Password protecting folders

[Tip3r]

I have this feeling that this must be very obvious.
I sort of share my laptop with some other people, I want to password protect some folders containing personal pictures, movies etc. nothing high security, I just want to tell them to keep out.

Is there any way to do this without installing a software? I mean does windows have any solution for this? I'm using Vista Home Premium.
If not is there any freeware for this?

thanx

 

[Pirotech]

The only way to protect your own documents is creating a new user account. Every user will have his own password and settings and no one will be able to see another user's files.

 

[Tip3r]

I don't want to create a new user account. can't really explain why, It's a little complicated.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Without personal accounts or a separate removable drive then:

Zip up all the files/folders that you want private with a password protection.
Delete the original files/folders; leaving only the protected Zip file.

If you desire to also hide the structure & names of the files/folders; zip the first zip file into another protected ZIP file.


To use them may be a PITA, but for an average user, it will accomplish what you desire.

 

[montag451]

Or install something like truecrypt.

Just do a search for
free
crypto
password
folder