What is the best software to lock directory ?

[iphone]

Hi,

Can you tell me what is the best software that i can use to lock directory ?
My goal is to protect some private directory (my private documents ...) from malware or others ...
I want to block access to this directory to all programs (trust or not) except all that are present in a withelist.

example : my private document
authorize : word, excell

my private mail folder
authorize : thunderbird.

...

[ErikAlbert]

I'm also looking for an independent software, to lock my data partition and/or data folders. The locking feature of DefenseWall/Sandboxie is very good, but limited to certain applications, I need something more general.
My experience so far with such softwares was a disaster, malware could still infect my data partition.

[interact]

{QUOTE-> Hi,

Can you tell me what is the best software that i can use to lock directory ?
My goal is to protect some private directory (my private documents ...) from malware or others ...
I want to block access to this directory to all programs (trust or not) except all that are present in a withelist.

example : my private document
authorize : word, excell

my private mail folder
authorize : thunderbird.

... <-QUOTE}

iphone,

I use Drivesentry (see sig for URL) to protect my data from ransomware viruses. There's a tutorial here (http://www.drivesentry.com/Malware-Trojan-corruption-protection-support-and-training.html)(5th movie).

~interact

[HURST]

DW and sanboxie can lock folders for programs that run sandboxed.

Other solution could be encripting the folders, this way it's no problem if someone steals them.

[MrBrian]

Comodo Firewall 3 can protect against file/folder modification on a per-program basis, but cannot protect against reading on a per-program basis.

[chris2busy]

set ur files to read only :D

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> set ur files to read only :D <-QUOTE}
Does that prevent stealing of data files also ?

[MrBrian]

{QUOTE-> Does that prevent stealing of data files also ? <-QUOTE}

No it does not

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> No it does not <-QUOTE}
I thought so too, that's not what I'm looking for. I still don't see the right answers in this thread.

[HURST]

@Erik

What's wrong with locking folders with SBIE/DW?

[forty]

I use Universal Shield .

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> @Erik

What's wrong with locking folders with SBIE/DW? <-QUOTE}
Nothing is wrong, but I would like to have a locking software that locks my data partition, when it's not locked by a sandboxed (SB) or untrusted application (DW).
Something more general, that locks my data partition when I need it without any other function or purpose.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> I use Universal Shield . <-QUOTE}
Yes, I know this one, a bit unpractical in usage. Thanks anyway.

[HURST]

Erik
I found some programs here:
http://www.programurl.com/software/partition-lock3.htm

I havent tried them and don't know if it's exactly what you want, but could be...

I also found this:

http://pc-magic.com/des.htm#mf
{QUOTE->
Make any folders you choose (and all the files within those folders) completely invisible to others.

Your invisible folders and files can't be deleted, viewed, modified, or run. For all practical purposes they don't exist. Use Magic Folders to protect your finances, taxes, business and personal documents. <-QUOTE}

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Erik
I found some programs here:
http://www.programurl.com/software/partition-lock3.htm

I havent tried them and don't know if it's exactly what you want, but could be...

I also found this:

http://pc-magic.com/des.htm#mf <-QUOTE}
Thanks alot Hurst, I will try them. :)

[Pedro]

Erik, tried R-Guard (http://www.data-security-software.com/)?
I briefly tried a bunch of them, and i had this, Universal Shield and Folder Guard (?) bookmarked as interesting.
They have their quirks, but i liked R-Guard.

Didn't use any long enough to be able to recommend them though.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Erik, tried R-Guard (http://www.data-security-software.com/)?
I briefly tried a bunch of them, and i had this, Universal Shield and Folder Guard (?) bookmarked as interesting.
They have their quirks, but i liked R-Guard.

Didn't use any long enough to be able to recommend them though. <-QUOTE}
Thanks. I will try that one too, seems to do alot more than just locking partitions or locking data folders and data files, most probably TOO MUCH. :)

[ErikAlbert]

Magic Folders
http://pc-magic.com/des.htm#mf
Doesn't really lock the data partition, it scans and locks the choosen folders in the data partition and that makes it slower than locking the data partition alone.
It has at least a password to "lock" and "unlock".

