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Ohio State University logo Office of Information Technology Technology Support Center (8help)

Encrypting Files Using Windows XP EFS (Encrypted File System)



Introduction

EFS, the Encrypted File System, is a feature native to Windows XP that can be used to encrypt(or encode) sensitive files so that only you are able to see and access them. Encryption is the strongest form of protection that Windows provides.

After you have encrypted a file, you will still be able to use the file as you were before. However, anyone gaining access to your encrypted files or folders will be prevented from reading them.

Guide

  1. Locate the files you want to encrypt. We recommend that you encrypt folders as opposed to individual files -- any new files you add to this folder will also be encrypted.
  2. Once you have selected the file or folder, right-click on it and select Properties.
  3. In folder properties, select the General tab.
  4. Click the Advanced button in the Attributes section of the General tab.
  5. In the Advanced attributes window there will be 4 check boxes; the bottom one is “Encrypt contents to secure data.” Checking that box, then clicking the "OK" button, encrypts the file or folder.

Warnings

If you copy your files to a CD or flash drive to back them up, they will be decrypted. For instructions on backing up encrypted files, see http://8help.osu.edu/3317.html

If you send encrypted files through e-mail, the copy sent will not be encrypted.

If you are the local administrator of the machine and forget your password, you will be unable to access any encrypted files. If your machine is not part of an office network, assume that you are the local administrator.

If your computer logs onto a domain (if you have access to network drives or a network printer, you are probably on a domain), exercise caution. If a network administrator changes your domain login password for you, you will not be able to access your encrypted files without using your old login password.

In either of the above cases, if you forget your password, you will permanently lose access to your encrypted files.



Current Record: 3315

Create Date: 03-12-2007
Last Reviewed: 02-03-2009
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