Windows XP professional users:
The below steps for encrypting the files on Windows XP professional applies to users who are using a computer that has different accounts. If you're using a single account for all users who use the computer you will need to see the below other security solutions section.
1. Select the folder you wish to encrypt.
2. Right-click the folder and click Properties.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Check "Encrypt contents to secure data" option.
5. Click Apply and then Ok.
If "Encrypt contents to secure data" is grayed out:
This will be grayed out if you're using the home edition of Microsoft Windows XP. See the below steps for securing the contents of your folders in Windows XP home.
Show "Encrypt" on the context menu:
The newest version of
TweakUI also enables you to show the Encrypt option in the context menu. To do this, follow the below steps.
1. Open TweakUI. If you do not have TweakUI you can find additional details about getting and installing TweakUI in document CH000141.
2. In the TweakUI window, select Explorer
3. In the right side of the window under Settings, locate "Show 'Encrypt' on context menu" and check the box. This option should be below "Prefix 'shortcut to' on new shortcuts" and above "Show 'View workgroup computers' in NetPlaces".
If you're missing this option, see
document CH000711 for additional information.
Home Users of Win XP:
1. Select the folder you wish to encrypt.
2. Right-click the folder and click Properties.
3. Click the Sharing tab.
4. Check the box Make this folder private
5. Click Apply and then Ok.
If "Make this folder private" is grayed out:
In order for this option to work in Microsoft Windows XP home you must meet the below requirements.
1. The hard disk drive must be formatted in NTFS and not FAT32. Additional information about determining the type of file system your hard disk drive is running can be found on document CH000713.
2. The folder you're attempting to encrypt must be in your own personal folder. For example, if your name is Ron, you must be encrypting a folder that is or that is contained within the below folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\Ron\
You cannot encrypt any folders outside of this folder. If you wish to encrypt outside this folder see the below other security solutions.
Suggest that you make a backup of these files your are going to protect just in case.
Ron