[MikeNAS]

{QUOTE-> Erik, tried R-Guard (http://www.data-security-software.com/)?
I briefly tried a bunch of them, and i had this, Universal Shield and Folder Guard (?) bookmarked as interesting.
They have their quirks, but i liked R-Guard.

Didn't use any long enough to be able to recommend them though. <-QUOTE}

R-Guard looking intresting. Have to test it soon. Do you know it's price because I can't find it anywhere?

[EASTER]

{QUOTE-> I use Universal Shield . <-QUOTE}

I.m trialing this one too. Need something impenetratable for sure.

[bellgamin]

ProSecurity will lock/protect files & directories. I do not know whether or not PS will lock partitions. However, based on the topic of this thread, "locking partition" is NOT what the poster asked for. Why hi-jack the fellow's post? Start your own thread, maybe?

[iphone]

Hi,

Thank's for your answers.

I am interesting to lock directory only, not partition.

My goal is only to pretect access to private folder (read access or write acess).
Only a list of programs will be grant.

I am looking at Prosecurity.
It is interesting because it can lock access on read, write ... and can lock acess via network too (SMB).

[nosirrah]

You could add another layer of protection on that using the tool subinacl . The following batch files will lock and unlock the folder c:\downloads (lock is first) :

subinacl /subdirectories C:\Downloads /setowner=system /deny=system=f /deny=administrators=f /deny=everyone=f

subinacl /subdirectories C:\Downloads /setowner=administrators /grant=system=f /grant=administrators=f /grant=everyone=f

To make this work all you have to do is download a copy of subinacl.exe and drop it into system32 (or your sysdir) . If the path you want lock has spaces in any of the folder names you will have to surround the full path with "" .

The good about this is that there is no system hooking or guard application that could be disabled for easy access to the locked folder(s) and even if you slave the drive to another windows system the folders wont be easy to access without some work first . This batch is also very fast because we are only locking the folder so the files under are not changed but the folder lock prevents access . You can add full file lock by adding \*.* to the path . Oh yeah , and its free .

The bad is that if the attacker/attacking application understands permissions its not that hard to undo this lock .

The long and short is that this is a great backup for whatever you choose but only OK as a main lock .

One more thing . If you use an application to lock the folder and these batch files together the batch file to lock has to be used first and you will have to test for compatability with the application . You will also have to unlock with the application before you run the unlock batch .

[MrBrian]

The operating system itself can enforce file access control. Here is the basic idea:

a) For the files that you wish to restrict access to, allow them to be accessed only by a certain user account.
b) Run those and only those programs that you wish to grant access to the restricted files as the same user account mentioned in part a.

You can use fast user switching to have two different user accounts open at the same time. Alternatively, you could use RunAs to run a program as a different user. Perhaps SuRun or SuDown could be used to always run a given program as different user, but I am not sure because I haven't used either of these programs.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> ProSecurity will lock/protect files & directories. I do not know whether or not PS will lock partitions. However, based on the topic of this thread, "locking partition" is NOT what the poster asked for. Why hi-jack the fellow's post? Start your own thread, maybe? <-QUOTE}
So what ? If a software can lock a partition, it usually can lock folders also.
A new thread is not needed. The subject is locking. Period.
In case you forgot : "D:\" = root directory.

It's not only about locking. Each suggested software needs to be tested if it really locks the partition or folders.
I also had a locking software in the past and malware bypassed the locked partition. You can't even trust security softwares with a simple job nowadays.
Put your personal feelings aside when you talk about softwares.

[MrBrian]

{QUOTE->
I also had a locking software in the past and malware bypassed the locked partition. You can't even trust security softwares with a simple job nowadays. <-QUOTE}

That's the advantage of the method mentioned in my last post. The operating system itself can do the enforcement.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> That's the advantage of the method mentioned in my last post. The operating system itself can do the enforcement. <-QUOTE}
That's not what I'm looking for. I need a simple locking software that does its job.
Sandboxie and Defensewall do a REAL locking and that has been thoroughly tested by members.
So it IS possible and Tzuk/Ilya know at least how to do it.
Some locking softwares don't do their job properly due to BAD programming.

