DFolder XP for Windows

A misstep during DFolder XP's installation is a minor annoyance, but the inability to retrieve some hidden files is utterly frustrating.

The clunky installation of DFolder XP ends with an optional check box to open the Readme text file. It shouldn't be an option, as the password-protected program is automatically launched after install. Unfortunately, the password is only provided in the Readme file. Novices will give up in frustration, and experienced users will wonder why the publisher forced the extra step. The simple, drab interface and navigation feels outdated, especially the file browser. Four buttons make up the toolbar, which sits over a window that lists hidden content. The interface can't be resized and there's no option to scroll the window, so longer files paths aren't completely visible.

DFolder XP offers two choices: either hide files or folders, or hide items and add password protection. The problem with the first was that items weren't well-hidden. The program's file browser only shows your drives. If you decide to hide a folder located in My Documents, it's hidden if you drill down through the C: drive, then go to Documents and Settings, and then (finally) head to My Documents as DFolder XP requires you to. However, in Windows Explore you merely use the My Documents desktop shortcut to see the supposedly hidden folder. At least this process was easily reversed. That is not true with password protection. Trying to unhide items resulted in a runtime error, after which the program shut down. Subsequent attempts to unhide files or folders were also unsuccessful.

There's no need to even test this dud. It's surpassed in form and function by many other programs in the genre.