Cant Encrypt Folder/File?

Question

Background..Â  I work on a public computer with public login, and do not always have Net connection. So basically need to keep a folder/Files secure onÂ public PC.. I've heard a rumour that I can encrypt a folder then put the key onto a disk/mem stick and delete the original making the folder inaccessible without the key...? 1) I Can't encrypt on my new home Dell 4600 (XP with sp1), right click folder propertiesâ€¦advanced...Encrypt contents to secure data  Â  is greyed out and cannot be selected..!Â  Why..? 2) Do i need to get a digital certificate/ or use selfcert.exe fromÂ Office..? 3) If I do not have admin rights on work public PC willÂ I be able to remove theÂ key..! and so protect the encrypted folder..? Thanks for any help..!

Flooby · Answer

@Willer wrote:

1) I Can't encrypt on my new home Dell 4600 (XP with sp1), right click folder propertiesâ€¦advanced...
Encrypt contents to secure data
is greyed out and cannot be selected..! Why..?

See http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q307877&sd=tech

"You cannot encrypt files or folders on a volume that uses the FAT file system.

You must store the files or folders that you want to encrypt on NTFS volumes."

Also:

http://www.iopus.com/guides/efs.htm and http://www.compulink.co.uk/~davedorn/computing/windows/xpencrypt1.htm

Message Edited by Flooby on 08-05-2004 08:51 AM

jmwills · Answer

Your best option would be to get a USB Flash Drive and store your dcouments on the portable device.

Willer · Answer

I thought Encrytion was an integral part of XP.. Just tried on my new BOX. Think I May have only HOME XP. Not XP PRO.. Can't see the wood for the trees..!

Will have to check it out. Got XP PRO on CD though.

Thanks for your help..!

Windows General

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