[bellgamin]

{QUOTE-> So what ? If a software can lock a partition, it usually can lock folders also.
A new thread is not needed. The subject is locking. Period.
In case you forgot : "D:\" = root directory. <-QUOTE}The original poster asked a simple, straightforward question as follows...

{QUOTE-> Can you tell me what is the best software that i can use to lock directory?
My goal is to protect some private directory (my private documents ...) from malware or others <-QUOTE}The guy asks what time it is, & the thread is diverted to lengthy discussion of how to make a watch.:dry:

Don't get me wrong -- The increasingly technical discussion of partition locking via software and the OS itself is very interesting & useful. However, it is NOT what the original poster requested.

There are several SIMPLE software solutions that will meet OP's original request. ProSecurity is one of them (I wish Jei would return). Some of the other good solutions have been mentioned. I just hope OP is able to weed them out from all of the OT blather.

[MrBrian]

I believe Neova Guard (freeware) is capable of this, if my memory is correct.

[Pedro]

{QUOTE-> R-Guard looking intresting. Have to test it soon. Do you know it's price because I can't find it anywhere? <-QUOTE}
Sorry, i have no idea.
I tried it, like a gazillion other programs ;D
I do remember being impressed with a few things, and confused with the rules. It takes time to get it.
Would i buy it? I would first get to know the program and test it better, and look for alternatives. It does a lot more than lock folders.
There's also the OS's own tools, as MrBrian suggests.

[ErikAlbert]

Not for Original Poster
Disk Password Protection v4.8.930 (= $49.95 - personal license)
http://www.exlade.com/products/diskpasswordprotection/

Userfriendly, simple GUI and password protected, seems to be a very good protection, I've seen worse.
The password is "demo" in the trial version, no change allowed

If a document, stored on [D:], was open and I tried to lock [D:] I got a warning and couldn't lock [D:] until that document was closed. Very good reaction.
Locking/unlocking takes 1, 2, 3 seconds.

The protected HDD disappears completely in
- Windows Explorer : invisible
- Disk Management : partition letter is invisible, only free space is visible.

If somebody is interested to break this one with malware or destructive DEL command, go ahead. I didn't have the time yet. :)

I can use such a software to protect my data partition, when I'm testing softwares in my system partition.

[ErikAlbert]

Instant Lock (= 69£)
http://instantlock.net/
Pure folder locking, locked folders are invisible on the HDD, the rest is visible.
Password protected.

[bellgamin]

{QUOTE-> Instant Lock (= 69£)
http://instantlock.net/
Pure folder locking, locked folders are invisible on the HDD, the rest is visible.
Password protected. <-QUOTE}Looks good but too pricey for me. :'(

[Kees1958]

Hi,

Have a look at this FJXPFileSecExt_1_2_Setup, Add a limited user and withdraw those rights with this nifty from the limited user. I had set this up for my son (you know he is young, you know he will browsing for spicy material, so only allow browser to save in one directory, on that of that I had GesWall taking care of the downloaded files in that directory)

easy

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Hi,

Have a look at this FJXPFileSecExt_1_2_Setup, Add a limited user and withdraw those rights with this nifty from the limited user. I had set this up for my son (you know he is young, you know he will browsing for spicy material, so only allow browser to save in one directory, on that of that I had GesWall taking care of the downloaded files in that directory)

easy <-QUOTE}
You mean this one ?
http://www.bastian-wiede.de/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=13&order=hits&dir=DESC

[tepe2]

Does any of the programs mentioned in this thread fit my criteria?:

- free
- simple
- reliable
- I dont care if it protect against malware or not. I just want to hide some files/folders from my girlfriend;)
- easy one or two click to hide/unhide folders

Also must be safe to use so I dont lockout myself:)

I dont need to lock partition or encryption. But I need to hide folders on both internal and external hdd. My external hdd is always connected, but I only turn it on when backing up files which is not very often.

