Microsoft is always lacking of one important security feature that is the ability to password protect your folders. Even in Windows XP, this feature hasn’t been implemented yet. Now, Microsoft is offering a free program called “Microsoft Private Folder” which it will create a folder called My Private Folder at your desktop. Microsoft Private Folder 1.0 is provided specifically for genuine Windows customers, and requires genuine Windows validation in order to download. The software is free, and does not come with product support.
Microsoft Private Folder
The following hardware and software are required to run Microsoft Private Folder 1.0:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Professional Edition and Media Center Edition with SP2
  • Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor

    • Check out the test I ran with Microsoft Private Folder.

    First of all, this software has already been cracked by KhaskiN which doesn’t require you to have genuine Windows in order to download and install the free Microsoft Private Folder.
    I downloaded the cracked version and the original version from Microsoft. Compared both of the setup files and both have exactly the same filesize. Then I compared the offsets and found 31275 changes in bytes. (Click on the image below to get an enlarged picture)

    Looks like the cracked version is indeed cracked. I do not have a non-genuine version of Microsoft Windows XP, hence I am not able to test if the cracked version really able to bypass the genuine check.

    I downloaded and installed the original Microsoft Private Folder, and a reboot is required. After installation, I immediately noticed a new folder named “My Private Folder” appeared at my desktop.
    Microsoft Private Folder desktop folder

    First run requires you to set a password with minimum of 6 characters.
    Microsoft Private Folder change password
    After setting your password, you will be prompted to enter password when you first open the My Private Folder at your desktop.
    Entering wrong password twice and it will stop prompting you further for password. You need to open the My Private Folder at your desktop again to get the password prompt.

    I tried searching for the password in Registry and also in Program Files but couldn’t find the password in clear text. I didn’t go further because I just wanted to know if the password will be saved weakly in your computer and thank goodness it’s not.

    I tried to delete the My Private Folder at my desktop, and it shows me a warning “Are you sure you want to delete the My Private Folder icon from your desktop? To restore it later, go to Control Panel.”

    Before deleting it, I couldn’t find anything that has to do with Microsoft Private Folder in my Control Panel. Even after deleting the icon from my desktop, still couldn’t find it. Perhaps they missed this function. Can’t blame them because it’s only version 1.
    To restore back the icon in your desktop, just run Microsoft Private Folder 1.0 from your start menu, enter your password, and you should see a lock icon at your traybar.
    Microsoft Private Folder tray
    Just right click on the lock icon, go to Options, and select “Show Desktop Icon”.

    In my opinion, it’s a very basic folder protector and it works. Saves you from buying some shareware when you really need to password protect your folder.

    [ Download official Microsoft Private Folder ]
    [ Download Mirror ]

    Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,