Program to hide folders on the desktop. How to securely hide a folder or file from prying eyes Download a program to hide a folder

Wise Folder Hider is a free program designed to hide folders and files on your computer. When using Wise Folder Hider, you can hide files, folders or USB drives, and if necessary, you can block access to hidden data with a password. This way the hidden data will not be visible and will be password protected.

Many people have files or folders on their computer that are not intended for public viewing. Private videos or photos, confidential information, just important data that can be lost by mistake. This is especially true if multiple users have access to the same computer.

In the Windows operating system, you can make folders or files hidden, but anyone on the computer can make them visible again. Therefore, to hide folders and files, use special programs, with which you can hide folders or files, make them invisible.

You can use an archiver to protect a folder or file with a password. You can also set a password for a Word document using the program's built-in tools.

In this review, we will look at the free Wise Folder Hider Free program, which can be used to hide and protect data on a computer. The manufacturer also has a paid version of the program - Wise Folder Hider Pro.

On the download page of the official website, you should pay attention to the links where you can download this program to your computer.

To download the portable version of the program, click on the "Portable Version" link.

To download the installer for the regular version of Wise Folder Hider, you will need to click on the "for direct download" link (direct link). Do not click on the "Download" button, so as not to download the program installer from another site. In this case, when installing the program on your computer, you will be prompted to install other programs that are not related to the Wise Folder Hider program.

Although the Wise Folder Hider program has support for the Russian language, the installation of the program will take place on English language.

After completing the installation of the program on your computer, launch the Wise Folder Hider Free program. The portable (portable) version of the program does not require installation on a computer. It is launched from the folder where the Wise Folder Hider program is located.

After launching the Wise Folder Hider program, a window for entering the password for the program will open. Using this password, you will open the program. To do this, enter the password, confirm it in the lower field, and then click on the "OK" button.

For the first time, this window will be opened in English, later, after turning on the Russian language, the password entry window will be displayed in Russian.

Attention! Remember the password well, save it in another place, you will need it to enter the program. Without this password, you will not be able to open the program and access hidden data.

Enabling Russian in Wise Folder Hider

To enable the Russian language, you will need to left-click on the menu button "Menu", which is located in the right upper corner the main window of the program. In the context menu that opens, select "Languares" and then "Russian".

After that, the interface of the Wise Folder Hider program will be switched to Russian.

Change password to enter Wise Folder Hider

If for some reason you need to change your password to access the Wise Folder Hider program, you can change the password using the program's main window. To do this, click on the menu button "Menu", and in the context menu select the item "Change password".

Next, the "Change password" window will open. In this window, you will need to first enter the old password, then enter New Password, and then you will need to confirm the new password. After completing the password change, click on the "OK" button.

How to hide a file in Wise Folder Hider

In order to hide a folder or file, you can simply drag this file or folder into the program window. For some reason this method did not work on my computer.

Once installed, Wise Folder Hider will be integrated into the context menu. You can hide any folder or file right from context menu.

You can also hide folders or files using the Hide File and Hide Folder buttons.

After clicking on the appropriate button, you will need to select the file or folder that you want to hide. In the "Browse for folders" window, select a folder or file, and then click on the "OK" button.

After that, the file or folder will be hidden, they will disappear from view. They will not be visible through Explorer either.

Hidden files and folders will be displayed in the main window of Wise Folder Hider.

• Section "Name" - here the name of the file and its location on the computer are displayed.
• The "Locked" section displays information about the access status - "No" or "Yes".
• The "Status" section displays the status of a file, folder or USB drive - "Hidden" or "Show".
• The "Action" section opens the context menu commands for managing the application.

You can look at hidden files if you select the "Open" context menu command in the "Action" section. The "Show" item will be displayed in the "Status" section.

In order to hide the file again, you will need to close the Wise Folder Hider program window. Right after that, the folder or file will be hidden again.

How to Password Protect a Folder in Wise Folder Hider

Files or folders are hidden from view, but access to them is not blocked. For greater security, access to hidden files or folders can be blocked with a password.

You can set your own password for each hidden file or folder. To do this, in the program window, you will need to select the appropriate file or folder, and in the "Action" section, select the "Set password" context menu item.

This will open the Set Password window. In the appropriate fields, you will need to enter the password and its confirmation, and then click on the "OK" button.

In the main window of the program, in the "Locked" section, an image of a lock will appear and confirmation - "Yes".

If you need, you can open a temporarily blocked file or folder.

To do this, in the "Actions" section, select the "Open" context menu item. In the window that opens, you will need to enter a password.

After that, the file or folder starts to appear in Explorer, you will get access to the necessary data. Immediately after closing the program window, files and folders will become hidden again.

How to Remove Hidden Folders from Wise Folder Hider

To delete a folder or file from the program window, in the "Action" section, in the context menu, click on the "Show folder" item. After that, the folder or file is removed from the program window. The file or folder is made available for further use.

How to hide a flash drive in Wise Folder Hider

Wise Folder Hider can hide the USB drive. The principle of the program when hiding the contents of a flash drive is exactly the same as for folders and files.

In the main window of the program, click on the "Hide USB disk" button. In the "Select USB disk" window, select the USB flash drive that was connected to the computer via the appropriate USB connector. If only one flash drive is connected to your computer, it will be automatically selected in this window.

After USB selection disk, click the OK button.

In the next Confirmation window, you can choose whether to lock this flash drive with a password or just hide it.

If you click on the “No” button, then the flash drive will simply be hidden, without blocking access to the contents with a password. The flash drive itself will be visible from Explorer, but its contents will not be viewable.

After clicking on the "Yes" button, in a new window you will need to enter a password to block access to the flash drive. After entering the password, access to the disk will be closed. Access to the content that is on the flash drive will be possible only after entering the password.