[EASTER]

ErikAlbert's disappointment in PC Security throwed cold water on my enthusiasm in it just when i thought we had a winner, so even though i still own it, i don't use it anymore. His paranoia rubbed off over this way too :lurking:

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE->
I dont need to lock partition or encryption. But I need to hide folders on both internal and external hdd. My external hdd is always connected, but I only turn it on when backing up files which is not very often. <-QUOTE}
I'm not sure if hiding folders is enough to protect them against malware, at least not theoretically. If it is a destructive malware, it might destruct your hidden folders as well. IMO "hiding folders" is just a gadget, not a protection. :)

[MrBrian]

{QUOTE-> Does any of the programs mentioned in this thread fit my criteria?:

- free
- simple
- reliable
- I dont care if it protect against malware or not. I just want to hide some files/folders from my girlfriend;)
- easy one or two click to hide/unhide folders
<-QUOTE}

If your gf uses your computer, you can just give her her own user account. Perhaps, though, you were looking for something to quickly hide files from her while you're using the computer?

[tepe2]

{QUOTE-> I'm not sure if hiding folders is enough to protect them against malware, at least not theoretically. If it is a destructive malware, it might destruct your hidden folders as well. IMO "hiding folders" is just a gadget, not a protection. :) <-QUOTE}
I agree. Did you read my post?:

{QUOTE-> - I dont care if it protect against malware or not. I just want to hide some files/folders from my girlfriend <-QUOTE}
The programs listed in my sig should protect against malware, but my files and folders are still visible to my girlfriend. I have lots of folders in MyDocuments (D-partition) and a copy of these folders on external hdd. I only want to hide some of these folders.

[tepe2]

{QUOTE-> If your gf uses your computer, you can just give her her own user account. Perhaps, though, you were looking for something to quickly hide files from her while you're using the computer? <-QUOTE}
She has her own laptop, and she has her own user account on my computer. She does not use my computer very often so I may just delete her account. I want some (two or three) folders to always be hidden except when I use them, no matter who uses my account.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE->
The programs listed in my sig should protect against malware, but my files and folders are still visible to my girlfriend. I have lots of folders in MyDocuments (D-partition) and a copy of these folders on external hdd. I only want to hide some of these folders. <-QUOTE}
OK. I get it. You only want to hide folders (full of porn) for your girlfriend, because you don't want her to see them. Sorry for misunderstanding. :-[
Maybe this one, not sure if it is malware-free.
hxxp://www.dirfile.com/hide_folders.htm
hxxp://www.itusoft.com/

[tepe2]

Yes EA you get it now ;D

Large folders so encryption will work too slow. Easy one or two click to hide/unhide would be nice.

I guess when I run my backup program it will also backup these hidden folders? At least I hope so because it would be a pita if I had to remember to unhide folders before backup.

Thanks EA I will have a look :)

[pandlouk]

Guys the best software to lock folders is the OS itself. Just disable "use simple file sharing" And then give rights to that folder only to one user.

Take a look at the jpegs to see how to do it. No malware and no user will bypass this protection.

ps. I do not know if it works with the home editions.


Panagiotis

[bman412]

{QUOTE-> I want some (two or three) folders to always be hidden except when I use them, no matter who uses my account. <-QUOTE}

Windows can do that for you. Right click on the folder you want hidden, then click on properties then tick the Hidden dialogue box. You can opt to mark the contents inside the folder as hidden as well if you want. To access the folders you want, just type in its directory location on explorer's address bar. If you opted to mark the contents of the folder hidden as well, just go to Tools > Folder Options > View tab > tick the Show hidden files and folders dialogue.

