Can I Hide directories on my hard drive

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Hi,

I’m using an XP machine. Due to lack of storage space on the LAN, I keep about 70 GB of files on my hard drive. If someone else logs onto my PC or even uses the PC without logging onto the LAN, they can see my directories and files. Most of the data is historic data that I need to retain in order to do historic comparisons, or to obtain previously unrequested information. I don’t want it altered. The IT area will not allow me to have an external hard drive as they say it is not secure. I cannot argue further with them about the lack of security by storing it on my hard drive.

Currently there is a contract employee in my area that I have concerns about. I think she might access and either alter or copy some of my files. I have been leaving myself logged onto the LAN overnight and over weekends, but will be taking some leave next month and not have an excuse to leave myself logged on.

Can anyone suggest a method of protecting my directories by either hiding them or locking them (similar to Excel Protection)so that no one can access them while I am on leave? I have backups of the data on several dozen CD’s (each month a seperate CD or DVD) which I can lock up, but it’s not practical to continually insert and change CD’s to get at the data.

Thanks for any suggestions.

capri

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Create a folder in your section of Documents and Settings, right click, select Sharing and Security, and select ‘Private‘.

See MSKB 930987: How to make files and folders private in Windows XP so that only you have access to them

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Create a folder in your section of Documents and Settings, right click, select Sharing and Security, and select ‘Private‘.

See MSKB 930987: How to make files and folders private in Windows XP so that only you have access to them

Thanks Lief and the others,

I’ll give your method a try first, then try the others as well. It always helps to have options. At least now I can relax and not worry about taking leave.

Unfortunately our IT department doesn’t like allowing us other than the standard software. I had to fight with my managers support just to get Excel 2003 because 2002 didn’t have enough memory for my requirements. I spent 2 years trying to get a piece of software which they at first approved then rejected. The methods mentioned will hopefully be sufficient for my needs.

capri

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…
Unfortunately our IT department doesn’t like allowing us other than the standard software. I had to fight with my managers support just to get Excel 2003 because 2002 didn’t have enough memory for my requirements. I spent 2 years trying to get a piece of software which they at first approved then rejected. The methods mentioned will hopefully be sufficient for my needs.
…

Depending on the reasons for this, you may find the fact that TrueCrypt is free very helpful. I have been using TrueCrypt to protect sensitive data for years and it is a really great piece of software, simple to install, low impact, just does what it says.

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Can anyone suggest a method of protecting my directories by either hiding them or locking them (similar to Excel Protection)so that no one can access them while I am on leave?

Would your IT department allow you to install Truecrypt? You could create a 9say) 100 GB container on your hard disk and move the important folders/directories and files into it. But you may need more time to experiment with this before going on holiday! Possible “future objective”, as IBM used to reply to operating system suggestions!

BATcher

Plethora means a lot to me.

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Would your IT department allow you to install Truecrypt? ….. before going on holiday….

I have an instinctive dislike of putting ‘important stuff’ under My Documents and Settings but unfortunately my solution requires this. The advantage of it is that it doesn’t require any download or learning of new software.

From a security point of view (and alternative and accessible backup copies aside), presumably Truecrypt is password protected, so if the user didn’t come back from holiday, could there be a problem if the password hadn’t been shared?
Likewise, do you happen to know if an administrator could take ownership of a ‘private’ folder a user had set up in their ‘settings’ in an emergency?

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Can anyone suggest a method of protecting my directories by either hiding them or locking them (similar to Excel Protection)so that no one can access them while I am on leave? I have backups of the data on several dozen CD’s (each month a seperate CD or DVD) which I can lock up, but it’s not practical to continually insert and change CD’s to get at the data.

Thanks for any suggestions.

capri

If you’re using XP Pro you can add a password to zipped folders.

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If you’re using XP Pro you can add a password to zipped folders.

Not just Windows XP Professional – it works in Windows XP Home too!

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Hello from new member: Try This, I have used it successfully for years:

Hide Folder 2.0: Free Hide Folder is a free computer security software to hide your private folders. It is very useful to keep your personal data away from others. Others will not know where your personal files exist and they will not be able to accidentally view them. You can hide folders simply with a few mouse clicks. Free Hide Folder is protected by a password that you can change or remove at any time. Link to Hide Folder

HW

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I would recommend Truecrypt for this as well. If you explain the reason for needing it to your IT department they may just let you install it. After using it your data will appear as a generic file. Without the password you used to set it up it cannot be opened by anyone. I use it at home to hide stuff like tax returns and bank info from prying eyes. Hope this works out for you.
Dennis

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