Viewing the contents of a USB drive and removing it from the program occurs exactly as described earlier.

After clicking on the "Open" context menu item, the flash drive will be open for a while. After restarting the Wise Folder Hider program, the USB drive will be hidden again. If the "Show folder" context menu item is selected, then blocking access to the contents of the flash drive will be disabled.

Password recovery in Wise Folder Hider

Once again, I draw your attention to the need to store passwords that you used to block access to the program, files, folders or disks. If you lose your password, you will not be able to access hidden files. The best way to store passwords is to use a password manager.

The Wise Folder Hider program has the ability to recover passwords for access to the program or locked files. In this case, it will be possible to recover lost passwords for a fee.

To do this, in the window for entering the password, you will need to click on the link "Forgot password". After that, you will be redirected to the program website. You can translate the content of the page using the built-in translator, or any online translator.

After payment and carrying out some actions, you will receive forgotten passwords to access the program and blocked files.

You can also try a free option - boot your computer from a LiveCD or Windows PE. Once downloaded, find the locked files and copy them to another drive. Then they will be available to you again.

The free Wise Folder Hider hides folders, files, and USB drives, and password-protects hidden data.

Wise Folder Hider - program to hide folders and files

Have you ever wondered how to protect personal data stored on a PC from strangers? This is true if several people have access to one PC. The means offered by the OS are not effective. What to do? A program to hide folders on the desktop will help.

Peculiarity

Most utilities designed to hide directories do the job. The only drawback is that not all utilities encrypt information. It is a regular OS search. To do this, you need to know the name of the file. Therefore, do not create directories named "Personal", "Access", "Password".
A free program to hide folders, useful to make invisible system directories that you will not open. To avoid removing them by mistake.

Wise Folder Hider

You can download the program for hiding folders in Russian from the official website at: http://www.wisecleaner.com/download.html. Installation is simple and will not cause difficulties even for a novice user.

Beginning of work

When you open the utility for the first time, a window will appear where you enter the password. Needed to open.
Drag a directory or file into the utility window, or use the Hide Folder buttons. Select the desired directory.

The folder will appear in the window.

To make the file visible, go to:
Encryption is available in paid version. Cost $29.95.
After hiding, the standard search finds the directory, but does not open the files.

Program for hiding folders on PC Lim LockFolder

Offers two levels of protection:

1. Simple directory hiding;
2. Hiding and .

Download the application from the official website at the link: http://maxlim.org/index.php?download=files&id=160. Double-click on the installation "exe" file to install.

Beginning of work

Open the app. Add a folder. Click the padlock icon.

Write down the password. Required for entry.

Go to:

The directory cannot be found by searching.

To encrypt go to:

My Lockbox - a program to hide folders on your computer

The interface is similar to Explorer. A feature is the installation of trusted processes. Allows applications to access the protected folder. Used when sending data by email or social network. Download the application archive from the official website at the link: https://fspro.net/download/distr/mylockbox_setup.zip.

How to work

When you start, a window will open where you enter the password and email:

Further:

Peculiarity

What to do if you need to, for example, send a file by email? Add this app to your trusted list.

In the free version it is possible to hide one directory.

The disadvantage is that there is no encryption.

Hidden directory is found by search. When opened, a message appears:

Remember the password. It will be required during uninstallation.

Program for hiding files and folders in Russian Hide Folders

Feature - the creation of trusted processes (discussed above). The software is conditionally free. Price full version forty dollars. Download the installation "exe" file of the utility from the link: https://fspro.net/download/distr/hf5_setup.exe.
Choose one of the options:

1. hide folder. Hiding;
2. Lock (lock). The folder will be visible. Password access.

Conclusion

All of the applications reviewed did the job. Best Program to hide folders - Lim LockFolder. It's free. Uses encryption. Hide Folders is the best paid solution.

Any user on the computer has its own confidential folders and files that I would like to protect from prying eyes. For example, at home it is necessary to protect the child from information that is not intended for him, and at work, for one reason or another, it may be undesirable to demonstrate some of your working materials to other employees. Well, besides, tell me, honestly, do you always calmly let your colleagues at your work computer or household members at your home? It is unlikely ... And the reason here lies not only in the desire to restrict access to confidential information, but also in the subconscious fear of losing their own materials due to the illiterate actions of other users - that is, for example, when their own child actively begins to master the art of working with files and folders from all the sad consequences that follow for you. It should be noted that the need to protect confidential information from prying eyes is relevant not only if such data is permanently stored on the working or home computer, but also when transferring them to other users via e-mail or on various media (CD/DVDs, USB drives, floppy disks, etc.). It often also makes sense to think about protecting the folders and files of the operating system and applications from being changed, deleted, or moved in an unknown direction, which is often managed by insufficiently trained users. If this is your case, then it is wiser to hide such folders altogether, say, from the eyes of household members, and this action alone can significantly extend the performance of your computer, since hidden folders can be used in the usual way (for example, by running application programs from the Start menu), but you won't be able to delete, rename or move them. As for confidential information, it is better to block it - locked folders will be inaccessible either for viewing or for editing, and therefore the documents located in them will be reliably protected from any changes. If you would not like other users to be aware that some information is being hidden from them, then you should combine blocking with hiding. Well, if this is not enough for you, then no one forbids you to encrypt the most secret materials.

Protecting folders and files with built-in Windows tools

Theoretically, you can hide your folders and files using the built-in capabilities of Windows - for this, it is enough to enable the "Hidden" attribute in the properties of the corresponding objects. Folders and files hidden in this way will not be visible in Explorer to other users of the system, but only on condition that the "Do not show hidden files and folders" checkbox is enabled in the properties of the parent folders containing them. In principle, this may be enough to protect your data from the most unprepared audience. However, objects hidden in this way will be visible in applications that do not use the standard dialog for displaying files and folders (FAR, Total Commander etc.), so such protection is more than unreliable.