- free (well proprietary seems more apt since it's built into windows) :thumb:
- simple :thumb:
- reliable (debatable ;D )
- I dont care if it protect against malware or not. I just want to hide some files/folders from my girlfriend :thumb:
- easy one or two click to hide/unhide folders :thumb:

[MrBrian]

{QUOTE-> She has her own laptop, and she has her own user account on my computer. She does not use my computer very often so I may just delete her account. I want some (two or three) folders to always be hidden except when I use them, no matter who uses my account. <-QUOTE}

TrueCrypt is perfect for this. You will need to use encryption anyway if you're afraid your external drive could be plugged into your gf's computer.

[HURST]

I was just going to suggest encryption, MrBrian beat me to it ;D

[HURST]

It would help to know a little more about your situation. Are those files likely to be actively looked for, or do you just want to avoid that she accidentally finds them?
How much technical knowledge has your girlfriend? (I mean, can she change folder settings?)

If she can't change settings, and if she won't be searching for those files, I believe the windows "hidden file" property could do just fine.

[tepe2]

Pandlouk and Bman412 I already know about this and use this on some folders. Im not sure it will protect me from my GF or other using my computer, (and perhaps my user account, I dont want to password protect my account because she can use it now and then) and too many mouseclicks. But thanks for your replies :)

MrBrian and HURST, thanks. Lets say these folders contain 100 GB and I use them often, I guess encrypt/decrypt would be very time consuming? (I have heard of Truecrypt but never used it)

{QUOTE-> You will need to use encryption anyway if you're afraid your external drive could be plugged into your gf's computer. <-QUOTE}
She would not mess with my ext hdd without asking. And I bought her a WD passport:)

I will search and check out some free applications. If anyone have experience with such applications, good or bad, please let me know.

[tepe2]

{QUOTE-> It would help to know a little more about your situation. Are those files likely to be actively looked for, or do you just want to avoid that she accidentally finds them?
How much technical knowledge has your girlfriend? (I mean, can she change folder settings?)

If she can't change settings, and if she won't be searching for those files, I believe the windows "hidden file" property could do just fine. <-QUOTE}
I dont think the files are likely to be looked for, just want to be sure she dont accidentally find them. But hey, if she looks for them (which I dont think) I still want to be safe:)

She is not an very advanced user, but she know about things like windows hide folders and she can change folder settings.

{QUOTE-> I believe the windows "hidden file" property could do just fine. <-QUOTE}
She know this and probably use it herself now and then. The windows "hidden file" is 5 mouseclicks. Im sure my hunt will sooner or later give me something with 1 or 2 click. I will spend some time searching, but not right now its night where I live, and when I find something I like I try to remember to come back here to let you know.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE->
She is not an very advanced user, but she know about things like windows hide folders and she can change folder settings. <-QUOTE}
Yes, don't trust her. Most women act stupid to "hide" their brain for men, but they are smarter in reality. :)

[tepe2]

{QUOTE-> Yes, don't trust her. Most women act stupid to "hide" their brain for men, but they are smarter in reality. :) <-QUOTE}
;D ;D Yes she is smart, and she probably already know....because she know me. And she may have seen those folders already, its not the end of the world. But still I want to hide those folders ;D ;D

[pandlouk]

{QUOTE-> ;D ;D Yes she is smart, and she probably already know....because she know me. And she may have seen those folders already, its not the end of the world. But still I want to hide those folders ;D ;D <-QUOTE}
Have you tried Folder Lock?
http://www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock/

edit. I just saw that they have a discount till tomorrow 16/6/2008. (35$ instead of 69.95$) :D
Maybe I'll buy it myself; I like the companies that give free upgrades and life-time support. :thumb:

[MrBrian]

{QUOTE->
MrBrian and HURST, thanks. Lets say these folders contain 100 GB and I use them often, I guess encrypt/decrypt would be very time consuming? (I have heard of Truecrypt but never used it)
<-QUOTE}

I believe you will get just a one-time possibly time-consuming occurrence when you create the TrueCrypt container file. Otherwise you shouldn't notice.

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> edit. I just saw that they have a discount till tomorrow 16/6/2008. (35$ instead of 69.95$) :D
Maybe I'll buy it myself; I like the companies that give free upgrades and life-time support. :thumb: <-QUOTE}You might attempt a search of this forum for past threads. Experiences seem mixed.

