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How do I make a folder private?

thiagos

thiagos

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 20, 2007
371
0
NYC (Manhattan)
Hello,

I was wondering if it is possible to make a certain folder password protected? If so, how would I do that?

I only want to require password on one specific folder.

Thanks in advance
 
This question pops up a lot.
You can hide a folder from the Finder using Terminal. Google it.
Or you can make an password protected disk image with Disk Utility.
 
You can also just right-click on the folder in question and choose "Get Info" and click the locked button. Now by doing this the only way to keep it private is you have to set up a new user account because the Admin account requires no password to access the locked folder but the second user account requires a password before viewing. If you have others using your computer it's imperative that you have a second user account for limited access.
 
You don't AFAIK, OSX has no password mechanism for folders, other then creating an encrypted password with disk utility.
 
You will need a 3rd party solution
But I don't think any of them are free

Woof, Woof - Dawg
pawprint.gif
 
redwarrior said:
Do you have a reason for not wanting to use Disk Utility?
Click to expand...

The only reasons I can see for not wanting to use disk utility is that a folder has unlimited access to the HD whereas a dmg has to have a set size, and that you have to manually unmount the volume when you want to close it. That second one could be a problem if you are forgetful. I like dmgs because they are easily accessible (in the sidebar) and a little more portable than folders.
 
redwarrior said:
Do you have a reason for not wanting to use Disk Utility?
Click to expand...

For me it would just be easier to have a folder that when double-clicked, asks for a password and then opens. Disk utility is a little more involved than what some people want to get involved with.

I can't believe that an app like this doesn't exist.
 
Not freeware, but this will do it for folders or for an entire disk: http://www.pgp.com/products/wholediskencryption/index.html

Got a laptop or desktop that boots without a password? Got your financial information on it like Quicken? What do you plan to do if it is stolen? I added this software after thinking about it for a few minutes when the neighbors had a break-in and had the computers stolen.
 
tomllama said:
Got a laptop or desktop that boots without a password? Got your financial information on it like Quicken? What do you plan to do if it is stolen? I added this software after thinking about it for a few minutes when the neighbors had a break-in and had the computers stolen.
Click to expand...

Why didn't you just turn on your account password and power down when you went to sleep?
I can't believe that an app like this doesn't exist.
Click to expand...

What's the point of developing an app that more or less duplicates built-in functionality when you could be developing something people would actually buy? If you "can't believe" it doesn't exist, program something yourself.
 
I have an account password. An account password does nothing for an external drive or internal drives once they are stolen and a thief has access.
(I have 4 internal drives and a 5 disk external enclosure)
 
miles01110 said:
What's the point of developing an app that more or less duplicates built-in functionality when you could be developing something people would actually buy? If you "can't believe" it doesn't exist, program something yourself.
Click to expand...

It really doesn't duplicate what is built in. Something like this is asked about by people all the time.

Like I said. A folder/folders that you keep anywhere on your computer that when double-clicked prompts for a password. It is simple and what people are looking for.

For me, the disk utility option isn't what I'm looking for and it's more involved that what I care to deal with. I think it's like that for a lot of people.

Lol, if I had the ability to create such an app I would. I have absolutely no idea how to do something like that. My whole point by saying I can't believe there is no such app is because I've seen many people inquire about such a thing. There's a ton of different apps out there that to me are pointless. I think this one would serve a purpose for most users.
 
marcre said:
It really doesn't duplicate what is built in. Something like this is asked about by people all the time.

Like I said. A folder/folders that you keep anywhere on your computer that when double-clicked prompts for a password. It is simple and what people are looking for.
Click to expand...


...that's exactly what an encrypted disk image does, thus defeating your point.

For me, the disk utility option isn't what I'm looking for and it's more involved that what I care to deal with. I think it's like that for a lot of people.
Click to expand...

It's like that for a lot of people that refuse to try out the obvious solution. It literally takes 30 seconds from start to finish, maybe a minute if you read every word of the instructions.
 
miles01110 said:
...that's exactly what an encrypted disk image does, thus defeating your point.



It's like that for a lot of people that refuse to try out the obvious solution. It literally takes 30 seconds from start to finish, maybe a minute if you read every word of the instructions.
Click to expand...

are you serious? It is nothing like what I described as wanting. Ok, it is an option, but not at all what I described. I use it and like my idea better. It would be a simpler way for the average user and I think it is something a lot of people would use.
 
marcre said:
are you serious? It is nothing like what I described as wanting. Ok, it is an option, but not at all what I described. I use it and like my idea better. It would be a simpler way for the average user and I think it is something a lot of people would use.
Click to expand...

How is it nothing like what you described? I'm willing to bet you haven't even tried it. The image sits wherever you put it on your hard drive, you double click it, it prompts you for a password, and if you enter the password successfully the image opens.

Replace "image" above with "folder" and you have exactly what you describe, almost verbatim.
 
miles01110 said:
How is it nothing like what you described? I'm willing to bet you haven't even tried it. The image sits wherever you put it on your hard drive, you double click it, it prompts you for a password, and if you enter the password successfully the image opens.

Replace "image" above with "folder" and you have exactly what you describe, almost verbatim.
Click to expand...

I just said I use it.

There's two folders though and I'm not sure why it has to be like that. The .dmg that you click to open and then you put in your password and then the disk mounts.. Then you open that. So yea, that is nothing like having a simple folder anywhere you want it that once clicked on it would prompt for a password. Once given it would allow you into the folder.

Another thing I don't like is predetermining a size for the folder. Yea, if you want it bigger you could trash it and start over, but still, it is another difference.

I know it allows people to come close to what was being asked for, but it's not the same thing. I just happened to wonder why nothing exists as the way I described it. Considering all the stuff people create, I'm shocked it doesn't exist.

The Disk Utility option isn't difficult, but at the end of the day I'm not a fan of it. I make it work, but wish there was a more elegant solution.
 
Password Protect Files or Folders - Here are Instructions

You can password protect your files.

Go to:

Save As
When Window opens click on "Options" lower left hand corner of box.
Click on Security from the list on the left
Enter password and you've protected anyone from viewing that file. Just don't forget your password or your out of luck.

:)
 
Graceful585 said:
You can password protect your files.

Go to:

Save As
When Window opens click on "Options" lower left hand corner of box.
Click on Security from the list on the left
Enter password and you've protected anyone from viewing that file. Just don't forget your password or your out of luck.

:)
Click to expand...

This only works with applications that support it.

The files are still visible even if you password protect them.
 
  • Free:
    1. Disk Utility
    2. TrueCrypt
    3. Cryptor

  • Not free:
    1. Knox
    2. Espionage
[there are probably more, if you look around]
 
old-wiz said:
This only works with applications that support it.

The files are still visible even if you password protect them.
Click to expand...


How are the files still visible??? I put passwords on my Word documents so I'm curious. You need the password to open up the document...guess I'm not following????
 
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