Encrypting Files for Safety

WINV-4.2.5

If your computer uses NTFS, you can use the advanced Encrypting File System (EFS) to protect sensitive data files on your computer. If someone tries to gain access to encrypted files or a folder on your computer, a unique file encryption key prevents that person from viewing it. When you encrypt a file, you also need to decide whether you want to encrypt the folder, too. When you encrypt a folder, you need to decide whether you want to encrypt all files and subfolders within it.

Encrypt or Decrypt a File or Folder

Right-click the file or folder you want to encrypt, and then click Properties.

Click the General tab.

Click Advanced.

Select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box to encrypt the file or folder or clear the check box to decrypt it.

Click OK.

Click OK.

If necessary, click an option to apply changes to this folder only or to this folder, subfolders, and files.

Click OK.

Did You Know? You can compress files and folders with NTFS. Right-click the file or folder, click Properties, click the General tab, click Advanced, select the Compress contents to save disk space check box, and then click OK twice.

For Your Information: Managing and Backing Up Encryption Certificate When you encrypt a file or folder, Windows uses information from your Encrypting File system certificate. A certificate is a digital document that verifies the identify of a person, which is issued by a trusted Certification Authority. If you lost the certificate or it becomes corrupted, you will not be able to recover an encrypted file or folder. To avoid this problem, you should back up your Encrypting File System (EFS) certificate. To manage and back up your EFS certificate, click the Start button, click Control Panel, double-click the User Accounts icon, click the Manage your file encryption certificates, and then follow the Encrypting File System wizard.