Blue

[tepe2]

Pandlouk thanks for replying.

I have not tried Folder Lock or any similar. I remember a thread going on here about similar programs. I was going to test some of them, but I did not. So much to read, test etc etc and not so much time to do it. And now I always create an disk image before testing. I wait until I have a list of 3,4 or 5 programs to test, then create image, test, and restore image. Then download or buy the program I want if any. I will try to find the old thread. I believe EA also posted, if not started, that thread. In the meantime:

Please see this:

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=195823&highlight=folder+lock

[tepe2]

{QUOTE-> I believe you will get just a onetime time-consuming occurrence when you create the TrueCrypt container file. Otherwise you shouldn't notice. <-QUOTE}
Thank you so much :thumb: I did not know that. Very useful info.

I may have to test TrueCrypt soon.

[tepe2]

{QUOTE-> You might attempt a search of this forum for past threads. Experiences seem mixed.

Blue <-QUOTE}
Thanks I will do some searching and reading:)

[pandlouk]

:thumb: {QUOTE-> Pandlouk thanks for replying.

I have not tried Folder Lock or any similar. I remember a thread going on here about similar programs. I was going to test some of them, but I did not. So much to read, test etc etc and not so much time to do it. And now I always create an disk image before testing. I wait until I have a list of 3,4 or 5 programs to test, then create image, test, and restore image. Then download or buy the program I want if any. I will try to find the old thread. I believe EA also posted, if not started, that thread. In the meantime:

Please see this:

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=195823&highlight=folder+lock <-QUOTE}
:o :o :o
Thanks tepe2. You saved me a few backs. :thumb:

ps. pay attention that all the encryption programs can give such kind of problems if there is a bug or an unknown limitation (size or type of file, strange carracters, etc.)

[tepe2]

So Folder Lock is no good.

And I would not use Free Hide Folder: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=172860&highlight=folder+lock

So theres:

-PC Security http://www.tropsoft.com/pcsecurity/prodinfo.htm
Not free. For security not perfect but could be an option for me

-Magic Folders http://pc-magic.com/des.htm#emf and
-Hide Folders XP http://www.fspro.net/hide-folders-xp/

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=117610&highlight=magic+folders
I dont know if they have free versions

On Hide Folders XP hompage it says: License: Free to try, $29.95 to buy. But if you scroll down it says "absolutely free"

And...

-InTouch Lock http://www.lovelysoft.com/
-Instant Lock http://instantlock.net/

None of these two have free versions I guess

Maybe I start a thread to find out more about encryption like TrueCrypt and Axcrypt to find out how they work and how they compare to each other.

But all programs of this type (hide,lock,encrypt) seem a bit risky. Im scared to try, so maybe I just use none of them and show my girlfriend all my folders :)

I have seperated system and data. C-partition for Windows and applications. D-partition for data like documents, music, movies. If I trial a hide/lock program or encryption program I restore an image when done testing. Then my system partition will be the same. No problem. But these programs could mess up my data partition.

I use BING for disk imaging and know it works. I use Karens Replicator to backup my data partition, but I have not used it that much and I have never restored my data partition with KR.

EDIT: I forgot R-Guard http://www.data-security-software.com/ and
Hide Folder http://www.dirfile.com//hide_folders.htm

Thank you all for these suggestions and I hope the OP has found something he like.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE->
I use Karens Replicator to backup my data partition, but I have not used it that much and I have never restored my data partition with KR. <-QUOTE}
I use Karens Replicator also and I did restore my data partition, two times already and it really works.
I have two jobs in Karens Replicator :
1. Data Backup, which I use daily (not a full backup, only the changes)
2. Data Restore, which I use seldom. (full restore)
The settings of each job are different of course.

BUT I never tried it with hidden folders, but you can test this easily. If you don't try anything, you will never know. :)

[tepe2]

Do you never sleep ;D

As far as I can remember KR backed up my hidden files (I was using Windows inbuild hidden files feature) to ext hdd. But I think these files were unhidden when I accessed them on ext hdd. I had to hide them again. I may be wrong.

