Password-protect a floppy disk

Helpline Q&A Directory

Can I put a password on a folder so that others can't access my sensitive files?

If you have a file-compression program such as WinZip (www.winzip.com) you can password-protect the files in your folder as you put them into a ZIP file. Since most compression programs let you launch, edit and save files within the archive, you can use the ZIP file much as you would a folder.

Creating a password-protected archive in WinZip 8.0 is easy. In Windows Explorer, right-click the folder and select Add to Zip. In the Add dialog box, click on Password in the lower-right corner. From there, you simply need to follow the prompts. Once you're sure your files are safe in their ZIP file, delete the original folder and its contents. Telling the compression program to 'move' the files will leave them recoverable on your hard drive.

If you want more than a zip program can offer, you could consider Encrypted Magic Folders by PC-Magic Software, which is downloadable from www.pc-magic.com. This program encrypts and hides the folder to make it completely inaccessible. You have to use a hotkey and your password to bring up the application, and only then can you access the folder. The only major complaint we have for the application is its $59 registration fee, so you had better really want to keep those files protected but accessible.