A more robust data protection option built-in Windows tools is to use the EFS (Encrypting File System, EFS) encrypted file system, which allows you to encrypt files by enabling the "Encrypt content to protect data" option in File Explorer (Properties > General > Advanced). It is impossible to read files encrypted in this way without knowing the password, however, the EFS system allows you to protect folders and files only in file system NTFS.

Therefore, to protect personal folders and files, it is much better to use specialized utilities. These solutions will allow you to more securely hide folders and files (they will not be visible when the "Do not show hidden files and folders" checkbox is disabled), as well as block access to them and even encrypt the data itself.

Programs for hiding, blocking and encrypting folders and files

There are a lot of programs for hiding / encrypting folders and files on the market, and the level of protection implemented in them differs markedly. Some solutions only provide for hiding folders and files and / or blocking them (it happens that similar options are available for disks as well). Others additionally support full-fledged file encryption (Table 1), which ensures data protection even when booted in another operating system or when the disk is installed on another computer. We do not aim to identify the best of existing solutions, since everything here depends on the tasks facing the user, but simply as examples, we will give the most attractive, in our (clearly, subjective) view, diverse tools. Here, by the way, it is immediately worth noting a few nuances. Firstly, it is quite possible that, by default, protected data will be inaccessible to other users only during normal OS boot, and when Windows boot in safe mode(SafeMode) access to them will be open. This is explained very simply: in a safe Windows mode loads only the drivers necessary for the system to work, and skips all additional ones (including those responsible for hiding data), which leads to a similar result. So it is possible that in order to protect data in SafeMode, you will need to make some settings in the utilities (usually, just enable the corresponding checkbox). Secondly, other users will be able to access hidden or blocked data by booting into another operating system, if several of them are installed on the computer, and the protection program is configured in only one. There is another way - to move the hard drive with protected information to another computer as an additional one, boot on it, after which it will be possible to access the data without difficulty. With external media (USB, flash, CD-RW, etc.) it's even easier - just install them on another computer - and protection is gone. However, in real life quite often such protection (if, for example, we are talking about a hard drive, there is only one OS on the computer, and you know for sure that other users will not be able to connect it to another computer) may be quite enough. In addition, if you accidentally forget the password to the data (we all sin with this, sometimes), then you will always have reliable way access them on another computer. Well, if top-secret materials are stored in your arsenal, and the attackers who are eager to get to them are professionals, then it will no longer be possible to limit yourself to hiding or blocking data - they need to be encrypted. Encrypted data cannot be read either when booting in SafeMode, or when booting into another OS or on another computer. But if you manage to forget the password to the data, then you can safely "put an end to" these top-secret materials - no one, including you personally, will be able to get to them.

Table 1. Functionality of solutions for hiding, blocking and encrypting folders and files (click to enlarge)

Universal Shield 4.3

Developer: Everstrike Software
Distribution size: 1.86 MB
Spreading: shareware Universal Shield is a very convenient tool for protecting personal files, folders and drives (including network ones) by hiding and encrypting them (seven encryption algorithms are supported, including AES with a 256-bit key). It is allowed to hide files that match a specific mask (say, C:*.doc). It is possible to set various access rules (read, write, visibility and deletion), which allows you to choose a variety of combinations of parameters - for example, you can make files available for reading and writing and prevent their deletion. This access option allows not only to prevent the deletion of personal data, but also application files, which is often no less important. If no activity has been performed on the computer for a certain period, then data blocking can be performed automatically. For greater security, it is possible to use the special Stealth Mode, which hides all information visible to the user about the installation of Universal Shield - the program shortcut on the desktop and in the Start menu, as well as the corresponding folder in Program Files. Access to the program in this mode is possible only by pressing a predetermined key combination. There is support for "trusted processes", which allows you to conduct backup files, their scanning for viruses and similar operations in a protected state. Access to the program settings requires entering a master password. The demo version of the program is fully functional for 30 days, the cost of the commercial version is $ 34.95. There are two ways to protect data - using the wizard that starts automatically on the first boot of the program (then it can be activated with the File > Universal Shield Wizard command or with the Wizard button ) or manually. If the choice is made in favor of the master, then several operations will have to be performed sequentially. First, select the protection option - that is, tell the program whether the data will be hidden or encrypted, or whether they will have a limited access option. And then, in two steps, the choice of protected data is made, during which you can not only explicitly specify them, but also use file masks. Protecting data manually is not at all more difficult - the Protect button and the File > Protect Object command are responsible for this operation. For example, by clicking on the Protect button, you will have to determine the data type (disk, folder, file or mask) in the left part of the window that opens, and in the right part, specify the object to be protected on the disk and configure its protection settings. Correction of the set type of protection is done through the properties of the object (Properties button), and denial of protection - by simply deleting the object from the program window. Temporary removal of protection is carried out from the utility itself by pressing the Locked button or by hotkeys (the latter is much faster and more convenient).

Setting files to be protected by encrypting them takes a little more time and effort. First, just as it was discussed above, the basic protection settings are configured (the Protect button). And then the protected object that appears in the utility window is additionally encrypted (Encrypt button) specifying the encryption algorithm and password. Decryption is performed by clicking on the Decrypt button, and, of course, without knowing the password is impossible.

Additionally, Universal Shield allows you to restrict access to special Windows folders ("My Documents", "Favorites", control panels, etc.), protect the desktop from changes (so that users cannot delete, add or change shortcuts and icons on the desktop), restrict access the control panel and prevent the computer from changing the date and time. You can do this through the wizard, or by using the File > Security tricks command.

