- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (30-day trial); $29.95 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: November 05, 2008
- Total Downloads: 103,131
- Downloads last week: 349
- 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 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 includes self extracting encrypted files or folders, and an update checker.
What's new in this version:
Version 7 includes self extracting encrypted files or folders, and an update checker.
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User reviews of Advanced File Lock 7
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 70 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 15 user reviewsSee all 15 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: Advanced File Lock 7
"Superb! Stable, User-friendly"
Pros: * Very Stable
* Encrypts all type of files
* Works quickly
* Dependable
* Has secure delete feature- very powerful!
* Lets you hide files- no other tool lets you do this so easily
* Shows you previews of hidden filesCons: Everything worked well for me. It would be nice if they gave group discounts.
Summary: This software is surely a must-try. Once you see how easy it is to use, you can make a decision for yourself.
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Version: Advanced File Lock 7
"Easy to use- A must have for PCs"
Pros: This software is very easy to use and works perfectly. I've used it for about 3 versions now and have never had any issues.
We use this at work to lock sensitive files. All of our users find it easy to use.Cons: This tool has a feature that allows you to delete unwanted files forever. This means that once you use "Secure Delete," nobody will be able to retrieve the unwanted files, even through special programs. I find this feature useful.
Summary: Excellent tool. Very powerful- no backdoors. If you are serious about file security, this is for you.
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0 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Version: Advanced File Lock 7
"Deletes files, takes long time to do anything"
Pros: long trial convinced me not to buy it.
Cons: horrible program, It deletes your files ofter, it takes forever to do anything, and easily freezes (cause files to go missing)
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0 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Version: Advanced File Lock 7
Pros: nothing at all
Cons: Everything, doesnt work at all, deletes your files.
Summary: Worst program I have ever downloaded from this site, I started to put a password on a folder, and it said error. When I went in the folder, it was empty.
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0 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Version: Advanced File Lock 7
Pros: nothing at all!!
Cons: it deleted all of my work folders and my music!
Summary: its crap, it just deletes everything. its not even worth geting
- See all 15 user reviews Write review
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