Win XP encryption

[MADDMIMBRENO]

I need some expertise here, I was told that XP has the ability to encrypt the entire harddrive but I have been unable to find any explanation on how to emplement this security. Anyone have an idea or two?

Thanks

[TechGuru]

Correct me if I'm wrong but you should be able to just go into Windows explorer, select the drive>Rt click, properties, Security, and the XP EFS (Encrypted File System) option should be there, or you can use the Cipher command at the command prompt.

C:>cipher c:

Now these options will only work on XP Pro, not Home, and also only if you Partitioned in NTFS and not FAT 32.

You can determine file system by right clicking the drive and selecting propeties

[TechGuru]

I just remembered something, to encrypt an entire drive is

going to make your system run slow as hell (it needs to decrypt the data as you ask for it)

Take approx. 1-2 hours to acclompish (I encrypted my music folder, 1Gb approx, and it took about 10 minutes to pull off)

and pretty senseless considering most system files and application files have absolutely no need, you maybe better to created a folder within your my documents and just p[lace anything sensitive in there and encrypt ht at folder

[Picard]

Originally posted by MADDMIMBRENO
I need some expertise here, I was told that XP has the ability to encrypt the entire harddrive but I have been unable to find any explanation on how to emplement this security. Anyone have an idea or two?

Thanks

It is known in some circles as the "delayed recycle bin," because ultimately, most people end up losing their security certificate and all encryped files become inaccassible. Use this feature at your own risk. You will need the drive(s) formatted as NTFS to use encryption:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;223316&Product=winxp

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308989&Product=winxp

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307877&Product=winxp

[BipolarBill]

I believe that it's best to simply use NTFS and enforce strong passwords. Encrypting an entire drive is madness/paranoid behavior.

[MADDMIMBRENO]

This is what I love, techies that lend an ear and validate.
Thanks people you have confirmed my thoughts and feelings, I knew that it had to be done with NTFS files and would slow the system but nooooo one would listen. So Again many thanks.

:rolleyes:

[Midknyte]

the other problem is that if your OS crashes, you wouldn't be able to retrieve the encrypted data from another system. ntfs permissions should be sufficient.

encryption is kinda like having a gun in the house. you are more likely to cause yourself problems rather than preventing someone from getting your data.

if you want, you could use winzip and put a password on the zipped file.