Storing passwords

Using password protected folders?

[limbo]

I really need to password protect a folder on my work/home pc's that contains important passwords and other personal information.

At the moment I use an excel doc with a password, but I need to start storing other documents files and folders.

How do I password protect folders? I am being really thick cos this must be easy?

I'm Using WinXP

Ta

Limbo

[iamlost]

There are software programs (search: "protect files") available or you can trust to MS! Any MS password can be hacked but I would rate the following as moderate protection.

In XP you can save sensitive files in a compressed folder and use the built-in password protection option.

1. right-click the desktop or inside a folder
   
2. select New, Compressed (zipped) Folder to create a new folder at that location.
   
3. rename the folder.
   
4. press Enter.
   
5. double-click the folder to open it.
   
6. open Windows Explorer or any folder window
   
7. select the file(s) and/or folder(s) you want to password-protect.
8. hold down right mouse button and drag the items into the new compressed folder.
   
9. select File, Add a Password.
   
10. Type password in Password and Confirm Password boxes.
    
11. click OK.
    

Now the password is required to open, extract, copy, or move the files and folders. Put it on a post-it note on your monitor for reference!

[bill]

I use PGP and encrypt the folder. That will encrypt everything contained within. If you use the paid version of PGP you can create PGP disks which act just like a normal disk/partition but when unmounted they are completely encrypted.

[HelenDev]

Now the password is required to open, extract, copy, or move the files and folders. Put it on a post-it note on your monitor for reference!

LOL!

Seriously though, where are you going to store your password for the passwords in the protected folder? Will you need to set up another password protected folder? ;)

[bill]

I use a password program to encrypt all my passwords. It requires that I remember one password. You can do this with dedicated software or encryption software and rely on a plain Excel or text file.

I change the password on the Post-It note on my monitor frequently to confuse the locals. ;)

[limbo]

Thanks folks

Iamlost - I tried this with WinZip-ped folders a while back but it does mean I am not able to browse the folder in the usual way (I have to extract the files for them to sort into folders) Does using the zip function built into windows allow this?

Bill - Is the software you reccommend freeware?

And is there no way to password protect an ordinary folder? seems odd that they would not make this functionality available?!

Ta

Limbo

[defanjos]

I use Password Safe for all my passwords and user ids - works like a charm. If you go to Download.com, you can download it from there. It is free.

[encyclo]

I believe the free PGP replacement GnuPG works on Windows:

[gnupg.org...]

[brakthepoet]

GnuPG, as available from GNU.org, is a command line tool only. If you're not comfortable with the CLI, WinPT (Windows Privacy Tools) will work as a GUI frontend for GnuPG.

[bill]

Is the software you recommend freeware?

The stuff I use is not freeware, but you probably could do what I do with a combination of free products (it's just not as easy).

For passwords I use a very flexible program called Personal Passworder. It encrypts my stuff with the BlowFish algorithm using a 448 bit key. I put everything into this app. I've got website log-ons, software serial numbers, FTP settings, addresses, CC info, passport info...you can make any fields you want.

The paid version of PGP, as I mentioned before has a function where you can make folders or an entire drive encrypted; it's called PGPdisk. While the drive is mounted you can work with it just like any other drive on your PC or network. When you unmount the drive it is immediately encrypted and nobody can get at it without your key. I feel a bit safer with this in place rather than just plain password protection on a folder (although that can work).

[TheDoctor]

PGPdisk was included in an older freeware version of PGP, which is still available to download. What the improvements are that you pay for, I don't know.

[Neo541]

I use Whisper 32 on XP, works pretty well and free. Fast, small (406KB)

[ivory.org...]

Not for high level security needs, but will do the trick to keep your average snoop out!

[limbo]

Thanks for all the excellent suggestions.

I have not had time this week to try any of them, but I will give it a whirl at the weekend.

Ta

Limbo