Microsoft has released a free, new Windows add-on, called My Private Folder 1.0, that allows you to create your own password protected folder. This is a welcome new addition for XP users who have multiple people using the same computer and want some added protection on certain files. Be forewarned though, once you have put these into My Private Folder 1.0, there is no way to get them out without the password that you set.

According to Microsoft:

“My Private Folder 1.0 is one simple and reliable utility for you to protect your private data when your friends, colleagues, kids or others share your PC, or even share your account. This utility setup a password protected folder called 'My Private Folder' in your account to save your personal files.

My Private Folder 1.0 supports Windows XP Home Edition, Professional Edition and Media Center Edition (32 bit).

My Private Folder 1.0 is not intended to provide security against hackers. It is a utility that limits access to selected files by other people that you trust and share your computer with, such as at home with your family. Users must make sure they remember the password. Without the password, they cannot unlock the private folder and cannot access any of the files or folders it contains. Microsoft is not able to retrieve the lost files if users are unable to enter the correct password. Microsoft support professionals cannot assist, under any circumstances, in the breaking of passwords applied to files and features within Microsoft programs.

Microsoft will not be responsible for any damage directly or indirectly caused from using this utility. To secure your data more reliably in Windows XP, we recommend never sharing your account with others, adding EFS protection to private files, and backing up important data. You can find more information on this by visiting Microsoft website.”

Here are a few screenshots of My Private Folder 1.0

To read more about the My Private Folder 1.0 or to download it now for free… Click Here

UPDATE [7-18-06]

Apparently Microsoft has pulled My Private Folder due to several complaints from concerned parents and from system administrators .

The parents are concerned that their kids could use it to hide stuff that they download from the web and the System Administrators are concerned about sensitive work information being saved in My Private Folder, so if the user ever forgets the password (and yes it does happen quite a bit) that all of that data would be lost.

For more information on why Microsoft pulled My Private Folder, Go here.

At the time of this update, you can still download My Private Folder 1.0. But I would suggest getting it soon (since I have a feeling that Microsoft will put an end to it). As of 7-18-06, you can still get My Private Folder 1.0 from here

FixMyXP.com

Comments (4)

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Watch out for problems.
written by Spike, January 11, 2008

I downloaded but did not install. I found a lots of forums about using my private folder. Many complained that they were locked out of their own folder. Sure you can reboot with another pc and find it or use other programs to get around it, but it is a minor inconvenience.

rootkit
written by 666, May 31, 2007

My Private Folder 1.0 is just a rootkit that hides the folder from the OS. Any rootkit scanner will find it, and you'll see it if you boot from a linux boot disk.

carpetas
written by Juan, March 26, 2007

hola esto es muy importante porque no quiere que te revisen tu cosas

...
written by null, November 08, 2006

link is broken

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