How to Password-Protect Files

How to Password-Protect Files on an External Hard Drive

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Protect your external hard drive's contents with a password.

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External hard drives make file storage and transfer easy because of the their ability to mobilize large files and programs. One of the downsides of having an external hard drive, however, is the chance that it could be lost or stolen. When this happens, all of the information on your hard drive could be in jeopardy. To protect your files, put a password onto them with a third-party encryption program for added security.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

* Encryption software (see Resources)

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1.

StorageCrypt

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Connect your external hard drive to your computer through an available USB port.

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Download the StorageCrypt program (see Resources link) and double-click on the icon to launch the program.

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Choose your external hard drive from the "Drives List" on the left side of the software window. Choose your "Encryption Mode" from the right side of the software screen.

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Choose whether you want "Portable Use" with your hard drive.

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Enter your password into the "Enter Password" and "Password Again" boxes. Click the "Encrypt" button to encrypt your hard drive.

TrueCrypt

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Connect your external hard drive to your computer through an available USB port.

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Download and install TrueCrypt (see Resources link). Launch the program by double-clicking the icon.

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Click "Create Volume" at the bottom of the software screen. Click "Create an encrypted file container" in the next screen and then click the "Next" button at the bottom of the software window.

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Click the button next to "Standard TrueCrypt Volume" and then click the "Next" button. Click the "Select File" button on the next screen and choose your external hard drive...