Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Snoopers can't find or access the files you hide using Folder Lock, even in DOS or under other operating systems. This application provides two levels of protection: you can merely lock files and folders, or you can encrypt them using the 256-bit Blowfish algorithm. When you boot up the program, it'll ask you for a master password. Hitting the Browse link locates and lock folders anywhere on your computer, or you can simply secure them via the context menu. Encryption is limited in the free version to 25 MB.
Although the too-cute-for-words interface doesn't make them easy to find, Folder Lock does have a treasure trove of Advanced features, accessible after you hit the Options button. You can set files to be shredded, force the computer to shut down after failed entry attempts, erase document history, the clipboard and more, and enter into Stealth mode, which hides the app's presence on your computer.
The interface, which includes simple animations for no reason other than to "entertain" you, would be better served by a more standard layout that makes options readily and easily available. No doubt to excite your inner lock-breaking child, the octagonal purplish blue layout is supplemented with three more skins when you purchase the full version.
In our tests, the program demonstrated good speed, even when securing large folders. If you share a PC and need to keep certain files to yourself, you should definitely give Folder Lock a try.
Folder Lock - Lock, hide, encrypt, and password-protect personal files, folders, drives - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From NewSoftwares:
Folder Lock is fast file-security software that can password-protect, lock, hide, and encrypt any number of files, folders, drives, pictures, and documents in seconds. Locked files are undeletable, unrenamable, unmovable, hidden, and inaccessible. You can lock, scramble, or encrypt depending on speed and security. Folder Lock is fully portable, so you can protect your files on USB flash drives, disks, CD-RWs, notebooks, and hard disks, and it doesn't require installation on another PC. Folder Lock protects files in Windows, DOS, and Safe modes, even when you change your OS or boot from a disk. Folder Lock doesn't let you delete its own program folder, and it can't be uninstalled without the correct password. Additional options include Stealth Mode, Hacker Attempt Monitoring, Shred files, AutoLock, Auto Shutdown PC, Lock your PC, Erase PC tracks, 256-bit Blowfish Encryption and Context Menu in Explorer.
Version 5.7.5 fixes minor bugs and improves overall performance.
What's new in this version: Version 5.7.5 automatically locks and hides your files and folders kept inside the "Locker" and adds tooltips to the browse list.
More Products to Consider
-
Protect your PC against the latest viruses and spyware. -
Protect your computer from viruses and malicious programs. -
Detect and quickly remove malicious threats to your computer. -
Provide secure, anonymous, and private browsing on Wi-Fi hotspo... -
Search your hard disk and Registry for threats to your security... -
Detect and eliminate viruses, get free protection for home user... -
Download and exchange files safely, enjoy games and Web surfing... -
Record and view every keystroke typed on keyboard. -
Secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks with premium VP... -
Keep your business safe when e-mailing or going online. -
Protect your personal home computer from malware attacks. -
Detect and remove spyware, malware, rootkits, trojans, hijacker... -
Protect your PC against viruses, spyware, Trojans, worms, rootk... -
Stay anonymous, change your IP address, and protect your comput... -
Protect your Windows PC from online threats. -
Detect and clean thousands of threats.Download Or, Learn More About PC Tools AntiVirus FreeThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Hide your IP address and prevent Internet activity tracking. -
Protect your PC from all kinds of Internet threats. -
Protect your computer with Microsoft's latest security software...Visit Site Or, Learn More About Microsoft Security EssentialsThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
Protect your PC from all kinds of virus threats. -
Check your system for viruses with a lightweight antivirus on a... -
Password protect your photos, movies, documents, or any other f... -
Protect against any threats via USB drive and protect offline c... -
Protect your system and files from virus and spyware.
-
All versions:
3.7 starsout of 1,199 votes
-
Current version:
3.0 starsout of 48 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"its good but take care"
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Pros
this software is good for hiding your files from your room mate
Cons
if your room mate has a version of it he can open your files
-
"Another Security Hole for Lost Passwords"
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Cons
In addition to the many flaws that have been listed, there's an additional security hole through which a bus could be driven.
I had an unregistered version of 5.7.5 and had forgotten my password. Of course, the FAQ states that the only solution is to purchase the full program for $35, giving access to a "universal key". B.S.
After some deliberation, I copied and pasted an older version (5.0.1) of the executable file (Folder Lock.exe) from another computer, overwriting the newer Folder Lock.exe. I used the password for 5.0.1 and was able to unlock all of my files. I believe, though I haven't tested this hypothesis, that any version can be installed on any system (thus circumventing the registry), before being copied back onto the system of your choice, effectively replacing the old password with the new password.
