The software described in this guide is furnished under a license agreement and may be used only in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The names of companies, products, people, characters, and/or data mentioned herein are fictitious and are in no way intended to represent any real individual, company, product, or event, unless otherwise noted. Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of WinAbility Software Corporation. WinAbility Software Corporation may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from WinAbility Software Corporation, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.

NO WARRANTY

The technical information in this document is provided AS-IS and WinAbility Software Corporation makes no warranty as to its accuracy or use. Any use of the information contained herein is at the risk of the user. This document may include technical or other inaccuracies or typographical errors.

Copyright Notice

© 2008 WinAbility Software Corporation. All rights reserved.

Trademarks

WinAbility, WinAbility.Com, MySecretFolder, and "The Way Software Should Be!" are either registered trademarks or trademarks of WinAbility Software Corporation and/or its suppliers in the U.S.A. and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned in this document may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.

Thank you for choosing MySecretFolder!

MySecretFolder™ is a software utility that you can use to protect a folder with your personal files and documents from other users of your computer:

To use MySecretFolder software, simply decide which folder on your hard drive should be your secret folder (that is, the folder where you want to store your personal files and documents away form other users), and tell MySecretFolder software how you want your secret folder to be protected.

With MySecretFolder you can:

Hide your secret folder

You can make your private folder on the hard drive invisible to other users. The folder would be hidden from virtually all programs, including Windows Explorer, Office, MS-DOS programs, etc. You can make the folder visible by unprotecting it with your password; other users would be unable to do that without knowing the correct password.

Lock your personal folder with a password

Instead of hiding a folder, you could tell MySecretFolder software to protect your private folder with a password. That is, the folder would be visible to you and other users, but when someone attempts to open it, a password prompt would be displayed. Without the correct password, the folder would remain inaccessible.

Protection without encryption

MySecretFolder protects your private files without encrypting them. It means that there is no danger of losing your documents if you lose your encryption key: with MySecretFolder all your files are kept intact, without modification of any kind.

Quickly open the protected folder via a "hot key"

You can choose a specific keyboard combination as the hot key of MySecretFolder, for quick access to the protected folder and to MySecretFolder configuration utility. Of course, the "hot key" is protected with your password, too, only you can use it!

Optional "stealth mode" of operation

You can set up MySecretFolder to operate in the stealth mode, to hide its own files and shortcuts from being seen by other users. You would still be able to control MySecretFolder via the "hot key".

Easy recovery in case of emergency

If you forget your password, or experience other problems, simply use the Emergency Recovery Utility (available for free download from our web site) to quickly restore access to your protected folder.

And more!

You can change the options of MySecretFolder to make it operate exactly the way you want it to. If you have not done so yet, visit our web site now and download a free no-strings-attached-no-obligation evaluation version of MySecretFolder and see for yourself how MySecretFolder can be of use to you:

Note: MySecretFolder software can protect the secret folder from the prying eyes of most Windows users. This protection, however, is not intended to withstand attack by anyone who has sufficient time and expertise.

MySecretFolder is currently available in the following editions:

MySecretFolder 32-bit Edition
for Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (32-bit)

This edition is for the 32-bit versions of Windows such as Vista, XP, Server (all 32-bit editions). It is also backward compatible with Windows 2000. This edition cannot be used with Windows 95, 98, Me, or Windows NT 4.0 or any other older version of Windows.

MySecretFolder x64 Edition
for Windows Vista, XP x64 (64-bit)

This edition is for the 64-bit versions of Windows such as Windows Vista or XP x64 (all 64-bit editions). This edition cannot be used with any of the 32-bit versions of Windows.

Version 4.32 (January 5, 2008)


Version 4.31 (February 28, 2007)

  • The Forgot your password link has been added to the password prompts, make it easier to start the Emergency Recovery procedure in case you forget your password.

  • A minor problem has been corrected that prevented the stealth mode from being fully enabled on the computers running Windows Vista.

Version 4.3 (January 25, 2007)

  • Compatibility with Windows Vista has been implemented.

  • Several minor improvements and corrections have been made.

Version 4.21 (July 31, 2006)

  • Several minor improvements and corrections have been made.

Version 4.2 (April 22, 2006)

  • A problem has been corrected that caused a computer lock-up in some situations.

  • Several other minor improvements and corrections have been made.

Version 4.1 (March 18, 2006)

  • A minor problem has been corrected that caused the hot key prompt to ignore the Don't ask for password when locking the folder option.