There is a cheaper, simplified version of Universal Shield called Lock Folder XP (1.38 MB; $24.95) that limits the protection of drives, folders, and files to hiding them. In addition, this utility does not support trusted processes and the use of hot keys is limited (however, the main function of quickly enabling / disabling protection is present), as well as limited functionality in terms of regulating access to special Windows folders and system settings. Setting up data protection in Lock Folder XP is possible through the wizard and manually - in both cases, you will need to determine the type of data to be hidden and specify which, for example, folders you want to hide. The Locked / Unlocked button or pressing a combination is responsible for temporarily enabling / disabling protection. Ctrl keys+Win.

Folder Guard 8.1

Developer: WinAbility Software Corporation
Distribution size: 3.29 MB
Spreading: Shareware Folder Guard is a simple and convenient solution for restricting access to folders and files, as well as preventing access to a number of Windows settings. Restriction of access to personal data is carried out by hiding them, setting "read-only" access or blocking. Hiding is implemented in two versions - you can make folders and files hidden or set folders to empty (Empty). In the second case, the folders will be visible externally, but when opened they will look empty, although in reality they will contain information - this protection option is reasonable in relation to standard Windows folders, the complete hiding of which will tell other users that information on the computer is blocked, which is undesirable. Protected folders will not be available to other users of the system even when Windows is booted in safe mode, however, for this you will need to enable the corresponding checkbox in the settings. Access to the settings of the program itself is carried out only when entering a master password, in case of forgetting given password there is a function to restore it using the free utility Emergency Recovery. Also implemented is the ability to run the program in Stealth Mode, in which its own shortcuts and files will be hidden. The demo version of the program is fully functional for 30 days, the cost of the commercial version depends on the type of license: personal license - $29.95, business license - $59.95.

You can protect data using the wizard, which is launched automatically when the program is loaded (it is clear that the wizard can be easily disabled), or manually. In the case of working with the wizard, specify the folder with documents, determine whether to put a password on access to the folder, set the folder visibility option (visible, hidden or empty) and determine the access level to it ( full access, no access, "read only"). To control the level of access to files a certain kind additionally, the use of file masks is allowed. When protecting manually, the procedure will be the same, with the exception that you will have to perform them yourself - first select the folder of interest in the program window, and then set all the required settings by clicking on the appropriate buttons in the program window (Read-Only, No Access, Visible, etc.) or by choosing the necessary commands in the context menu. To remove protection, you will have to perform the same set of actions, but in reverse order.

It is possible to set different restrictions for different users (the corresponding users will first have to be added using the Protect > User List command) - this is very convenient, since there is no need to regularly remove protection in case of manual work on the computer. It is possible to configure the list of "trusted programs" (Protect > Trusted Programs) - that is, antivirus, backup programs, etc., which will allow you to carry out the corresponding operations without removing protection. The key combination Ctrl + G, as well as the Toggle Protection button, is responsible for switching from protected mode to normal. In addition to protecting folders and files with Folder Guard, you can also protect basic settings OS from adjustment (Protect > Permissions command). In particular, close access to the properties of the taskbar, the Start menu and a number of other windows, prohibit saving the display properties (if they have been changed), block changing the properties of folders and settings Internet Explorer, do not show desktop icons. And also prevent changes to critical parameters for the operation of the system by closing access to the control panel and setting a series of prohibitions: access to the system registry, adding / removing printers, using the "Run" command, etc. You can also hide from My Computer, Explorer, and Standard dialog boxes Open/Save certain discs and block CD/DVD burning. For different users, a different set of such restrictions is possible.

There is a cheaper version of Folder Guard called MySecretFolder (1.35 MB; personal license $24.95; business license $3.95). This utility is easier to use than Folder Guard, but its capabilities are limited to hiding and locking folders, and installed settings protection will be the same for all users. Setting up data protection in MySecretFolder is quite simple - you just need to specify the folder, select the protection option for it (hide or block) and click on the Protect button. Temporary disabling of protection is carried out by pressing the Unprotect button.

Folder Lock 6.2.1

Developer: NewSoftwares LLC
Distribution size: 2.78 MB
Spreading: Shareware Folder Lock is an effective and reliable solution for protecting personal files, folders and drives by locking, hiding and/or encrypting (AES algorithm with 256-bit key). For greater security, you can use blocking and encryption at the same time. The original data that you want to protect can be located not only on the hard disk, but also on usb flash drives, memory cards, CD-RW disks, floppy disks and laptops. All protected data is placed in a kind of closed lockers (Lockers), access to which is possible only after entering the master password. If necessary, there can be many such lockers, which allows several users to use the same version of the program to protect their own data. A functionally limited demo version of the program can be used completely free of charge for 30 days, it limits the size of protected areas (Lockers) and the number of files allowed for placement in one area, and it is also impossible to protect data on USB-drives and external drives. The commercial version costs $29.95.

The technology for working with Folder Lock is as follows - first, for each set of folders and files, a separate protected area is created (locker in the interpretation of the developers of this program) - Locker, password-protected and placed by default in the "My Documents" folder. When entering a password for the created locker, the program evaluates its level of reliability and informs the user in color: red, yellow or green (the most high level strength of green passwords). To protect against keyloggers, the password can be entered from the built-in virtual keyboard.

Then the tab is activated with desired type data protection - Encrypt (Encryption) or Lock (Locking) - and folders and files are added to the created locker. To do this, for example, in the case of locking, click on the Lock files & folders button, point to a folder or file on the disk, and click on the Add button. If necessary, this way you can block access to exe-files. To complete the operation, click the Lock Now button, and the specified files and folders are locked. After that, you will be able to access your protected folders and files only if you know the path to the locker and the password (of course, if the locker is on a removable media, you will also have to insert this media). Encryption of folders / files is carried out according to the exact same scheme. It is worth noting that in this program, the protected data is actually moved to the protected area, and this can be done using the technology of guaranteed data destruction.

