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CNET Editors' review
On the surface, Advanced File Lock seems to fulfill its purpose well enough, but we found enough quirks--and one feature that just didn't work--to make us want to bypass the application altogether.
The interface appears clean and simple, but we would have preferred direct Windows Explorer integration. Especially with the proprietary file-selection mechanism, which breaks standard Windows file selection conventions and makes the interface feel clunky. Most of the functionality worked without issue, and the capability to easily hide and show files was nice. Unfortunately, you can't lock AND hide files, so which was a usability annoyance. The last notable feature was "Clean Free Space," which should prevent the recovery of any previously deleted files in your drive's free space. But that wasn't enough to save this app from its fatal flaw, the broken "Self Extractable File" functionality, which deletes your source file even when it doesn't successfully create the output file.
Excepting the broken feature and the interface's quirkiness, there were no stability issues during our testing. The features of this 30-day trial don't appear to be limited, and it is mostly nag-free. Installation was simple, but icons were placed on the desktop and in the start menu without asking. Uninstallation required a trip to Add/Remove programs, or to the install directory. With the quirky interface and the broken feature resulting in data-loss, this application is currently NOT recommended. There are other applications with similar, if not identical, features and the tighter Explorer integration Advanced File Lock is missing.
Publisher's Description
From Blue Lakes Technology:
Hide or password-protect any file or folder instantly by clicking on it. Advanced File Lock works with all file types including pictures and movies. Once a file is locked or hidden, it is completely encrypted and none of its contents can be viewed. To lock a file or folder, simply right-click on it and select the lock option.
Version 7.1.3451 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
What's new in this version: Version 7.1.3451 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 78 votes
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Current version:
3.9 starsout of 12 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"The best security tool I have found"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
This program is extremely easy to use. I use it to encrypt and hide sensitive files on a shared computer.
Cons
The user manual is online. It would be great if they provided one in the PDF format or another offline format.
Summary
If you are looking for file encryption software that is effective and easy to use, this is it.
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"Fast and effective"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
- The tool encrypts files amazingly fast
- Intuitive
- ReliableCons
I have not found anything wrong yet and have been using it everyday for 7 months.
Summary
This software has delivered exactly what I was expecting- reliable and fast encryption.
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"Awesome - simply the best"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
This is the best security software that I have ever used. It is simple to use and very straight-forward. And moreover, it is fool-proof.
Cons
All features work great.
Summary
You cannot hack it, unlike most of the other security software packages. All of the other ones have a backdoor that anyone can find on google. This one is un-hackable.
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"It works for me just fine"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
The software does what it says. No hassles.
Cons
If any, I havent found them.
Summary
For the price, it delivers what is says it would do. I have no complaints at all.
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"A pretty neat tool"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
Simple to install and use, and more importantly, it does it's job!
Cons
Don't think there's a Mac version for it.
Summary
For a guy who is not a tech whiz, this was just what the doctor ordered. My friend uses a Mac-book, and I think that they do not have a version for it. So I had to remove a star. Hope to see a Mac version for people like my friend.
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"Useful software"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
Simple, easy to use, effective.
Cons
Haven't found any yet.
Summary
As mentioned in the Pros, it's straightforward, user-friendly and does it's job. Will post other findings as I use it more.
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"Great Program"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
This program is pretty easy to use and hides any file. It's intuitive and takes about a minute to learn.
Cons
The interface does not allow you to customize the color of the screen. This would be a nice feature.
Summary
Best security software. Very easy to use.
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"Best software"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
It's very easy to use but at the same time, it's solid. I lead a security team for a financial company and we use it for all of our sensitive files.
Cons
We have not found any issues with this and have been using it for 6 years.
Summary
Fast, secure and flawless.
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"Caution!!! Read "All versions" negative reviews first"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
It has a nice looking interface. But that's it. I've done quite a bit research on this app. The company literally bribes many users into giving this app a five star rating.
Cons
Read All negative comments from user reviews on the All-versions link BEFORE downloading Advanced file lock to understand what you are in for with this product!!!
Summary
My personal experience: Having forgotten (Advanced File Lock thinks so) the unlock password for Advanced File Lock 7, it locked the computer up! I had to Force restart computer (not good for system stability) which allowed the computer to operate, but I still can't remove program.
More than 2 months later, their "24 hour-a-day guaranteed" customer service still has not provided help. Just email them and observe the 100% silence for yourself.
Do yourself a favor and stay away from Advanced File Lock. -
"If you want protection, look elsewhere"
Version: Advanced File Lock 7.1.3451
Pros
It has nice colors
Cons
Advanced filelock can be easily circumvented by anyone, even a registered user like me.
Summary
pathetic software. waste of money
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