Protect file option Windows 7.

[parkman]

I did a right click on a folder, we'll say it is called "Documents", and one of the options is "Protect File". I decided to use this option to protect a complete folder and I was asked to save the protect key, which I did, and off the program went, encrypting the folder.

The only thing is that it took about three - four hours, and then it took me ages to find the folder. It had been renamed as just "documents" with a new icon beside it. I was going to "Unprotect File" but it looks like it will take the same three - four hours to unprotect.

The other thing is that the folder is still there in full view in "My Documents" and you don't need to use the fingerprint reader or a password to open the folder, or the files within the folder.

Could anyone explain just how "Protect" or "Unprotect" woeks, and what it is supposed to do ?

Many thanks, parkman

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Windows 7 does not have a built in protect file features other than Properties/ Sharing options,
This would not take hours to accomplish,
So if your referring to Yo-Safe type of third party software that came with your machine from a manufacture ?
You would need to state which one you bought from,
Take a screen shot of the windows with the features you used...
See the link above my signature on how if you need it,
Cheers.

 

[parkman]

Hi, thanks for your reply.

I wonder, though, if your are using a different version of Windows 7 64 bit. If you highlight any folder in "User/Documents" and right click on the folder, any folder, a list of options such "Open, Cut, Delete Copy, Rename" etc. will open. Two of these options are "Protect File" and "Unprotect File".

If you select "Protect File" Windows 7 64 bit will start to encrypt the complete folder, and will ask for a protect key and a path of a location to save this key. As in my case there were about 40,000 files in one folder and Windows took about 5 hours to complete the operation.

When it was completed the user has to use a finger print reader to open any of the files in the folder. I think that any new files are not automatically protected, which would make sense. You have to protect each file individually after they are saved.

If you want to "Unprotect" all of the files in the folder in one go, the same thing will happen - it will takes hours to complete.

As I say, perhaps your version of Windows doesn't have the "Protect File" / "Unprotect File" options, but mine certainly does.

But thanks for your input, I will have a look at a folder lock option, or perhaps an encryption program. Unfortunately i don't have time these days to use programs such as PNP which I thought was brilliant, just a bit slow.

parkman

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
This all I get on the context menu,
So what your referring to is a third party utility giving you those additional options,
Review your Uninstall a program list,
Post screen shots of the programs list we might be able to spot it ?
View attachment 311278

 

[parkman]

Hi, I see your options are nothing like the one on my laptop. It is possible that the Protect / Unprotect are supplied by Toshiba's fingerprint reader software.

parkman

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi that is a distinct possibility Manufactures do that,
I mentioned Yo-safe before which is a Acer or Gateway utility,
It's awful close to Norton's listing though,
But the bottom three "Six" listing are also pretty interesting too,
Compress..
That screen shot looks horrible please see the link above my signature to upload files
The programs list would be the most helpful at this point but if they look that badly they might not be very helpful to identify the listings
Cheers.
Open Search for protected files possibly that window will identify the program ?

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Norton has been ruled out by a member (Kado) that has Norton installed,
I'm sticking with the Six lower listings are most likely connected,
To what is why we're going to need your Uninstall a program list to connect the dots
Cheers.
Toshiba will have a folder on the Start menu list/ All programs,
Open it and see if it has a encryption/ Protect... listing in it ?
But these would also be seen in the uninstall a program list too I believe.

 

[Britton30]

The bottom 3 are there because you have WinRAR install, I have them too.

 

[Thedoctor44]

I have Winrar and Norton, the protect file and unprotect file options aren't on my PC.

 

[Layback Bear]

Thanks you folks for the information on Norton. I don't use Norton so it was just a idea on my part. Now I know.

 

[Britton30]

I've never had a Toshiba laptop but I suspect the Protect options are part of their bundled software.

 

[Anak]

I've never had a Toshiba laptop but I suspect the Protect options are part of their bundled software.

parkman,

I believe Britton is correct. In searching for protect/unprotect I did find various programs that would add those choices to the context menu, roboform for one. But using his lead and searching for Protect files, Unprotect files (TOSHIBA) I was able to find this: Useful information regarding file protection with the AuthenTec Fingerprint software | Toshiba

If you scroll down to about half way of the page you will see: What must be done to get access to the protected files, if the fingerprint hardware was replaced for some reason?

Now, I don't know the sequence of events that lead you to your present predicament but this may offer a beginning in correcting it.


More:
Search for the developer of the software:
AuthenTec Fingerprint software | Toshiba

Search for Toshiba's brand of AuthenTec Fingerprint software, includes link for uninstaller:
TrueSuite Access Manager | Toshiba