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CNET Editors' review
WinGuard Pro 2010 Lite is a free app that lets you disable and enable certain Windows features via a password without completely preventing access to your PC. It keeps snoops away from your personal data and programs without having to shut down or lock your computer, which lets you keep programs running and files open even as you're locking down your data.
We opened WinGuard Pro, which appeared in our system tray. We clicked the padlock icon, and a small password entry box appeared along with a notice that we needed to set a password. Although there's a check box marked Save, don't be tempted to enter a password here, since WinGuard won't accept it; you have to set a password via the program's multitabbed Configuration Tool. We used the default password provided by the program, clicked the Settings tab, and then clicked Set Tasks Password. On the Users tab, we could exclude our Admin Account as well as import account data. An interesting feature locks the account when you exceed a time limit. The Advanced tab let us set System Protected Tasks and Policies, while the Encryption tab offered 256 AES protection for specified folders. The Tasks tab is the main view; here we could check a wide range of Windows functions for locking, including Windows Media Player, Word, Paint, Google Chrome, and Live Mail Inbox. We could also remove entries or browse to add new ones to the list.
WinGuard Pro 2010 Lite is extremely easy to use. We checked the apps we wanted to lock and closed the Configuration Tool. When we clicked on a locked program, it opened very briefly but almost instantly disappeared behind the WinGuard log-on screen. Entering our password opened the program normally. Clicking Save on the password entry box saved our password, which let us open locked programs normally without unlocking them for all users. The Help Manual is extensive and clear, and we had no trouble setting up, using, and uninstalling WinGuard.
Publisher's Description
From WGP:
With WinGuard Pro, users can password protect programs, files and folders for free. Users can add password protection to Windows programs. Plus File and folder protection, by use of an advanced 128 bit AES Encryption engine, provides you with all-in-one solution for protecting your computer from unauthorized access. With extra features to lock the desktop, boot keys, task keys, blocking software installations and internet access.
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All versions:
3.2 starsout of 12 votes
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Current version:
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"Nice little utility"
Version: WinGuard Pro 7.6.0.3
Pros
Strong file encryption software - an alternative to truecrypt
Cons
Encryption ha been improved over previous versions, however it keeps the original file too as a backup, which you can delete manually. I emailed them and they said they are going to add an auto-delete on the original (un-encrypted file) soon.
Summary
Very good strong file encryption (AES 256 Bit) as well as optioninal Task locking.
Will be even better when the proposed update is launched that will auto-delete the old files after encrypting them. -
"WinGuard Pro has got better!"
Version: WinGuard Pro 7.6.0.3
Pros
New version fixes a few issues with previous versions and includes more features.
Cons
Cannot use on more than 1 computer without purchasing a license.
Summary
I've been using WinGuard Pro for years - I've installed it and removed it several times. The new version 7.6.0.3 seems to have a few of the bugs ironed-out, so to speak and offers more free-to-use features than ever before. For this reason, I think I'm going to keep it installed for a long time!
I may even Upgrade my Free License for the Paid one as I have 3 computers at home I want to install it on (to keep the kids under control!).
I saw with the Advanced Upgrade they offer (Paid for), they give you a program to Disable the Boot Keys (F8) and Windows Key, plus another program to disable Folder Access (FolderLock)
The support staff are really good too. I asked for an extra feature to be added and they did it within 24 hours! -
"like it very much"
Version: WinGuard Pro 7.6.0.3
Pros
lots of features
Cons
could do with shortcut key
Summary
its tested by download.com staff as safe to use and install, there is nothing to lose in installing this free-to-use program.
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"Fast and Effective"
Version: WinGuard Pro 7.7.9
Pros
Good for passwording programs on the fly.
Cons
None I can think of at this time.
Summary
Good freeware program
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"Good for encrypting files without paying a penny!"
Version: WinGuard Pro 7.7.9
Pros
Encrypts files with High Strength 256 AES Method
Cons
As with all software, there are always things that can be better. That's why they offer regular updates without charge too!.
Summary
Good all round utility for basic file encryption needs, without high-end charges.
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"very useful"
Version: WinGuard Pro 7.7.9
Pros
new version has a timer so i can set time restrictions in my internet cafe, and it's included in the free edition, but i need to upgrade as i'm using it in an commercial environment.
Cons
more options for my internet cafe would be nice!
Summary
new versions offers more free features without the bugs of the latter versions - great!
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"Never worked!"
Version: WinGuard Pro 7.5
Pros
The product never worked!
Cons
Installation failed. I kept on getting the following error message: Unable to execute File; C:\Program Files\wgp7\menue.exe Create Process failed; code 2. The system cannot find the file specified. Restarted computer and still wouldn't work.
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"Junk program. Horrible uninstaller."
Version: WinGuard Pro 6.6 Final
Pros
There are none
Cons
Keeps asking for a password, even though I typed it in correctly. Restarting the program did clear it up, but I lost trust immediately. I had to go and rename a .dat file for it to actually uninstall.
Summary
Removed from computer, downloaded a better free product.
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"Total Crap!"
Version: WinGuard Pro 6.6 Final
Pros
Pros? HA!!
Cons
I installed this onto a friend's computer for him, and I encrypted a file for him. I entered in the right password and it would not take it. I kept entering it in and my computer locked up and blue-screened.
Summary
TOTAL CRAP!
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"Winguard may not decrypt your files"
Version: WinGuard Pro 6.6 Final
Pros
When working Winguard Pro is effective
Cons
Winguard offer no support. The decryption might fail on files restored from back up with no way to access files.
Summary
I purchased Winguard Pro Premium Edition. Initially I had problems loading the Product Key as the program stated that the key was ?Out of Date?. It required me to download a new key from the website.
The web site offered no way of doing this. After one month, Winguard had still not responded to any emailed requests for help. The web site offers no Help Function. It takes you in circles looking for the Help section.
However, I continued to use the free trial version of the encryption program which seemed to work well.
I then suffered a Hard Drive failure. After backing up onto a new hard disc, NONE of my encrypted programs would open. Newly encrypted files would open and close fine but none of my restored files.
After two weeks, apart from one email saying they would respond within 48 hours, I am still waiting for assistance from Winguard.
Conclusion: a potentially good encryption program, BUT with NO support. Furthermore there is the potential to loose the ability to decrypt files. DO NOT use this program without a full unencrypted back up.
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