Password protecting a specific program?

Is there any way to prevent a program from starting without you first putting in a password? I'm looking for a simple solution that would be accessible to people who aren't good with computers.

 

UAC on a limited account works. For programs that don't need admin rights, Right click > Properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator. If that doesn't work, try Change settings for all users.

 

i've seen programs like that but haven't tried any of them. for example, Program Protector ($30) or WinGuard Pro (free). I saw both at MG's security downloads section: http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads16.html

There are also lots of programs intended for locking and/or hiding files and folders. I think most of them are intended to protect sensitive documents, photos or movies, but maybe you could use them to lock down application exe files just the same?

 

There's Empathy as well, which works on XP, but modifies your files.

 

Unfortunately running some programs as Admin will break them.

I'll try these out.