Time to log off and go to work:)

[HURST]

I believe you are right.
It's been a while since I rewieved my external HDD, but I believe I remember that hidden files where unhidden in the external drive.
If your GF uses your computer will that drive be plugged?

[EASTER]

{QUOTE-> I use Karens Replicator also and I did restore my data partition, two times already and it really works.
I have two jobs in Karens Replicator :
1. Data Backup, which I use daily (not a full backup, only the changes)
2. Data Restore, which I use seldom. (full restore)
The settings of each job are different of course.

BUT I never tried it with hidden folders, but you can test this easily. If you don't try anything, you will never know. :) <-QUOTE}

Regarding Karen's Replicator.

Not having tried this one yet, i assume since is mentioned the term "job" that Task Scheduler must be activated for it to work? Or does it employ it's own scheduler?

I normally completely disable Task Scheduler in XP Services in exchange for a program named Solway's Scheduler.

EASTER

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Regarding Karen's Replicator.

Not having tried this one yet, i assume since is mentioned the term "job" that Task Scheduler must be activated for it to work? Or does it employ it's own scheduler?

I normally completely disable Task Scheduler in XP Services in exchange for a program named Solway's Scheduler.

EASTER <-QUOTE}
I don't use scheduled backups, I prefer to do manual backups, because my external harddisk is always OFF. If you only backup changes, it doesn't take much time and I don't backup my system partition anymore.

[HURST]

It has it's own scheduler.
I don't use it, I just backup "on demand".

[MrBrian]

{QUOTE->
Maybe I start a thread to find out more about encryption like TrueCrypt and Axcrypt to find out how they work and how they compare to each other.

But all programs of this type (hide,lock,encrypt) seem a bit risky. Im scared to try, so maybe I just use none of them and show my girlfriend all my folders :)
<-QUOTE}

I use both TrueCrypt and AxCrypt. TrueCrypt would be the one that suits your needs in this case. With TrueCrypt, a container file is mounted with a password when you want to use it. Then you get a separate new volume which you can manage in Explorer just like any other volume. With the TrueCryypt volume you can add files, remove files, use it in other programs, etc. When you're done with the TrueCrypt volume, you unmount it, and it disappears. I've never had corruption issues with a TrueCrypt volume. However, as with any other data that's important to you, it's a good idea to back up the container file just in case, preferably having multiple copies or backups. If you're really fearful of corruption issues, you could mount an older and newer version of the TrueCrypt volume at the same time, then use a program like TestPath to see what files are different in the two volumes. If you forget your TrueCrypt container password, then you're hosed, assuming you used a decent password.

[innerpeace]

This may be an option for a few of you using Returnil.

Returnil can create a "virtual partition" during installation and access to Retunil's GUI can be password protected. You can also choose when to mount the VP. When it's not mounted, it's just a file (can't remember the ext.) sitting in the hidden C:\Returnil folder. I also think the VP can be taken with you and used on another computer with Returnil installed.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1149546&postcount=27

Edited to correct link.

[Someone]

Hi

I agree with previous posters that Truecrypt is a good choice.

I also use My Lockbox to hide files.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Hi

I agree with previous posters that Truecrypt is a good choice.

I also use My Lockbox to hide files. <-QUOTE}
"My Lockbox" seems to be developped by FSPro Labs
http://www.fspro.net/
but I can't find it at this website, they only mention "Lock My PC".
My guess is that "My Lockbox" is replaced by "Lock My PC" and that "My Lockbox" is discontinued, but still downloadable from other websites, like SoftPedia and others.
http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/My-Lockbox--Review-81945.shtml

EDIT :
I finally found it :
http://www.fspro.net/folder-lock-box/

[Someone]

Hi

{QUOTE-> My guess is that "My Lockbox" is replaced by "Lock My PC" and that "My Lockbox" is discontinued, <-QUOTE}

They're two completely different software.:D

Actually I also use Lock My PC, but it's shareware. Does anyone know of a free program that does what it does?

