Thanks dude.
Im officially confused now. All the programmes ive tried that actually placed a password on anything just made things worse. All of them changed the file extension, resulting in windows not recognising that file extension and so stopping me from opening the file or folder. Why change the extension? whay can't it just create a password on a file or folder and that's it? why does it have to be a ballache?! ARGH
I don't know any software, but does the available software do what you need if you have all if your encrypted stuff on another drive?
I am thinking about something like an S: drive where the whole virtual drive is encrypted?
Like I say, I don't know specific software, but it would seem like this could enable you to encrypt/decrypt everything on the drive and otherwise act as normal. You should also be able to put a shortcut on your desktop (if this works for your needs as well as a folder would).
I spent a little time working with a security group, and whether hiding adds value depends on your purpose.
There are a couple of general rules for security.
1) Security by obscurity fails. In other words, hiding a file/folder is like painting the front door of your house to match the siding so that nobody else can find it. It deters only the most casual of invaders. If you can see it, then so can a determined intruder. Hiding the files is only effective if, for example, you are trying to keep secrets from non-techie family members.
2) If someone has your hardware, all bets are off... they own your data. All you can possibly do is slow them down with good encryption etc.. Good encryption should give you plenty of time.A knowledgeable person can determine that something is hidden pretty quickly. A folder on a desktop only adds easier intrusion if someone already has access to the box. By hiding it you gain a few minutes. The encryption (with a GOOD pass phrase) would be your best defense.
If the intent is to keep the kids from knowing the cable code to see adult movies on your tv, then hiding is probably good. If you are protecting your passwords, account information or trade secrets then encryption is key.
So basically, security and secrecy are two different things.
Based on the OP's request I did some search, and I actually loaded this to see if it might be useful to me.
The one aspect I don't like with what I have seen so far is that the security is based on mounting and dismounting. I need to look at the processes to auto mount and dismount for a bit to see if it will work for me. But to the OP, on a quick look, this may be good for you.
I agree, for free it is exceptional!
So I should give truecrypt another go?
I tried it and it just doesn't do what I wanted i to do. I try to encrypt a folder with files in and it will only encrypt the files individually, then when I double click them it doesn't ask for a password before opening or anything, it changes the file extension so windows then says it doesn't recognise the extension and you need to choose which programme supports it, the only one is the origional programme so it loads in the on the encryption page, Just going in circles to be frank!
Yes, but you're looking for security, right? This is great security, and it's free so you really can't complain. It really depends on what you're trying to hide. If these are sensitive documents, then this is good enough. If these are personal files, then it may be a little too much. But for free, your choices are very limited.
Ive now decided to try make it easy for myself.
I redownloaded TrueCrypt and created an encoded file, then mounted it to the S partition so in Computer it shows C, D and S partitions but for some reason when I double click the S partition I just created, it doesn't prompt me for the password so it's basically just a normal partition really. Any help with getting the S drive to prompt for a password when you try to look in it or open it? Im trying to store some delicate/personal stuff in there that I basically don't what anybody to pry on if they go on my laptop.
Btw, again thank you all for your help, it's invaluable and greatfully received.
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