This method works, but unfortunately compression software can open the file without the password.

Also, you can try creating a new user account. When it asks "Make files and folders private?" click Yes, make private. Name the new user account anything using NO spaces/uppercase letters, but not something like "privatefiles" or something like that.

Try accessing the files in C:\Documents and Settings\<<username>>. You cannot open the folder.

Now to ensure that user is always hidden in My Computer, click Start > Run.

1. Type in command.com. This should bring up a black window that allows you to type a command in the prompt line.
2. Type cd \
3. Type in chdir docume~1
4. Enter the command: attrib -a +h <<username>> OR attrib -a +r +h <<username>>. The +r will make the folder read-only, if someone ever finds it.
5. Press Enter if you didn't already.
6. Ensure the folder is hidden by typing in dir.
7. Check to see if the folder is listed in the directory listing.
8. Type exit to close the window.
9. Open Windows Explorer (My Computer) and go to C:\Documents and Settings\.
10. See if the folder is visible there. If it is, hide hidden/system files using View > Folder Options.

*** NOTICE: In step 3, you can also put in a +s parameter. That will deter people from deleting the folder. However, if you do this, a +r is highly recommended.

To take extra precautions, do this also:

1. Bring up the command prompt again.
2. Repeat steps 2 and 3 above.
3. Before continuing on, type in attrib -r <<username>>. Do this or else you cannot access the attributes of the contents inside the folder.
4. Type in chdir .\<<username>>.
5. Hide and immobilize the files by typing in attrib -a +s +h *.*. You can throw in a +r if you want the files to be read only.
6. Ensure file invisibility by typing in dir.
7. The only listings should be . and ..
8. Now type in cd \.
9. Type in chdir docume~1
10. Enter the command: attrib +r -a +s +h <<username>>. All parameters are necessary because this section is called "extra precaution".
11. Type in exit to quit the command prompt.
12. Try using Windows Explorer to hack into the folder.

The only way to access these files is to log onto the correct user account in the Welcome to Windows screen. Make a password reset disk and lock it up in case you forget the password.

Last steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Open up the User Accounts box.
3. Click on Change the way users log on or off.
4. Disable the Welcome screen.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Start > Log off.
7. Log back on using the box.

You NEED to do this because if you don't, <<username>> will appear on the Welcome screen and will make people suspicious. You may need to instruct family members, etc to use the logon box instead of the Welcome screen.

This was my first tutorial. If you like it, reply below.