Thanks

[Pedro]

A bit more focused program for the task at hand. I realize my previous suggestion is a little too much for the OP's problem.
Folder Shield (http://www.baxbex.com/foldershield.html)
Never tried it, found it from a newsletter. (regarding another utility from this site)

[pandlouk]

@ tepe2

Since you are more interesting in hiding folders instead of locking them you can take a look Free Hide Folder (http://www.itusoft.com/).

Another mode to "hide" a folder is by using the codes that will redirect to another folder.

Lets make an example. Create a folder with a name xxxx. Then rename it to xxxx.{00EEBF57-477D-4084-9921-7AB3C2C9459D}.
In the windows enviroment (using the default explorer) that file will appear as xxxx and when a user tries to open it, he will be redirected to the desktop. ;D :P

Here are some codes that you can use:

Desktop
.{00EEBF57-477D-4084-9921-7AB3C2C9459D}

My Computer
.{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

Control Panel
.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}

Printers and faxes
.{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

My documents
.{450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103}

Recycle bin
.{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

Network connections
.{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}

Search
.{E17D4FC0-5564-11D1-83F2-00A0C90DC849}

Zip
.{E88DCCE0-B7B3-11D1-A9F0-00AA0060FA31}

Scanners and Cameras
.{FB0C9C8A-6C50-11D1-9F1D-0000F8757FCD}

Sometimes is better let something visible instead of hiding it.;D ;D ;D

Panagiotis

[HURST]

If you then want to open the folder, you just delete that extension?

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> A bit more focused program for the task at hand. I realize my previous suggestion is a little too much for the OP's problem.
Folder Shield (http://www.baxbex.com/foldershield.html)
Never tried it, found it from a newsletter. (regarding another utility from this site) <-QUOTE}
I didn't like it. I had the impression it didn't work either. Folders didn't become invisible. Maybe I did it wrong. :)

[pandlouk]

{QUOTE-> If you then want to open the folder, you just delete that extension? <-QUOTE}
You can use an explorer alternative to view them. XYplorer for example can view them without any problem.

Here is a review of 15 alternatives. http://www.simplehelp.net/2006/10/11/10-windows-explorer-alternatives-compared-and-reviewed/

[pandlouk]

{QUOTE-> I didn't like it. I had the impression it didn't work either. Folders didn't become invisible. Maybe I did it wrong. :) <-QUOTE}
Did you use the "hide" option? It does not hide them instantly when you add them at the list.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Did you use the "hide" option? It does not hide them instantly when you add them at the list. <-QUOTE}
Don't remember much of Folder Shield. If I did something wrong, it means already, that the GUI wasn't clear enough.
I'm more interested in locking HDD's like in post #31, while other posters are interested in hiding and/or locking FOLDERS.

[Someone]

Hi

I don't like Free Hide Folder because when I tried it, I think it just turned the folders into hidden (as in the default Windows hide) and disabled me accessing the files.

But then all the other hidden folders on my computer could not be accessed.

I prefer My Lockbox.

[Pedro]

{QUOTE-> Don't remember much of Folder Shield. If I did something wrong, it means already, that the GUI wasn't clear enough.
I'm more interested in locking HDD's like in post #31, while other posters are interested in hiding and/or locking FOLDERS. <-QUOTE}
What pandlouk is saying is pretty obvious :)
It's probably one thing, and one thing only that you have to do.

[bellgamin]

I have used Androsa FileProtector (http://www.androsasoft.net/) to protect my private files for, Lo!, these many moons. Does that fit this thread or am I OT?

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> What pandlouk is saying is pretty obvious :)
It's probably one thing, and one thing only that you have to do. <-QUOTE}
No it isn't obvious. Hiding folders has to be very simple with maximum two clicks, which includes : hiding + optional encryption + password, but without typing the password. Unhiding requires a password of course, but only one time for all hidden folders.

[tepe2]

Thanks to all of you for great info. I will have to sleep on this and read all over again :)