  • A minor problem has been corrected that caused several registry entries related to MySecretFolder to remain in the registry even after the product has been uninstalled.

Version 4.0 (March 12, 2006)

  • A new x64 Edition of MySecretFolder has been released.

  • A new option to display a message asking to lock the unlocked folder back when closing the folder's window.

  • A new option to lock the secret folder without asking for the password.

  • The password prompts are now protected from the key-logging utilities.

  • The automatic check for updates has been implemented.

  • Several other minor improvements and corrections have been made.

Version 3.0 (May 23, 2004)

The first release of MySecretFolder, based on the previously published utility Folder Guard Lite.

MySecretFolder 32-bit Edition is designed for the 32-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista and similar versions of Windows (such as Windows Server, Windows Media Center Edition, etc.). It is also backward compatible with Windows 2000. MySecretFolder 32-bit is NOT compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, Windows NT 4.0 or any older version of Windows.

MySecretFolder x64 Edition is for the x64 versions of Windows Vista and XP. MySecretFolder x64 is NOT compatible with the 32-bit versions of Windows.

There are no special requirements or recommendations except the obvious one: the better processor and more RAM your computer has, the better MySecretFolder will perform.

  • Login to Windows as the administrator, or as a power user. If you login as a regular or limited user, you may not be able to install or use this software.

  • To begin the installation, simply run the installation file. If you do not have the installation file, please visit our web site to download the latest version:

    http://www.winability.com/download/

  • Note that if you have a previous version of this software already installed on your computer, the installation utility may prompt you to restart the computer, in order to be able to replace the files currently in use by Windows.

  • The installation program will walk you through the process of setting up MySecretFolder. You will be prompted to read and accept the End User License Agreement, and to select the installation options such as the folder where to copy the files.

  • After you press the Finish button, the installation program will copy the files into the specified folder and configure Windows for using MySecretFolder.

  • IMPORTANT: Make a backup copy of the installation file of MySecretFolder that you have downloaded from our web site, as well as a copy of the message with your license key, on a floppy or other removable disk, because if you ever need to reinstall the software, you will need both, the installation file and your licensing information to install the program in the fully-licensed mode. It's not enough to store the files on your hard disk, because when (not if) it crashes, you will lose the files. (Yes, hard disks do crash, believe us!) We provide for download from our web site the latest versions of the installation files only. When we release an updated version, we remove the older version from the download area, so the installation file with the version that you have purchased may not be available for download in the future. Remember, it's your responsibility to backup your important files! If you do misplace your license key or the installation file that we no longer offer for download, please use this link to order a replacement:

    http://www.winability.com/lost_file_or_key/

To completely uninstall MySecretFolder, it's not enough to simply delete its program files from the installation folder. To completely remove MySecretFolder from your computer, follow the instructions below.

IMPORTANT: If your computer is configured for several user accounts, login into the same user account that you were logged in when you installed MySecretFolder. If you use Windows XP Fast User Switching, log off from all other accounts before trying to uninstall MySecretFolder.

NOTE: If you have enabled the stealth mode of operation of MySecretFolder, press the hot key combination and choose to unprotect the folder before continuing.

Method 1

Click on the Start button at the bottom of your screen, choose Programs - MySecretFolder - Uninstall from the menu, and follow the instructions.

Method 2

Open Windows Control Panel, open the Add/Remove Programs item and use it to uninstall MySecretFolder.

You will need to enter your Master Password before the uninstaller utility would let you proceed. This is necessary to protect MySecretFolder from being removed by unauthorized users. If you forget your password, use the Emergency Recovery Utility to reset it.

You may also be prompted to restart your computer, in order to deactivate MySecretFolder and release the files that are currently in use by Windows, before the uninstallation can be performed.

You can use MySecretFolder for the first 30 days FREE OF CHARGE, with no strings attached and absolutely no obligation to purchase anything!

During the 30 Free Days the operation of the software is not limited in any way, it is 100% functional. We make the software work without limitations so you can have a real look at it and decide whether or not it fits your needs. The only difference in the operation of the software during the free days is the Welcome screen that may be shown when you start MySecretFolder:

Please remember that MySecretFolder is NOT free or public domain software. It is free for the first 30 days only. If you want to use the software after that, you must either purchase a license for continued use of the program, or uninstall MySecretFolder from your computer. For the complete terms of use, please refer to file License.txt that is installed along with other files of MySecretFolder.

