Using Xp encription tools

[Computer]

I was wondering how I would go about encripting a file. I am under the impression that Win Xp has this built in. Am I mistaken? I am using Xp home.

Thanks

[vass0922]

XP Professional has NTFS Encryption
http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/article10-002

Sorry

[rpertusio]

Encryption is only available in XP Pro edition. However, there may be some trick to installing it, but I don't know it.

- rp

[Computer]

I do have Xp pro just not installed on this comp. If I put it on would there be any problems with compatibility? When I upgrade my old comp from 98 to Xp pro the printer, scanner and CD burner didn't work. Could any of these problems occur going Xp home to pro?

[John Prophet]

if you already have xp home..then there should be no extra problems going to Pro

[Computer]

Do you think it would just be easier to download an encryption tool as opposed to using win. encryption. does anyone have a link to one?

[hickory]

I'm giving Hide Folders a try now for the last 2 weeks and it seems pretty good.

http://www.fspro.net/

[elroy]

Bestcrypt makes encrypted volumes. Good for large encrypted volumes such as 1gb. Costs $90
http://www.jetico.com/
or
Blowfish Advanced CS 2.13 good for smaller files, a few mb etc. It will do larger amounts but you have to wait while it decrypts. FREE
http://maakus.dyndns.org/software.html
Both of these are excellent programs and provide much higher security than XP encryption. I've used them for years.

This is from Hide Folders FAQ
When I boot my PC from floppy my hidden folders appear. Why?

The folders appear because Hide Folders XP hides them only when it is loaded.
This means: security is non-existant, it is simply playing hide and seek

[hickory]

Thanks for the heads up Elroy I hadn't seen that but it makes sense.

[MTAtech]

Let's take a step back. What do you want to encrypt? If it a file to send to someone in email, the XP encryption won't help you a bit (no pun). You want a utility like PGP.