How to Lock Files and Folders without any Software

Each one of us must have tried many softwares for locking their private files and folders. Few must have bought a licensed copy of one while others are better of using a free version. However, you can achieve the same level of privacy without any software.

The trick which I am going to tell here will make a virtual folder by the name "Locker" where you can put as many files and folders you want and after locking, this "Locker" folder will disappear.

Here is step-by-step guide to achieve that.

1. Copy the following text file which contains the program code:-

cls
@ECHO OFF
title Folder Locker
if EXIST "Control Panel.{21EC2020- 3AEA-1069- A2DD-08002B30309 D}" goto UNLOCK
if NOT EXIST Locker goto MDLOCKER
:CONFIRM
echo Are you sure u want to Lock the folder(Y/N)
set/p "cho=>"
if %cho%==Y goto LOCK
if %cho%==y goto LOCK
if %cho%==n goto END
if %cho%==N goto END
echo Invalid choice.
goto CONFIRM
:LOCK
ren Locker "Control Panel.{21EC2020- 3AEA-1069- A2DD-08002B30309 D}"
attrib +h +s "Control Panel.{21EC2020- 3AEA-1069- A2DD-08002B30309 D}"
echo Folder locked
goto End
:UNLOCK
echo Enter password to Unlock folder
set/p "pass=>"
if NOT %pass%==type your password here goto FAIL
attrib -h -s "Control Panel.{21EC2020- 3AEA-1069- A2DD-08002B30309 D}"
ren "Control Panel.{21EC2020- 3AEA-1069- A2DD-08002B30309 D}" Locker
echo Folder Unlocked

 successfully
goto
 End
:FAIL
echo Invalid password
goto end
:MDLOCKER
md Locker
echo Locker created successfully
goto End
:End

2. Paste the above code in notepad or create a new text document by right clicking on your desktop and selecting New->Text Document.

3. Replace "type your password here" with your password in the code you just pasted on the notepad. DON'T FORGET THIS.

4. Save the above file as BATCH file (by extension .bat). Choose any filename but make sure that it ends with .bat

(Open My Computer. Goto Tools -> Folder Options -> View. Scroll down and UNCHECK Hide extensions for known file types. Now rename your file with .bat extension)

5. Now you can see a MS-DOS BATCH file you just created. See the picture below:-

6. Double click on it to create a new foldernamed "Locker".

7. Now put all files and folders you want to protect in to this new folder "Locker".

8. Double click that BATCH file again to lock the folder "Locker". It will disappear as soon as it gets locked.

9. If you want to unlock that folder, double click the BATCH file again. You will be prompted for the password, enter the correct password and that folder "Locker" will then be appear which is easily accessible by you.

That's it. You are done. You have just learnt how to protect your important files and folders without any software

Resource: Salmah Pivi @ Respek