The process of installing the provided protection can be performed automatically if the computer is inactive after a specified period of time. In a special Stealth Mode, the program is able to hide all traces indicating that data protection has been installed on the computer. In particular, it prevents the display of its own shortcuts on the desktop and in the Start menu, as well as its own folder in Program Files, hides installation / uninstallation data in the corresponding section of the control panel, etc. There are also tools for clearing the clipboard, launch histories and searching for documents, etc. In addition, for greater security, the program keeps a record of all passwords that were unsuccessfully entered to remove protection, which allows the user to timely record the manifestation of an unhealthy interest in his own computer from other users.

File Lock 6.1.4

Developer: TopLangsoftware
Distribution size: 917 kb
Spreading: Shareware File Lock is a compact utility for securing confidential information by blocking or hiding drives, folders or individual files on the hard drives, floppy and CD/DVDs. Please note that hiding drives means hiding all folders and files on them - the drives themselves will remain visible. It is allowed to protect files in accordance with the specified masks and encrypt files. If desired, this or that restriction can be tied to time, which makes sense when using the program on home computers, for example, to set the time interval allotted to the child for games and other entertainment. It is possible for the utility to work in a hidden mode, in which the utility will not be displayed in the Start menu, on the desktop, and in the add/remove programs module - in this mode, the utility window can be opened only by hot key. You can set permissions for trusted processes. In addition, File Lock allows you to create numerous user settings - your own for each user, which is important in the case of several users working on a computer. With appropriate settings, each user will be able to fully manage only their folders and files, while a user with administrator rights will have access to all elements. The demo version of the program can be downloaded and used without any restrictions for 15 days, the cost of the commercial version is $29.95.

To protect a file, folder or drive, just click on the Lock button (in the case of a file or folder, you can simply drag given object from Windows Explorer on the utility window or use the corresponding command from the explorer context menu; however, in the latter case, you must first enable the corresponding option in the utility). And then select the type of protection (that is, block or hide) and, if necessary, to automate the process, also set up a schedule. Temporary disabling/enabling data protection is performed using the Deactivate File Lock and Activate File Lock commands from the Tools menu or by pressing the provided keyboard shortcuts (the latter is much more convenient).

Encrypting a file is also easy (the Encrypt File button is responsible for this) - indicate the file, click on the Encrypt button and enter the key. As a result, a copy of the original file will be created, but already in encrypted form, which cannot be read without knowing the key. The decryption process is carried out according to the exact same scheme, only you have to click on the Decrypt button.

Hide Folders 2009 (3.1)

Developer: FSPro Labs
Distribution size: 1.39 MB
Spreading: Shareware Hide Folders 2009 is a simple utility to protect folders and files from unauthorized access by hiding and/or blocking or setting read-only access. Protected folders will not be available to other users, including the system administrator, even when Windows boots in safe mode. And so that other users do not guess about the presence of protected data on the computer, the program can remove traces of the installation of protection and is able to hide itself. For example, it may not appear in the list of frequently downloaded programs, not show the uninstall line in the control panel, hide itself in the list of running processes and its icon in the system tray, etc. Implemented in the program and support for "trusted processes". Without knowing the master password, it is impossible to access the utility settings. The demo version of the program (there is a Russian-language localization) can be downloaded and used without any restrictions for 30 days, the cost of the commercial version is 500 rubles.

Protecting your documents in Hide Folders 2009 is easy. Just click on the "Add" button desired folder and select the desired protection mode. It is possible to use file masks to protect certain types of files. There is another way to protect folders and files - by dragging them from Windows Explorer to the program window. The list of all protected folders is visible in the program window, deleting any folder from this list will remove protection from this folder. Switching from protected mode to normal mode is carried out using hot keys or by pressing the appropriate buttons from the program itself. If necessary, it is also easy to adjust the program to automatic switch on protection when the screensaver starts, enters standby/hibernation mode and/or after a few minutes of inactivity.

My Lockbox 1.3

Developer: FSPro Labs
Distribution size: 1.33 MB
Spreading: Free My Lockbox - free utility to protect personal folders by hiding them. Hidden folders inaccessible without knowing the password when booting in normal and safe modes of Windows. To hide a specific folder, you should specify it in the utility window or drag it to this window from Explorer and click on the Lock button, and to return visibility, select and click on the Unlock button. To gain access to the utility, you need to enter a master password, and activating the master password request is possible not only through the Start menu, but also via a hot key, which is somewhat faster. Hiding capabilities are limited by the lack of display of the program icon in the system tray.

Hide Folders 2.2

Developer: GPL
Distribution size: 1.2 MB
Spreading: free Hide Folders is a simple free utility to hide folders with confidential information that will be invisible to other users even when booting in Windows Safe Mode. Protection is set up very simply - you need to specify a hidden folder on the disk (the Add Folder button) and click the Hide button to hide it. Temporary removal of protection is performed by pressing the Unhide button, and its complete removal - by clicking the Remove button.

Free Hide Folder 2.1

Developer: Cleanersoft.com
Distribution size: 743 kb
Spreading: Free Hide Folder is a simple free utility to protect personal folders by hiding them. Hidden folders are inaccessible without knowing the password, even when booting in Windows Safe Mode. Hiding folders is easy - just select a folder and click the Hide button. The technology for returning the visibility folder is similar, only the Unhide folder will have to be used. Access to the utility itself is possible only after entering the master password.