Related topics:

We accept all major credit cards, and we also offer many other payment options: USPS and International Money Orders, American Express Money Orders, wire and bank transfers, WesternUnion and MoneyGram transfers, and more.

Simply visit one of our web sites listed below, click on the Purchase or Buy Now link, and it will take you directly to our secure online store, where you can see the latest pricing and discount information, our money-back guarantee, privacy policy, and other related information:

We provide free upgrades to the updated versions of the same product that we may release within one year from the date of your purchase. For example, if you have purchased your license in March 2010, you may use that license key for all updated versions of the same product that we may release during the next year, up to March 2011 (both minor and major upgrades are covered by this offer). In other words, within one year after the purchase you get all upgrades to the product free of any charges.

After that, if you would like to upgrade to a newer version, you will be able to do so after purchasing a discounted upgrade license. (Of course, you are in no way obligated to upgrade to the new versions: you may continue using the version that you have purchased for as long as you like, if it works for you well enough, without paying any additional upgrade fees!)

Please visit our web sites for the latest information:

MySecretFolder can check for the updates for you, either manually or automatically:

You can choose how often you want MySecretFolder to remind you to check for the updates (daily, weekly, monthly, or never). You can also set up MySecretFolder to check for the updates automatically, without asking you.

Note that you may need to configure your firewall, anti-virus, and/or anti-spyware software to allow MySecretFolder to connect to the Internet, otherwise it may not be able to receive the information about the updates.

Related topics:

We provide free online support to the licensed customers through our web site. The prospective customers evaluating the software are welcome to use our support area, too. Before requesting technical or customer support, however, please check out this manual, it may already contains the answer to your question. In particular, be sure to look through the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section of this guide.

Please DO NOT send us email messages, because due to the spam, worms, and spyware problems the reliability of email has diminished greatly in the last few years. The email messages that you send us often do not arrive, and if they do, our replies are often get blocked by your anti-spam or anti-virus software, causing frustration and unnecessary delays in communication.

Please visit our web site to request technical or customer support:

To protect your secret folder from other users, first you need to use the configuration utility of MySecretFolder software to designate the folder you want to be secret. You can run the configuration utility by choosing the Start - All Programs - MySecretFolder command, or by using the shortcuts created during the installation on Start menu and/or Desktop:

To designate a folder as the secret folder, select it in the Which folder do you want to be secret? area. If the folder you want to protect is not listed, press the Browse button to locate the folder on your hard disk.

Note that only the "real folders" that actually exist on your hard drive and can hold files and documents can be protected with MySecretFolder. You cannot protect the "virtual" folders (such as Control Panel or My Network Places, or other such folders) with MySecretFolder. Also note that only one folder at a time can be made secret: if you designate a different folder to be protected with MySecretFolder software, the previously protected folder will become unprotected, until you select it again in the Path to your secret folder list.

Having designated a folder to protect with MySecretFolder software, you can also choose the method you want the folder to be protected: you can select to either Hide the folder or Lock the folder with password.

If you choose the Hide the folder method, the secret folder you have selected above will become completely hidden: if someone were to browse your computer with Windows Explorer, or with another program, he or she would not see your secret folder in the list of folders on your computer. The hidden folder would not appear if the user were using the Save As or Open commands, or if s/he were examining the hard drive with the command line prompt of Windows. For all practical purposes your secret folder would not exist for other users while it is protected by MySecretFolder software. How to remove the protection from the hidden folder and make it visible again? Very easy: by running the configuration utility of MySecretFolder software and pressing the Unprotect button, shown on the image above. To speed up this process, you can also set up a hot key and press it to quickly protect and unprotect your secret folder.

If you select the Lock the folder with password method, the secret folder you have chosen above will remain visible, but an attempt to open it will result in a password prompt shown on the screen. Only if you (or someone else who knows the password) enter the correct password, the folder would open in a window. Note that the password prompt can be displayed only if you open the folder in a usual way, by double-clicking on it on the Desktop, or in a Windows Explorer window, or while using the Save As or Open commands. If you attempt to open the folder via a shortcut, or via a menu command, or using some other method, then the Access denied (or similar) message will be shown, without displaying the password prompt. To be able to quickly open the folder in such a case, you may want to set up a hot key, and press the hot key combination to quickly display the password prompt.

