Password protected Word 2003 files or folders

J

jfg

I have XP Professional and Word 2003. I would like to password protect some
of my Word files and folders. How do I do this. I right clicked on the
desktop and also in one of the folders I wanted to password protect, and then
I clicked New, but no item referring to compressed files/folders appeared in
the dropdown list.

Thank you for any help you can give me.
 
D

DeanH

In the Word Help, see "Require a password to open or modify a file" to see
how to do the file passwords.
Obviously keep a secure record of your passwords.
Beware though, passworded Word files are easily bypassed.
If you need higher protection, consider using an encryption method, usually
a third party software. But then any receiver of your files will need the
same software.
Worms, Can, Open comes to mind.

Password protecting a folder, I have found the following hits:
Windows XP does not have the capability to password-protect
an individual folder. Instead, see the following:

HOW TO: Set the My Documents Folder as "Private" in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;298399&Product=winxp

You Cannot Select the "Make This Folder Private" Option
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307286&Product=winxp

Of course, if you have WinXP Pro, you can encrypt the desired
files/folders.
Best Practices for Encrypting File System
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;223316

The other option is to use WinZIP (http://www.winzip.com/) and create a
password protected
ZIP file.

Hope this helps.
DeanH
 
G

Graham Mayor

Word will only allow documents to be password protected - Tools > Options >
Security. Don't forget the password!!!
Windows XP has no function to password protect folders, though you can setup
user accounts that will limit access to your account.

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


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