File Encryption Programs

File encryption programs are indispensable when it is necessary to transfer confidential information by mail and on various media (CD/DVDs, USB drives, floppy disks, etc.), since some of these programs allow the recipient to decrypt data without installing them on their computer. This is convenient, since the sender can, for example, send an encrypted document by e-mail (having previously agreed with the recipient about the password) and not worry that the recipient does not have the appropriate encryption / decryption software - the latter will still be able to decrypt the document simply by entering the password . As examples of such solutions, we will focus on the two programs Max File Encryption and Animabilis RS File Encryption, of which the first is more functional, since it allows not only to encrypt documents, but also to hide them using steganography (Table 2).

table 2. The functionality of hiding solutions,
blocking and encrypting folders and files

Max File Encryption 1.8

Developer: Softeza.com
Distribution size: 1.09 MB
Spreading: shareware Max File Encryption - handy program to encrypt files of any type (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents) using the Blowfish algorithm. It can be used to encrypt multiple files at once and allows you to encrypt even very large files (up to 4 GB). Encrypted files are stored in own format program, or in EXE format - the latter option allows you to decrypt files in the absence of Max File Encryption on your computer. In addition, encrypted files can be hidden in ordinary files (the so-called media) - graphic, audio and video files, and even in applications and dll-files, while the files-carriers of encrypted information remain fully functional. The program can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for 15 days, after which residents Russian Federation and CIS countries will need to pay 300 rubles. The encryption technology is simple - just create a list of source files by selecting them in the left pane of the utility window and clicking the Add button, then encrypt them by clicking the Encrypt button and selecting the encryption method, entering the password and specifying the source file. At the end, the program will ask if you need to delete the source files from the disk. To decrypt in the utility environment, the encrypted file is selected and the Decrypt button is clicked, followed by the password. And if the encrypted file was saved in EXE format, then it is enough just to run it and enter the password.

Animabilis RS File Encryption 1.3

Developer: AES Software
Distribution size: 1.1 MB
Spreading: Shareware Animabilis RS File Encryption is a simple tool to encrypt any type of file, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents using the Blowfish algorithm. Encrypted files are written in the program's own format, or converted to a self-extracting EXE format, which allows you to decrypt files if Animabilis RS File Encryption is not on your computer. After encryption, the program can perform guaranteed deletion of source files by writing a random set of characters to the corresponding area of ​​the disk a specified number of times. The program (there is a Russian-language version) can be downloaded and used completely free of charge for 30 days, after which you will need to pay 300 rubles. The encryption technology is approximately the same as in the utility discussed above - the file is selected, the "Encrypt" button is clicked, the password is entered, and the source file is indicated. You can also enable the corresponding checkbox to delete the source file. Decryption is possible both in the environment of the utility and without it (if we are talking about an encrypted file in EXE format).

Conclusion

The issue of secure storage and transfer of personal folders and files is relevant for any user. At work, it is desirable to protect your own materials from other employees, at home - from household members. This approach will save you a lot of problems. In particular, you don’t have to worry that something will happen to valuable materials due to the fault of someone at home, or they will be trivially stolen and used against you by other employees, since, for example, other users cannot open, read, let alone change, move, rename or delete. The only problem is which of the solutions in your particular case will be the most appropriate. It all depends on many circumstances. If you need to hide or block folders and files on your own computer from unprepared users, then the capabilities of any of the listed utilities are quite enough. True, from the point of view of convenience, the considered utilities are far from unambiguous. Unfortunately, not everyone allows you to enable / disable protection using hotkeys, can hide their own presence in the system, and, again, not everyone can automatically turn on protection, for example, if the user is not at the computer. If the users are professionals, and the materials on the disk are top-secret, then you will definitely have to resort to encryption of folders, and when transferring confidential documents to other users by mail or on any media, it is more reasonable to encrypt the corresponding files. As for hiding / blocking drives, it should be recognized that although the named features are supported by some of the considered programs, they are supported, but at a very limited level, therefore, to solve such a problem, it is more reasonable to use solutions such as Security Administrator, WinLock, Deskman, etc., but this is a topic for a separate article.

27
sep
2011

WinMend Folder Hidden 1.4.5.3

Release year: 2011
Genre: Security, hiding files/folders
Developer: WinMend.com
Developer site: http://www.winmend.com/
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7
System requirements: PC
Description:
The WinMend Folder Hidden program is designed to hide files / folders on local partitions of the internal drive or external storage devices: flash drives or portable drives. At the same time, the user will be able to revise the list of hidden files / folders or gain access to them only after entering the correct password. Reinstalling the operating system or connecting the drive / flash drive to another computer does not show hidden files / folders or open access to them.

01
Jan
2012

WinMend Folder Hidden 1.4.5.4 Portable

Release year: 2011
Genre: Data protection
Developer: WinMend.com


Build Type: Portable
Bit depth: 32/64-bit

01
Jan
2012

WinMend Folder Hidden 1.4.5.4

Release year: 2011
Genre: Data protection
Developer: WinMend.com
Developer website: http://www.winmend.com/
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
Description: WinMend Folder Hidden is a program for hiding files and folders. While guaranteeing absolute system security, this application can also quickly hide files and folders on local partitions and/or portable devices. Hidden files and folders will always be safely hidden, even if the device is accessed from other...

14
mar
2011

WinMend File Copy 1.3.5

Version: 1.3.5
Release year: 2011
Genre: Copy files
Developer: WinMend.com
Developer site: http://www.winmend.com
Interface language: Russian
Platform: Windows 7, Vista, XP
Description: WinMend File Copy is a free tool for quick and easy file copying, which, according to the developers, is three times faster than copying in the usual way, which is achieved due to the presence of a unique software algorithm. Also, the advantages of the utility should include the resumption of copying from the place of the break, the presence of a batch copy mode, as well as displaying the back...