Note that to actually start protecting your secret folder, you need to press the Protect button. If you turn the protection on, it will remain in effect even after you close the configuration utility, or restart the computer. To unprotect the folder for your own use, you can press the hot key, or use the taskbar icon menu, or run the configuration utility of MySecretFolder software and press the Unprotect button. The folder will remain unprotected until you protect it again.

Note: MySecretFolder software can protect the secret folder from the prying eyes of most Windows users. This protection, however, is not intended to withstand attack by anyone who has sufficient time and expertise.

You can use the Passwords page of MySecretFolder configuration utility to change the Master Password of MySecretFolder, or to set up the Unlocking Password:

You can use the Options command to set up additional restrictions to your computer or fine-tune the way MySecretFolder operates.

This window contains the following options:

  • Use the following hotkey combination

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to use the keyboard combination you have entered in the box below it as the hot key.

  • Show icon on taskbar

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to display an icon on the system area of the Windows task bar (near the clock).

  • Flash icon while folder is unprotected

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to periodically flash the image of the taskbar icon to indicate that the secret folder is currently unprotected.

  • Hide icon when the folder is protected

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to hide the taskbar icon when the secret folder is protected. You may want to check this option if you don't want other users to see the icon while they use your computer.

  • Use low-color image for the icon

    This option causes MySecretFolder to display a low-color icon on the taskbar. You may want to use this option if your version of Windows does not display the high-color image of the icon correctly.

  • Add these commands to the icon's menu

    You can use these options to specify which commands should be shown on the menu of the taskbar icon (that is, the menu that is displayed next to the icon when you click it with the mouse). If you don't select any commands to be displayed on the menu icon's menu, then the menu will not be shown at all, and the icon can only be used as an indicator of the status of the folder protection, assuming you have enabled the appropriate options listed above.

  • Operate in the "stealth" mode

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder protect your secret folder in the stealth mode. You may want to enable this option if you don't want other users to discover MySecretFolder files on your computer.

    IMPORTANT! Be sure to set up the hot key before enabling the stealth mode, because without the hot key you would have no means of accessing the commands of MySecretFolder or its configuration utility! If you forget your hot key combination or your password, use the Emergency Recovery Utility to gain access to your secret folder. More information on using the stealth mode...

  • Lock MySecretFolder Help files

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to restrict access to its Help file and other documentation files (such as Readme.txt) when protecting your secret folder. You may want to enable this option if you don't want other users to read the Help file of MySecretFolder. The access to the Help file is restored when you unprotect the secret folder.

  • Show "Access denied" message instead of password prompt

    This option has an effect only when you select the protection method Lock the folder with password for your secret folder. If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder NOT to prompt for the password when someone attempts to open the protected folder. You may want to enable this option if you don't want other users to discover that the folder is protected with MySecretFolder. You would still be able to unlock the folder by entering its password with the hot key, or with the taskbar icon of MySecretFolder.

  • Prompt to lock the secret folder when closing it

    This option has an effect only when you select the protection method Lock the folder with password for your secret folder. If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to prompt you to lock the secret folder when you close the window that you used to open the secret folder:

    If you press Yes, the secret folder will be locked, and if you attempt to open it again, you will need to enter your password to do that. If you press No, the window will close but the secret folder will remain unlocked. To lock it after that, use the hot key or the taskbar icon menu. If you press Cancel, the window will remain on the screen and the folder will remain unlocked until you attempt to close the window again.

  • Lock the secret folder automatically when closing it

    This option has an effect only when you select the protection method Lock the folder with password for your secret folder. If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to lock the secret folder automatically for you when you close the window that you used to open the secret folder. This option has the same effect as if you have pressed the Yes button on the prompt shown above.

  • Don't ask for password when locking the folder

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to NOT to display a password prompt when you lock the folder. If this option is not checked, the password prompt is shown both when you unlock and lock the secret folder.

  • Protect the driver from Task Manager

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to protect itself from being shut down by Windows Task Manager. You may want to enable this option if you don't want other users to be able to use Task Manager to disrupt the operation of MySecretFolder.

  • Protect password prompts from the "password stealers"

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to protect its password prompts from the software viruses that silently extract the passwords from the boxes where you enter them. This option is enabled by default. If you disable this option, then MySecretFolder uses the regular password boxes without any special protection. More information...

  • Clean the system history lists

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to remove references to the secret folder from the list of the recently used documents and programs, displayed by Windows on Start menu. You may want to enable this option if you don't want other users to be able to see the traces of your private documents on Start menu.

