How to Password Protect a Disk
Level of difficulty: Easy
You can password-protect your files, folders, or even an entire disk on your computer. This is beneficial if you do not want unauthorized users to access important or private files stored in your computer. This is especially helpful if you are sharing your computer with other people.
Materials Needed:- Third party password-protection utility
- Internet connection (optional)
Step 1
If you want to protect a disk on your computer, you need to have a third party utility to do the job. There are many password-protection programs available to download for free from the Internet. Open a Web browser window and search for password-protection utilities. Download one with a good reputation. Make sure to check the comments of other users to ensure that you are downloading a good kind of password-protection program.
Step 2
Install the program on your computer by clicking on the .exe file that you downloaded. Follow the prompts to finish your installation.
Step 3
Launch the password-protection program. Usually, password-protection programs automatically detect the disks on your computer. Choose the disk you want to be protected.
Step 4
Supply a password that will not easily be guessed by the other users of the computer. Remember this password to be able to access the password-protected disk.
Step 5
You can also password-protect files or folders on your computer if you do not want to use a third-party utility. Right click on the file or folder that you want to password-protect.
Step 6
A drop-down menu will appear. Choose 'Properties' from the menu. A new window will appear. On the window, choose the 'Advanced' tab. Check the box that says 'Encrypt contents to secure data'. Click on the 'Apply' button and close the window. The folder is now protected.
Step 7
Another option for protecting your computer is by using the 'Password Protect Your Screensaver' option. To do this, click on the 'Start' button and choose 'Control Panel' from the menu.
Step 8
On the window, choose the icon for 'Display'. A new window will appear on the screen. Click on the tab labeled 'Screen Saver'. Choose a screensaver from the list and make sure that there is a mark on the box that says 'Password Protect Your Screen Saver'.
Step 9
Click on the 'Change' button. A new window will appear on the screen. Enter the password that you want to use. Press the 'Enter' button. Your computer is now protected. Whenever the screensaver comes up, a password is needed to be able to access the computer.