- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (15-day trial); $29.95 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: January 25, 2007
- Total Downloads: 86,080
- Downloads last week: 1,671
- See full specifications
A newer version of Advanced File Lock is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 70 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET staff on February 25, 2009
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 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.
Improved product activation. Features sortable columns in user interface, adds warning when user attempts to use a blank password. Version 4.0.2569.21976 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
More popular Encryption Software downloads
- 43,858 downloads 1. RoboForm
- 29,802 downloads 2. Hotspot Shield
- 26,710 downloads 3. Computer Use Reporter
- 9,031 downloads 4. Easy File Encryption
- 8,103 downloads 5. Easy Private Disk
- See all Encryption Software downloads
User reviews of Advanced File Lock 4.0.2
- Average user rating: 0 stars Not yet available
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 1 of 1 user reviewSee 1 user review
This software version | All versions -
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful
Version: Advanced File Lock 4.0.2
"Simply the best and easiest!"
Pros: I've been using this software for over a year now and really love it. It is very simple to use and is fool proof. I've never had a problem with it and the online help is excellent.
My favorite feature in the "hide files" one. This is the only software I have seen that actually lets you hide your secret files. Once you hide them, nobody will be able to see them, not even with specail tools or the command prompt.
I also think that the price is very reasonable. I've searched the entire web and have downloaded many,many other programs, but this is simply the best and easiest to use.
Oh, another cool thing is that you can use it to lock confidential files before emailing them to people. That way, you are certain that only the person that you intend will be able to access the file. Here is a hint: Advance File Lock ALWAYS lets you unlock or "unhide" files...even after the free trial period is over. Because of this, you can send locked files to anybody and they can always unlock the files without having to actually buy the software, and its totally legal.
- See 1 user review Write review
Submit your review
Previous Versions:
