Question:

How do I password protect my files and folders in Windows?
Answer:

Tip Before password protecting any document you may wish to create a backup of the non-password protected folder and files in case you forget the password in the future.

The majority of Microsoft Windows operating systems do not come with a method of password protecting your sensitive files and/or folders. If you're using Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, you will need to download or purchase a third-party program to password protect your files and folders in Windows; skip down to the other security solutions section if you're using one of these operating systems.

Microsoft Windows XP professional users
Microsoft Windows XP home users
Other security solutions for protecting your files and folders in Windows
Things to remember when encrypting or password protecting files and folders

Microsoft Windows XP professional users

The below steps for encrypting the files on Windows XP professional applies to users who are using a computer that has different accounts. If you're using a single account for all users who use the computer you will need to see the below other security solutions section.

   1. Select the folder you wish to encrypt.
   2. Right-click the folder and click Properties.
   3. Click the Advanced button.
   4. Check "Encrypt contents to secure data" option.
   5. Click Apply and then Ok.

Encrypt contents to secure data is grayed out

This will be grayed out if you're usi