows 7

then check out TrueCrypt

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

Hi everyone,

I have decided to go the "TrueCrypt" route for now. I downloaded it and seems it will be able to do what I need, although I am not completely sure yet. I will experiment with it and come back, to tackle the same problem from the Permissions perspective, which I want to understand anyway.


But the program seems like an easy, simple way to accomplish my goal. I will report back


Regards,

EB

boohbah said:

there is a simple soloution to this, i use it myself
WinMend Folder Hidden - Safely and quickly hide files and folders.

Thank you, I will check it out too.

NEW QUESTION for everyone... on the same vain.

I use Gmail. What about the same principle?... Encrypting Google email?... Any ideas. I am surprised I have not seen an option in Gmail to do such a thing... they seem to have everything else for it.

TIA

Thanks to everyone :)

"TrueCrypt" was exactly what I was looking for!... and a nice YouTube video of it, made it even much easier to understand and use.
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I have more questions but I don't know if I should open a new thread?

It's on the same vain. How can you encrypt/hide my Gmail or any other web-mail service on my computer (hotmail, yahoo, etc)

Any advice on this? New "thread" or keep it here?