27
mar
2011

WinMend Registry Cleaner 1.5.9 Portable

Release year: 2011
Genre: Registry
Developer: WinMend.com
Developer website: http://www.winmend.com/
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, XP x64, Vista, Vista x64, 7, 7 x64
Description: WinMend Registry Cleaner cleans the system registry of incorrect or outdated information. Allows registry backups and registry restores from backup. The scanner has a number of settings that allow you to search for registry problems of a certain category. There is a registry optimizer. There is a search function for "wrong" shortcuts. Also in...

13
mar
2011

WinMend Data Recovery 1.3.8

Version: 1.3.8
Release year: 2011
Genre: Data Recovery
Developer: WinMend.com
Developer website: http://www.winmend.com/
Interface language: English + Russian
Platform: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7
Description: WinMend Data Recovery is windows application to recover data from hard drives, Compact Flash, Memory Stick and other media. WinMend Data Recovery recovers files and data lost as a result of accidental deletion, formatting, virus attacks, problems during partitioning or booting, improper shutdown of the computer, formatting the storage medium. By...

29
mar
2010

CloneCD 5.3.1.4 + Portable CloneCD 5.3.1.4

Release year: 2010
Genre: Soft drive emulator, CD/DVD ripping
Developer: SlySoft
Publisher: SlySoft
Developer site: SlySoft
Interface language: English + Russian
Platform: Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP/XP64/VISTA/VISTA64/Windows 7 Compatibility: FULL
System requirements: 500 MHz Pentium-class, 64 MB RAM. 1 MB of free hard disk space.
Description: CloneCD is a powerful CD replicator and is intended only for exact (1:1) copying of CDR / RW discs, including protected ones. The program works in RAW mode (therefore, the user needs to drive his ...

11
sep
2014

Anvide Lock Folder 3.17 Silent install

Release year: 2014
Genre: Data protection
Developer: Anvid
Developer site: http://anvidelabs.org
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Build Type: Silent install
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1
System requirements: -Processor with a clock frequency of 800 MHz or more powerful. -RAM 128 MB or more. -Free place on a hard drive from 20 MB.
Description: Anvide Lock Folder is a program for protecting folders from unauthorized unauthorized access. With Anvide Lock Folder, you can add the desired folder to the list of protected files...

28
mar
2010

CloneCD 5.3.1.4 Final

Release year: 2010
Genre: Drive emulator, CD/DVD ripping
Developer: SlySoft
Developer site: www.slysoft.com
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Platform: Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP/XP64/VISTA/VISTA64
System requirements: IBM-compatible personal computer with a minimum 500 MHz Pentium-class microprocessor 64 MB RAM 1 MB hard-disk space
Description: Easy to use and at the same time powerful program for creating exact copies any CD - even those that are copy protected. Direct copying is allowed, as well as working with disk images (creation and recording). Support...

28
but I
2012

Firmware iOS 1.0 - 4.3.5

Year of issue: 2007 - 2011
Genre: Software update
Developer: Apple

Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Platform: iPhone, iPod, iPad, Apple TV
System Requirements: iTunes
Description: Official and original firmware iOS 1.0 - 4.3.5

03
Feb
2010

Release year: 2009
Genre: Disc burning
Developer: Nero AG
Developer site: http://www.nero.com/
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Platform: Windows XP, Vista, 7
Description: Nero 9 is a set software digital media and the world's most trusted next-generation home entertainment center. It features cutting-edge functionality that makes enjoying digital media so easy. This easy-to-use yet powerful multimedia suite gives you the freedom to create, read, copy, burn, edit...

08
mar
2011

Folder Protect 1.8.9

Release year: 2011
Genre: Protect Folder
Developer: NewSoftwares.net, Inc.
Developer site: http://www.newsoftwares.net/folderlock/
Interface language: English
Platform: Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, 7
System requirements: Pentium III, 512 MB RAM, 10 MB hard disk
Description: Folder Protect is a program that allows you to password-protect and set different levels of access to your files, folders, programs and extensions. Folder Protect goes beyond simple file locking and data encryption, allowing you to customize your security and choose between blocking access to a file, hiding, deleting...

28
Feb
2017

The KMPlayer 4.1.5.8 repack by cuta (build 4) 4.1.5.8 RePack

Release year: 2017
Genre: Multimedia player
Developer: KMP PANDORA.TV
Developer site: http://kmplayer.com/
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Assembly type: Repack
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Description: KMPlayer is a media player that supports playing all popular audio and video formats, including DVD, VCD, AVI, MKV, Ogg Theora, OGM, 3GP, MPEG-1/2/4, WMV, RealMedia and QuickTime. The main features are built-in codecs and flexibility of settings. In addition, KMPlayer can work not only with internal, but also with external filters and...

17
Jan
2010

Folder Lock 6.2.1.0

Release year: 2009
Genre: File Protection
Developer: Newsoftware
Developer site: http://www.newsoftwares.net/
Interface language: English
Platform: Windows XP, Vista
System Requirements: Minimum
Description: Folder Lock is a well-known program for protecting certain files and folders, hiding them from prying eyes! In this case, the size of a file or folder can be anything, even 50 GB! Surely you have personal folders on your computer at home or at work that you do not want to show to other household members or work colleagues. And you would like to keep all personal information under lock and key ... Now you have ...

23
Feb
2012

Anvide Lock Folder 1.65 + Skins

Release year: 2012
Genre: Deny access to folders
Developer: Anvid Labs
Developer website: http://anvidelabs.dm0.ru/anvidelockfolder.html
Interface language: Russian
Assembly Type: Standard
Bit depth: 32/64-bit
Operating system: Windows XP, Vista, 7
Description: Anvide Lock Folder is a program for protecting folders from unauthorized unauthorized access. With Anvide Lock Folder, you can add the desired folder to the list of protected objects and put it in the "protected" status. After that, other users will no longer be able to view its content. Nice, not overloaded Anvide interface...

