|
| |
 |
 |
|
EFS - Encrypting File System
If you use Microsoft's Windows 2000, XP Pro, select versions of Vista and use the NTFS file
system you have built in file encryption. The encryption system is called EFS or "encrypting file
system". EFS uses public key encryption to encrypt files and
folders. If you use Windows XP Professional and have SP1 (service patch 1) or later
installed your system encrypts using 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)
encryption. This encryption offers excellent protection and good performance.
|
| |
|
You should not notice the encryption and decryption process unless a folder contains a large
file or many files. Example: You typed a letter disputing a charge made to your charge
card. The letter contains important account information. To protect the information contained
in the letter you saved it into a folder in which you've enabled EFS encryption. When you need
to edit the letter you open it with your word processing program like you normally do. The
typed letter/document is automatically unencrypted and ready to edit.
|
| |
|
If you use EFS avoid encrypting single files and instead encrypt entire
folders/directories. You can then copy, drag and drop or write files into the folder or
sub folders and they will be automatically encrypted.
|
|
|
To encrypt a folder with EFS using Windows XP:
|
|
1) right click on the folder
|
| |
|
Left click on:
|
2) "Properties" from the menu
You will see the file "Properties" dialog box (see image below)
|
| |
|
| |
3) the "Advanced..." button to view the "Advanced Attributes" box
(see image below)
|
| |
|
| |
4) click in the "Encrypt contents to secure data" box located
under "Compress or Encrypt attributes" section of the "Advanced Attributes" dialog
box.
(see image above)
|
| |
3) click "OK" then "Apply"
You will see the "Confirm Attribute Changes" dialog box. (see image below)
|
| |
|
| |
|
I suggest you now choose "Apply changes to this folder, sub folders and files" and
then click "OK" to make the changes permanent. This will automatically encrypt
everything you add to this folder. You will not have to go through this process again
unless you decide to remove the EFS encryption from this folder.
|
| |
|
Depending on the speed of your computer you should not notice a change in it's
performance during encryption or decryption. Unless a folder contains a large file or
many files the encryption and decryption process is transparent to the user. Once the
folder is encrypted it's title will appear in green
to signify it is encrypted.
|
|
|
 |
|
| Copyright © 1995-2008 Advance Computers. All rights reserved. |