So while I was able to recover my files, I definitely would not trust this utility to protect any sensitive data.
-
"BEWARE!! Download this and "Recover My Files" at the same time!!"
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Pros
absolutely nothing, will erase your important files.
Cons
As with everyone I was desperately looking for a subsitute of Microsoft's Private Folder after they discontinued it. Wow what a mistake, I used this program to HIDE my x rated personal files. I thought I lost tons of high school & college memories, this pos software had the locker folder there but nothing was visible. I would right click on properties and it would show a 3gb folder size but w/ 0 files.
Thank God for some online research I stumbled upon Recover My Files and I was able to recover everything after uninstall Folder Lock.
Stay away from this like the plague. Seriously, this is the realest review you have ever read! ZERO COMPANY SUPPORT. SAVE YOUR FILES AND TRANSFER TO AN ENCRYPTED EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE AND DELETE THIS PROGRAM!!!!
-
"shows when u log in"
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Pros
locks files, keeps people out.
Cons
if someone is computer savvy, they can find the folder lock files (hid mine in a directory called backups) and just put the mouse over 'settings' and see the date and time that you logged in. anyone else have this issue?
-
"i m really having problems with folder locker, how"
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Cons
i m really having peoblems with folder locker, it only shows error when i try to uninstall it, pls guide how to uninstall this software.
-
"Paid Version is far from perfect. Not compatable with some software."
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Pros
Very nice Interface. Very easy to use. Appears to do what it says it does, but I have not tested it against threats.
Cons
NOT COMPATABLE WITH SOME SOFTWARE.
After Installing the Paid version of the Folder Lock today, I re-booted my laptop.
When Windows booted up I received the following WARNING:
"The currently installed software "Folder Lock" is not compatible with "System Mechanic 7" and cannot be used at the same time. Please uninstall "Folder Lock" before using or installing System Mechanic 7".
In addition,
When I opened the Folder Lock, all of my Locked files in the Folder Lock were gone from the folder, and I am not able to locate the files anywhere on my system.
In addition,
when I opened my Internet Explorer Version 7, all of my "favorites" were gone from the Favorites list in IE.
I attempted to run my System Mechanic 7, in order to repair any damage, and I received the following message:
"The currently installed software "Folder Lock" is not compatible with "System Mechanic 7" and cannot be used at the same time. Please uninstall "Folder Lock" before using or installing System Mechanic 7".
-
"Quirky, but good."
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Pros
It dawned on me if someone broke into my home & walked out with my PC, there were a few documents or scanned images that would allow the robber to gain access to financial data. (The word documents were password protected, but it was pointed out to me by a colleague that Word documents are VERY easily cracked.) So I wanted something that would allow me to encrypt all types of files and yet easily/quickly decrypt them, when I need to access them. I have WinRAR but on a daily basis, FolderLock seemed a bit easier to use.
Also, the user interface is just plain fun!
Cons
This program IS a bit quirky. But I hink if you understand how it works, it's helpful. First, to ENCRYPT the files, you do need to ENCRYPT the locker. Just "locking" does not encrypt.
Second, after you ENCRYPT, you do need to check the \Programfiles\Folder Lock folder to make sure the LOCKER folder is gone and the ENCRYPTED folder exists. (Simply unlock again & encrypt again.) Otherwise, it's only locked, not encrypted.
Third, you cannot backup files when the folder is locked or encrypted. So when I make any changes to a file in FolderLock, I use WinRAR to encrypt a backup copy before I encrypt FolderLock.
-
"great carefull though"
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Pros
user freindly
-
"Do not trust yr files to this program"
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Pros
This program is highly unreliable and outright dangerous. It should be banned.
Cons
This program is totally unreliable. Please DO NOT trust yr important files to it and DO NOT use it to encrypt important files. Like many of you, I have lost many files encrypted using this program. It works fine for the first few times but suddenly all my encrypted files on the external USB drive just disappeared. And it happened not only to one of my external drive but two !! I can tell the files are still there but it just reduce to a useless unaccessible folder. Do a search on the net. There are already many cases of people losing files using this ****** program and the untrustworthy company is keeping mums about it.
-
"Folder Lock is easy to use and great features"
Version: Folder Lock 5.7.5
Pros
I have never come accross a program that integrates so many features in itself and is so easy to use. Maybe this is the reason why the program is so kewl!
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:
