How can I password protect a desktop shortcut?

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What about simply locking the computer when you're away from it? That password protects everything, no?

Yes and no. That's pretty similar to logging out, or using a password protected screensaver as I mentioned in the aritcle. The problem is that if it's not physically secure it's not secure. Anyone could come along with a boot CD, for example, and reboot into a different operating system that allowed unrestricted access to everything on the machine. Everything that wasn't encrypted, that is.

- Leo
19-Jun-2009

Posted by: Some guy at June 18, 2009 10:21 AM

I agree about just locking the desktop (or screensaver pw as Leo suggests) It's really not that bad if you are concerned about privacy. I work at a bank and our workstations must be locked every time we leave our desk, and automatically after 15 min of inactivity. I must unlock my computer 20-30 times each day...not really a big deal after you get used to it.

Indeed. It's even worse at the doctor's office where (in the U.S.) HIPAA imposes some stringent privacy rules. The inactivity timeout is very short, and everything must be locked when not used. It's really not that big a deal, it's just a habit that needs to be developed.

- Leo
19-Jun-2009

Posted by: Jeff at June 18, 2009 11:15 AM

I'd agree with the approaches above. I use a Truecrypt volume to store my sensitive personal stuff, and I've got into the habit of locking my computer (pretty much) whenever I move away from it. OK, you're not protected against hard-core techies, but I'm not particularly at risk from them. And there's not a great deal one can do against hard-core techies, unless you're a hard-core techie yourself, which I'm not. So problem solved...

Posted by: Mat at June 20, 2009 12:03 AM

Install programs on a mounted truecrypt volume, then dismount when you are away from the PC.

Posted by: Will at June 21, 2009 7:41 PM

How bout ZIPping it to a folder and password it? Does that work on Vista?

Posted by: Josh Medrano at June 23, 2009 8:21 AM

Even at home, I have got into the habit of locking my computer, even if I only go to get a drink, and even though I have nothing confidential and the only people there are my family. Its just so simple: press windows logo+L and bang, the computer is locked.

Posted by: JH at June 23, 2009 8:30 AM

It has always amazed me that Microsoft has never included a feature like this in any of its versions of Windows. Imagine them actually putting something in that people WANT??? Go figure...

Posted by: Carl R. Goodwin at June 23, 2009 8:35 AM

To expand on Josh's reply:

Right click on the folder and chose Send to > Compressed (zip) folder.
Open the new folder and choose File > Add a Password.
Choose a password and you're set.

That's how you do it on XP!

Posted by: sirpaul1 at June 23, 2009 8:37 AM

Then I ran into this:

http://download.cnet.com/Folder-Lock/3000-2092_4-10063343.html

if you have admin. rights

Posted by: sirpaul1 at June 23, 2009 9:08 AM

This was so informative. I asked Leo a similar question a couple of weeks ago, and I was glad to see it addressed. I did what JH advised. I didn't know you could do that!

Posted by: some gal at June 23, 2009 12:55 PM

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