Encryption with Windows

Encrypting a folder (and its contents)

Although you can encrypt files individually, generally it is a good idea to designate a specific folder where encrypted files will be stored, and encrypt that folder. If you do this, all files that are created in or moved to this folder will automatically obtain the encrypted attribute.

To encrypt a folder and its current contents, follow these steps:

• Right-click the folder that you want to encrypt, and then select Properties.
• Click the "Advanced" button.
• Check the box next to "Encrypt contents to secure data" then click OK.
• Click OK again (on the next dialog box).
• A Confirm Attribute Changes window will appear asking whether you would like to "Apply this change to this folder only or to all subfolders, and files as well?" Make sure the second option is selected. Then click OK.

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Decrypting a folder

To decrypt a folder, use basically the same process but in reverse order:

• Right-click the folder that you want to decrypt, and then click Properties.
• Click the "Advanced" button.
• Uncheck the box next to "Encrypt contents to secure data" then click OK.
• Click OK again (on the next dialog box).
• When the Confirm Attribute Changes window appears, select what you want to decrypt (e.g., "this folder only" or "this folder, subfolders, and files"), then click OK.

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For additional information about the Encrypting File System (EFS), visit the following Microsoft Web sites:

Encrypting File System in Windows 2000
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/w2kccadm/dataprot/w2kadm21.mspx

Encrypting File System in Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Server 2003
http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWSXP/pro/techinfo/administration/recovery/default.asp