  • Add the Lock/Unlock commands to the shortcut menu

    This option has effect only when you select the protection method Lock the folder with password for your secret folder. If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to add the Protect or Unprotect commands to the shortcut menu that appears when you right-click on the secret folder with the mouse. When you choose the Protect or Unprotect command from the shortcut menu, the same password prompt would appear as if you would have pressed the hot key or used the Open command of the taskbar icon of MySecretFolder. You may want to disable this option if you don't want other users to see the commands on the shortcut menu and discover that the folder is protected with MySecretFolder. Note that if you enable the stealth mode, the Unprotect command may not be shown on the shortcut menu even if you select the Add commands to folder's shortcut menu option.

  • Show the "splash screen" on start

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to display its "splash screen" when you run the program. Clear this option if you don't want the "splash screen" to be shown.

  • Check for software updates automatically

    If checked, this option causes MySecretFolder to periodically connect to our web site to check for the availability of a newer version. If this option is not selected, then MySecretFolder will display a message reminding you to check for the updates manually.

  • Enable protection in the "safe mode"

    Click here for information on configuring MySecretFolder to protect your secret folder in the "safe mode".

If you don't want other users to see the files of MySecretFolder present on your computer, you can configure MySecretFolder to operate in the "stealth mode". To enable or disable this mode, run the configuration utility of MySecretFolder, select the Options page, and use the Operate in the "stealth mode" option.

When you enable the stealth mode, then in addition to protecting your secret folder, MySecretFolder will also do the following:

  • Hide the shortcut to MySecretFolder configuration utility, if it appears on Windows Start menu. Note that only the shortcut that appears in the top portion of Start menu (or, if you use Windows XP, in the top portion of Start - All Programs menu), as created by MySecretFolder installation utility, gets hidden in the stealth mode. If you move the shortcut to some other location, or rename it, it will NOT be hidden in the stealth mode.

  • Hide the group of MySecretFolder shortcuts that are installed on the Start - Programs (or Start - All Programs) menu by the installation utility of MySecretFolder. Note that if you move or rename this group of shortcuts, it will NOT be hidden in the stealth mode.

  • Hide the shortcut to MySecretFolder configuration utility, if it appears on Windows Desktop. Note that if you move the shortcut to some other location, or rename it, it will NOT be hidden in the stealth mode.

  • Hide MySecretFolder from the Add/Remove Programs command of Windows Control Panel. This way, other users would not be able to see the presence of MySecretFolder in the list of the programs installed on your computer.

  • Hide the installation folder of MySecretFolder. This way, other users would not be able to see or disrupt the operation of MySecretFolder by deleting its files.

    IMPORTANT: Unlike other items listed above, the installation folder of MySecretFolder becomes actually hidden only after a user logs on to Windows. (It is necessary to keep the installation folder visible until the user has logged on, because otherwise the hotkey component of MySecretFolder cannot initialize properly.) When the user logs on to Windows, the installtion folder of MySecretFolder becomes hidden, and it remains hidden until the user logs off. This should not be a problem if your computer is not on a network, but if it is connected to a network, and the installation folder of MySecretFolder is located on a shared drive, then a network user may discover it while browsing the shared drive when no user has logged on to it, or after the user has logged off, but the computer has not been shut down. To avoid such a possibility, do not install MySecretFolder on a shared drive.

    Another situation that you should keep in mind could occur if you use Fast User Switching facility of Windows XP. After the first user logs on to Windows, the installation folder of MySecretFolder becomes hidden, and if another user logs on to Windows as well, the hotkey of MySecretFolder will not be available for the second user. If the first user logs off while the second user is still logged on, the installation folder of MySecretFolder becomes visible, and the second user may discover its existance, by browsing the hard drive of the computer. To avoid such a situation, disable Fast User Switching, to make sure that only one user can be logged on to Windows at any given time.

Note:

You may have some third-party software installed on your computer that takes a relatively long time to initialize. (For example, some anti-virus programs are known to do that.) Such programs may cause Windows to delay the loading of the MySecretFolder's driver, which in turn may cause the stealth mode not to become effective until a few seconds after the Desktop appears on the screen. As a result, the shortcuts to MySecretFolder may still be visible for a short period of time, after the user starts working with Windows, before the stealth mode of MySecretFolder begins to operate and hides the shortcuts. If this problem occurs on your computer, simply delete the shortcuts to MySecretFolder from the Desktop and/or Start Menu, and use the hot key combination to control MySecretFolder instead of the shortcuts.

