File encryption in Windows XP Home Edition

File encryption in Windows XP Home Edition

Hi Therese,

Yes, Windows XP Home Edition supports encryption. There is a tool available there in windows. You have don’t have to use any external or third party software for encryption. You have to perform the following steps in order to encrypt a file in windows XP home edition:

• Use this short cut key “WinKey + E”.
• Locate the file that you want, “right-click” the file, and then click “Properties”.
• In the “General tab”, click on “Advanced” button.
• Under “Compress or Encrypt attributes” section, select the '' Encrypt contents to secure data” check box, and then click on “OK” button. Then “Apply” button & then “OK” button finally.
• If the file is located in an unencrypted folder, you will receive an “Encryption Warning” dialog box. Use one of the following steps:
  • If you want to encrypt only the file, click Encrypt the file only, and then click OK.
  • If you want to encrypt the file and the folder in which it is located, click Encrypt the file and the parent folder, and then click OK.

If another user attempts to open an encrypted file, that user is unable to do so. For example, if another user attempts to open an encrypted Microsoft Word document file, that user receives a message similar to: “Word cannot open the document: username does not have access privileges. ”

If another user attempts to copy or move an encrypted document to another location on the hard disk, the following message appears: Error Copying File or Folder Cannot copy filename: Access is denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.

Last very important thing I want to tell you that you can encrypt files that are formatted with the NTFS file system.

You done it.