Windows XP Encryption

From ITS Wiki - Information Technology Services - University of Rhode Island

Windows XP Professional comes installed with the Encrypting File System (EFS) feature to encrypt stored files.

Note: You cannot encrypt files or folders on a volume that uses the FAT file system, nor gain access to encrypted files from Macintosh client computers.

Instructions

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer.
2. Locate the file that you want, right click the file, and then click Properties.
3. On the General tab, click Advanced.
4. Under Compress or Encrypt attributes, select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box, and then click OK.
5. Click OK. If the file is located in an unencrypted folder, you receive an Encryption Warning dialog box.
   • To encrypt the file and the folder in which it is located, click Encrypt the file and the parent folder, and then click OK.
   • To encrypt only the file, click Encrypt the file only, and then click OK.

External Links

• Backing Up EFS Encryption Keys

• Microsoft Encryption Guide

• Removing Encryption