Can't lock folders on XP home

[dennis]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

The checkbox for "encrypt contents to secure data" is grayed out on one of
the new computers we just bought (not a Dell, damnit anyhow).
Anyways, anyone know what the problem might be?

Like to password protect a couple of folders to keep a certain Mr. Nosey
from reading them.

Windows XP home running on a Compaq. (I know, I know, but it sells for under
$500, came with a 3000 AMD processor, 17" flat screen monitor, 1/2 GB
memory, 120 GB hard drive, speakers and a DVD burner).

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Dennis wrote:
>
> The checkbox for "encrypt contents to secure data" is grayed out on one of
> the new computers we just bought (not a Dell, damnit anyhow).
> Anyways, anyone know what the problem might be?
>
> Like to password protect a couple of folders to keep a certain Mr. Nosey
> from reading them.
>
> Windows XP home running on a Compaq. (I know, I know, but it sells for under
> $500, came with a 3000 AMD processor, 17" flat screen monitor, 1/2 GB
> memory, 120 GB hard drive, speakers and a DVD burner).

Sorry, Dennis. XP Home won't do it...

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx

Notan

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Notan wrote:

> Dennis wrote:
>
>>The checkbox for "encrypt contents to secure data" is grayed out on one of
>>the new computers we just bought (not a Dell, damnit anyhow).
>>Anyways, anyone know what the problem might be?
>>
>>Like to password protect a couple of folders to keep a certain Mr. Nosey
>>from reading them.
>>
>>Windows XP home running on a Compaq. (I know, I know, but it sells for under
>>$500, came with a 3000 AMD processor, 17" flat screen monitor, 1/2 GB
>>memory, 120 GB hard drive, speakers and a DVD burner).
>
>
> Sorry, Dennis. XP Home won't do it...
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx
>
> Notan

Pretty Good Privacy is a good alternative for this purpose; PGP offers a
free version of 8.01 (a little old, but I don't beleive the algorthm is
crackable by brute force). The open source variant, gpg works as well
(and all versions are totally free).