Support 200 simultaneous users
- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (35-use trial); $35.00 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: July 07, 2008
- Total Downloads: 1,249,465
- Downloads last week: 6,484
- See full specifications
A newer version of Folder Lock is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 891 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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.
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 5.9.5 is a bug fixing release.
What's new in this version:
Version 5.9.5 is a bug fixing release.
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User reviews of Folder Lock 5.9.5
- Average user rating: 3.6 stars out of 891 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 23 user reviewsSee all 23 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
9 out of 11 people found this review helpful
Version: Folder Lock 5.9.5
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5 out of 9 people found this review helpful
Version: Folder Lock 5.9.5
"Fabulously Amazingly Incredible"
Pros: This is a small sized, fast and efficient program. Protects my files on hard disk and USB drive. Portable, convenient and quick to work without asking users to go thru software jargon.
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6 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Version: Folder Lock 5.9.5
Pros: Nice appearance
Cons: doesn't lock shortcut
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: Folder Lock 5.9.5
Pros: I've used Folder Lock since 2004 and have been frequently updated with its latest version. Folder Lock is very fast to lock and unlock flash drives and external hard drives and usually seems pretty darned secure. I like that their licensing allows me to put Folder Lock on many many external devices without any restrictions.
Cons: However, occasionally, despite carefully shutting down Folder Lock, I find that the contents of a flash drive are NOT hidden from view or protected from prying eyes. I've mentioned this to New Softwares before, but, despite their promised speedy response to inquiries, they rarely respond quickly and have never helped me understand this flaw in their design.
New Softwares also claims that a user can password protect a CD rom using Folder Lock and a burning program, such as Nero. If you can understand their instructions on how to do this, you're a better man than I, as they make no logical sense at all. When I inquired about how to make this function work, I got back the same nonsensical answer that they have on their website FAQs. When I wrote to them asking what these instructions are when translated into English, I was told that this function will be on a new version coming out soon. This seems to be a standard answer for these guys - claim a function exists - then tell users that ask about it that it is going to be fixed in an upcoming release.
All that said, Folder Lock is fast and usually does a great job of protecting my data. I have gotten into the habit of checking the locked folder after shutting down a flash drive with it running, just to ensure my data is really, really safe. Their licensing policy is fair and they issue frequent releases that make minor enhancements. I like Folder Lock and trust my most sensitive information to it.
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3 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Version: Folder Lock 5.9.5
Pros: The interface is easy to use. It hides folders with your sensitive data. OK as long as you can maintain physical security of your drive.
Cons: If you install this on a thumb drive and then "encrypt" the files, the files can be easily read by a mac or PS3 without decrypting. They claim version 6 (not yet released) will fix this "bug". DO NOT BUY version 5. It is not secure AT ALL!!
- See all 23 user reviews Write review
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