25
june
2012

Firmware iOS 4.4 - 5.1.1

Year of release: 2010-2012
Genre: Software update
Developer: Apple
Developer website: www.apple.com
Interface language: Multilingual (Russian is present)
Platform: Apple TV, iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, 4S, iPod Touch 3G, 4G, iPad 1, 2, 3
System Requirements: iTunes
Description: Official and original iOS firmware from iOS 4.4 to iOS 5.1.1
Firmware for: Apple TV, iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, 4S, iPod Touch 3G, 4G, iPad 1, 2, 3 When downloading the firmware, you can select specific download folders in uTorrent!

Greetings, dear visitors of the site "Computer with the mind!"

In this article, I want to introduce you to one simple, but at the same time very effective way to keep your data from prying eyes, that is, hide your files and folders from other users.

In our age information technologies the problem of the security of your data is very relevant, because even if you are the only user of your personal computer, this may not protect your data from all sorts of intruders who, in one way or another, can remotely (remotely) access your computer and your personal files and folders.

There are many programs on the Internet, paid and free, that are designed to protect files and folders on your computer, but you need to understand all of them, set correct settings, and in some cases, if the folder hiding program is incorrectly removed or damaged, you yourself may lose access to your folders and files. In my next articles, I will review the most simple, effective and free programs to protect your data from unauthorized access by third parties, and in this article we will analyze the simplest and most effective method- how to use the regular WinRar archiver as a program to hide folders.

Downloading, installing and basic options of the WinRar archiver, we considered in. And at the end of that article, I promised to dedicate a separate topic to how to use the "Set Password" option to hide your files and folders from strangers.

So how do you do it? Consider the following example - I will create a “Secret Data” folder on my computer (you, in turn, can create any other folder to practice hiding folders), you can put any data there (not necessarily secret, we only we train). For me it looks like this:

A dialog menu appears for archiving your folder, the options of which we discussed in . Now we are interested in the button on the bottom right "Set password":

We press it, and we get to the following dialog menu:

Here we need to enter your password, then in the next line enter it again (this is for your own good, so that in case of a typo in the password you do not lose access to your folders, otherwise you need to repeat the password entry, and if they do not match, then you will understand that somewhere sealed up). Please note that when entering a password, you will not see which characters (letters and numbers) and in which layout (Russian or English) you enter. General recommendations and rules for compiling strong password described in . In short, in order for the password to be strong and resistant to hacking, try to come up with passwords that are at least 8 characters long (preferably 10 or more), which include, in addition to lowercase letters, at least one uppercase letter, as well as at least one number. In more detail, you can see all the recommendations for choosing a password in the article at the link in the previous sentence.

For visual control of the password, you can check the item “Display password when entering”, and then you will see which password and in what language you are entering. Use this option if no one is watching your password behind your back. In this case, there is no need to re-enter the password for verification, since you control the correctness of its input visually.

I also recommend that you check the box “encrypt file names”, which hides all file names inside the archive, and if someone tries to see what files with what names are stored in your password-protected archive, he will not be able to do this without entering a password, without saying already that he will not be able to see the contents of these files.

The lowest button in this menu is "Organize Passwords" - I do not recommend using it at all, because in this case, any person who sits down at your computer will be able to see all your passwords that you store in this menu. WinRar honestly warns you about this when you click on this button.

So, I entered a test password "Password123" for the archive being created (note that all passwords are sensitive to uppercase and lowercase letters, and for example passwords "Password123" and "password123" are two completely different passwords, because the first one has an uppercase letter , but not in the second), activated the items "Display password when entering" and "encrypt file names", and is ready to start creating an archive with a password:

Click the "OK" button, then in the next window "OK" again, and observe the archiving process:

If you have small files, then the archiving process will happen almost instantly, and you may not even notice it. As a result, we get a file with an archive of all this data near our folder with secret data, protected by the password we specified.

When you try to see what is inside our created password-protected archive, a window immediately pops up requiring you to enter a password to open the file:

If you enter an incorrect password, an error will be generated and the data inside the archive will not be opened. Please note that since we activated the “encrypt file names” option when creating the archive, a person trying to open the archive will not even see exactly which files (their names and extensions) are hidden in the archive until the password is entered. If this option had not been activated during archiving, we would have seen the names of all files and their extensions stored in a password-protected archive, but we would not have been able to open them and see their contents.

To open our files inside the archive, enter the correct password and click the "OK" button

This opens WinRar program, inside which we see our folder, and we can see any files inside it

If we need to unzip the data to some place on our computer, then we press the "Extract" button on top, and in the window that appears, specify the path where to extract the documents from the archive. After working with your documents, do not forget to delete them so that there is no unprotected folder with these documents on your computer, which anyone can access.

By the way, one more important point - if you remember, next to our created archive, we still have the original folder with secret documents.

This folder must be deleted so that your secret documents do not remain open on your computer. Please note that deleting a folder does not completely remove it from your computer, but places it in the Recycle Bin, which is usually located on your Windows desktop. To completely delete your file or folder from your computer, you must also empty this trash. Locate the "Recycle Bin" icon on your desktop, and by right-clicking on it, select the menu item "Empty Recycle Bin"

So, friends, in our today's article we have learned to easy way protect your personal data from unauthorized access by unauthorized people by learning that WinRar is an excellent program for hiding folders. I hope this article was useful for you, and if you have any questions, please ask them in the comments.

Post navigation