Overview

Folder Lock provides fast data and password protection for Windows systems.  It creates encrypted storage Lockers where you can keep your private files and other data encrypted and password protected.  It can simultaneously encrypt, lock, and password protect files, folders, Flash Drives, and CD-DVD optical media. It is compatible with Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, and Vista (32 & 64 bit versions).

Walk Through Review

Installation – 8

It is a straightforward and easy installation process using the Install wizard.  Installation took less than one minute and is ready to encrypt folders right away.

Features – 7

Folder Lock offers several handy to use features through the main interface.  A handy side screen lists how to execute some of the most common tasks.  What makes Folder Lock unique is the ability to create a custom sized locker where any new documents you put in are protected under the same 256-bit AES Encryption.

Various settings can be changed via the Options tab.  Different settings such as how the applications behaves and downloading updates.  Other settings include Stealth Mode, History Cleaning, and Hack Attempt Monitoring.

Another feature to point out is the ability to manage different lockers such as Renaming, Changing Passwords, Deleting, and increasing locker size.

Also included is a Virtual Keyboard to avoid possible tracking by keyboard loggers.

Other features are being able to email lockers, transfer them to flash drives or other optical media, or place them on a network drive.  The only way they can be opened is if the end user knows the password.  The user trying to open the encrypted locker will need Folder Lock installed on their machine as well.  Protection against Brute Force Cracking with Hack Attempt Monitoring.  It doesn’t save anything to the registry run.  Includes Auto Protect & Shutdown which will shutdown attempts to access the file after 5 incorrect password attempts.

Ease of Use – 7

Using different features in Folder Lock is very easy.  There is a Welcome Screen that pops up every time you launch the application with one click buttons to create a new locker or open an existing one.  This screen can be disabled if you are familiar with the utility.

The first thing to set up in Folder Lock is your password for the new encryption session.  This gives you a password strength meter so you can ensure a strong password.

Now simply browse to the files and / or folders you want to lock down and encrypt.

When you have the files and folders ready to encrypt hit the Encrypt Now button.

A progress screen will open up while the encryption process takes place.

After files are encrypted they will be placed in the target directory as locker01.flk with a safe icon.

To unlock a folder you will need to enter in the appropriate password, choose the locker to extract, then choose a directory to extract the files to.

Then you will get the message showing a successful extraction.

Performance – 7

Folder Lock uses few system resources when running and the interface ran smooth allowing easy use.  It does not need to run constantly in the background after successfully creating encrypted lockers.

Product Support – 7

New Software’s LLC offers several ways to get support for Folder Lock which include an internal user manual, FAQ’s, Knowledgebase, user forum, and a web based form for technical support.

Conclusion

Folder Lock offers an great looking interface making it easy to manage your locked and encrypted folders.  The application takes up few system resources and offers several different features and options.  It offers high quality   256-bit AES Encryption and other secure means of shredding files and shutting down the PC after too many failed password attempts.  If you are on a shared computer and are looking for a good way to secure your data Folder Lock is worth checking out.  They offer a free 30 trial and the cost is $39.95.

Rating

• Installation: 8
• Ease of Use: 7
• Features: 7
• Performance: 7
• Product Support: 7