Important:

Since all files and shortcuts to MySecretFolder are hidden in the stealth mode, you cannot use them to run MySecretFolder configuration utility or to unprotect your secret folder! The only way to control MySecretFolder in the stealth mode is by pressing the hot key combination. Be sure to set up the hot key before you enable the stealth mode, otherwise you will lock yourself out of the program. (If that happens, use the Emergency Recovery Utility to restore control of MySecretFolder.)

MySecretFolder can protect its passwords from malicious programs that intercept passwords by "stealing" the text you enter into the password prompts. You can enable or disable this protection by changing the Protect password prompts from the "password stealers" option. This option is enabled by default.

When this option is enabled, MySecretFolder provides a visual indicator of the protection from the password stealers by showing the diagonal lines in the background of the password entry box:

When the anti-stealer protection is enabled, MySecretFolder takes measures to stop the password stealers from obtaining the text of the password that you have entered into the password prompt. Keep in mind that such a protection is not absolute: for example, a spyware could install a dedicated device driver for your keyboard and intercept the keystrokes even before they reach the password prompt. The best way to ensure you are protected from such threats is to have a dedicated anti-virus/anti-spyware software installed and keep it up to date. The protection provided by MySecretFolder should only be considered as a secondary (not the primary) line of defense.

Note also that MySecretFolder protects from the password stealers only its own passwords, when you enter them into the password prompts displayed by MySecretFolder itself. If you enter a password into any other program, or into a web page, MySecretFolder does not perform any special protection of such a password. This is yet another good reason to keep your anti-virus software enabled and not to rely on MySecretFolder alone to keep your passwords safe from spyware.

There may be a situation when the protection from the password stealers may interfere with other password tools you may be using. For example, if you use a software tool or a fingerprint reader that fills out the password forms for you automatically, then such a tool may not be able to enter your MySecretFolder password for you. In this causes a problem, you can choose to either enter your MySecretFolder password manually, or disable the Protect password prompts from the "password stealers" option to turn off such a protection. If the anti-stealer protection is disabled, MySecretFolder uses the regular password prompt boxes (without the diagonal lines in the background) when you are entering its passwords:

You can use the Options page of the MySecretFolder configuration utility to set up a "hot key" for quick access to MySecretFolder operations.

If you have enabled the hot key, then whenever you press the hotkey combination, you will be prompted for the Unlocking password, and, if you enter the password correctly, one of the following windows will be shown on the screen:

If the protection is in effect, the following window is displayed:

This window offers you several options for unprotecting the folder, as well as to run the configuration utility of MySecretFolder. If you press Cancel, the window will be closed leaving your secret folder protected, as it was before you've pressed the hot key combination.

If the protection is not in effect when you press the hotkey combination, then the following window is displayed:

This window lets you enable the protection of your secret folder, or run the configuration utility of MySecretFolder. If you press Cancel, the window will be closed leaving the protection disabled.

You can use the Options page of the configuration utility to install or remove the MySecretFolder taskbar icon, as well as to select the commands to appear on the menu when you click on the taskbar icon:

You may want to install such an icon to serve as a visual indicator of the status of the protection of your secret folder: you can make the icon blink periodically when the folder is not protected, and you can also set up the icon to be hidden when the folder is protected.

Another use for the icon can be for a quick access to the commands to unprotect and open your secret folder, or to run the configuration utility of MySecretFolder.

You can control the protection of your secret folder by running the file MSF.exe with an appropriate command line switch from the following list:

/PROTECT

Prompts for the Unlocking Password, and, if the password is entered correctly, causes MySecretFolder to start protecting your secret folder, and display a confirmation message. If the folder is already protected, the command has no effect.

/PROTECT_SILENT

Has the same effect as /PROTECT, except that it does not display the confirmation message. (The password prompt is still displayed.)

/UNPROTECT

Prompts for the Unlocking Password, and, if the password is entered correctly, causes MySecretFolder to stop protecting your secret folder, and display a confirmation message. If the folder is already unprotected, the command has no effect.

/UNPROTECT_SILENT

Has the same effect as /UNPROTECT, except that it does not display the confirmation message. (The password prompt is still displayed.)

/TOGGLE

If the secret folder is unprotected when you execute this command, it has the same effect as the /PROTECT command; if the secret folder is protected, it has the same effect as the /UNPROTECT command.

