Cannot encrypt a document

HelpneedHelpneed
edited April 2006 in Science & Tech
I would like to encrypt a document in WinXP SP2. But "Encrypt contents to secure data" attribute, in Properties-General tab-Advanced attribute, is grayed out, and I cannot encrypt the document.
I would truly appreciate if anyone would tell me how to enable the encryption feature.

I am awaiting your generous assistance!

Comments

  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited April 2006
    XP home or XP Pro?
  • HelpneedHelpneed
    edited April 2006
    Thank you for your prompt response!
    Home edition.
    Must I alter to Pro in order to enable the feature?

    Thank you.
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited April 2006
    1. The hard disk drive must be formatted in NTFS and not FAT32.
    2. The folder you're attempting to encrypt must be in your own personal folder. For example, if your name is bob, you must be encrypting a folder that is or that is contained within the below folder:

    C:\Documents and Settings\Bob\
  • HelpneedHelpneed
    edited April 2006
    Would you please tell me how to check the format?
  • skankinredskankinred
    edited April 2006
    Go to My Computer and right click on the Hard Drive in question > Properties. At the top under the little picture of a Hard Drive it will say "File system." If it says NTFS you're good to go!
    If not,.......EDITED
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited April 2006
    Using the C:\> CONVERT C: /fs:ntfs method is actually pretty bad for performance, since it makes your ntfs block size fixed at 512 BYTES (not K), which is horrible for performance.

    Secondly, the reason you can't do this is because XP home doesn't do EFS. You need pro for that.
  • skankinredskankinred
    edited April 2006
    Thank god we have primesuspect to save us! I didn't know that. I suppose you could use partition magic to convert it then.
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited April 2006
    You can use Partition Magic to change the block size afterwards, but I would never use PM on a partition with data that was important to me - i've had too many bad experiences :D
  • HelpneedHelpneed
    edited April 2006
    If I were to convert from Home to Pro, do I need to purchase a hard drive to retain the data of current hard drive (laptop)?
    Or could I convert with retaining the data without an extra hard drive?

    If former, which brands would you recommend?
    If latter, would you please teach me how to do so?

    Thank you for your time and support!
  • skankinredskankinred
    edited April 2006
    You can use partition magic to create a partition to store all your data so when you reinstall windows xp pro you can format the main partition to ntfs and your data will be safe on the second parition.
    Although partition magic has messed up sometimes a few times for myself and others, I would reccomend buying an external usb hard drive or a memory stick. How big is all the data you want to back up? You can buy 1gig usb flash sticks for reletively cheap($20-$30) and are easier than carrying around an external drive + a power connector. You don't get as much for your money buying a usb flash stick though. You can always back up to cds/dvds as well.
  • HelpneedHelpneed
    edited April 2006
    I need to backup 15GB data.

    I would deeply appreciate if anyone would introduce me a recommended brand for external USB harddrive w/ 60GB or more.

    Thank you very much!
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