The Master Password

When you run Folder Guard for the first time, it prompts you to choose the Master password. This password is used to protect Folder Guard from being used by the unauthorized users: only users who know the Master password can run Folder Guard and change the protection settings of your computer:

You also need to enter this password when you upgrade or uninstall Folder Guard, again, to stop unauthorized users from removing Folder Guard from your computer without your permission. Finally, when you press the hot key or use the Start - All Programs - Folder Guard - Toggle Protection command, you are prompted to enter the Master password, as well.

If you forget the Master password, click on the Forgot your password? link to perform the Emergency Recovery procedure (that is, to erase the password and let you log in to Folder Guard).

Note that Folder Guard uses several other passwords, as well, such as the unlocking passwords that you can use to unprotect specific folders or files. If you forget any of such passwords, simply run Folder Guard and use its commands to set up new passwords for such objects.

When choosing the passwords, keep in mind that the length of a password must be between 1 and 64 characters (at least 6 characters is recommended). Any characters are allowed, including spaces and punctuation. The passwords are case sensitive: If, for example, you have chosen the word Apple as the password, Folder Guard will not accept the words APPLE or apple as the valid passwords.

Note that the passwords used by Folder Guard are stored on your computer in the hashed form only (based on the SHA-1 secure hash algorithm). In other words, it is virtually impossible for someone to discover the text of the passwords by analyzing the contents of your hard drive.