/TOGGLE_SILENT

Has the same effect as /TOGGLE, except that it does not display the confirmation messages.

Notes:

The command line switches listed above are NOT case-sensitive. For example, /PROTECT, /Protect, and /protect all have the same effect. Only one of the switches may be specified in the command line in any given instance. If you include more than one switch, both of them are ignored. If you MSF.exe (or, if you use Windows x64, MSF64.exe) without any command line switch, it will run the configuration utility of MySecretFolder.

Example: to create a shortcut that protects or unprotects your secret folder, in turn, every time you run the shortcut, create a Windows shortcut, as usual, and enter the following command line into its properties:

If you use Windows Vista/XP/2000 (32-bit):

"C:\Program Files\WinAbility\MySecretFolder XP\MSF.exe" /TOGGLE

If you use Windows Vista/XP x64 (64-bit):

"C:\Program Files\WinAbility\MySecretFolder x64\MSF64.exe" /TOGGLE

(Assuming that you have installed MySecretFolder into its default folder). Note the quotes around the path to the MSF.exe (or MSF64.exe) file, as well as a space character in front of the /TOGGLE switch.

Please refer to Windows Help for more information about the shortcuts and using the command lines.

The Emergency Recovery Utility is a small program that can help you restore control of MySecretFolder if you ever forget its Master Password or the hotkey combination. It is especially important to have the Emergency Recovery Utility available if you are going to configure MySecretFolder to operate in the stealth mode, because if you forget the hot key combination or if the hot key stops functioning for some other reason, you will have no way of disabling the protection or opening the MySecretFolder configuration utility without the Emergency Recovery Utility!

In order to be able to use the Emergency Recovery Utility, you need to create it first. When you run the MySecretFolder configuration utility for the first time after installing MySecretFolder, the following prompt to create the Emergency Recovery Utility is displayed automatically for you:

You can also open this window by using the Options command of MySecretFolder configuration utility and pressing the Create the Emergency Recovery Utility on the Options window.

To actually create the Emergency Recovery Utility, press the Create... button on the window shown above, and then navigate to the folder where you want to store the file of the Emergency Recovery Utility. This should be a folder separate from the installation folder of MySecretFolder, because when the stealth mode is enabled, the installation folder will be hidden from you, and you will not be able to run the Emergency Recovery Utility from it! A better choice would be to store the file on a floppy or some other removable disk, and store that disk in a safe location.

The Emergency Recovery Utility is also available for free download from our web site:

You may find this option useful if you cannot locate the copy of the Emergency Recovery Utility that you yourself have created as described above. However, even though we make the Emergency Recovery Utility available for download from our web site, we still strongly recommend to create and store a local copy of it by yourself, because when the need to use the emergency recovery procedure arises, you may not have handy access to the Internet available to download the file from our web site.

To use the Emergency Recovery Utility, simply locate and run the file you have previously created with the Create the Emergency Recovery Utility command described above. If the utility detects that a copy of MySecretFolder is operating on your computer, and the protection is in effect, it first asks you to enter your password as you would normally do when you need to disable the protection:

If you no longer remember your password, you can click on the Forgot your password link to beging the Emergency Recovery procedure. First, it asks you to enter your licensing information into the form:

If you have not purchased a license yet, and your copy of MySecretFolder is operating in the evaluation mode, simply press the Continue button, and it will perform the Emergency Recovery procedure: the Master Password will be erased, and the protection of your secret folder will be disabled.

If you don't want anyone to be able to use the Emergency Recovery Utility to erase your password and disable the protection, simply purchase a license for continued use of MySecretFolder, and enter your license key into the program. This way, only you will be able to use the Emergency Recovery Utility, since it will not proceed unless a valid license key is entered into it first.

Does MySecretFolder require product activation?

No, MySecretFolder does not require product activation. You only need to enter your license key into the program after you have purchased a license for its continued use, that's all. You can reinstall the software and enter your license key in it whenever you want, any number of times (assuming you are not installing the product on more computers than included in your license, of course).

How do I enter the License Key?

MySecretFolder prompts you to enter your license key when you run it: simply press the Enter License Key button on the Welcome screen and enter your licensing information into the form.

Alternatively, you can run MySecretFolder, choose the Help - About command, and click on the Enter License Key button.

IMPORTANT: When entering your licensing information, make sure you enter your name and the license key exactly as they are shown on your license certificate, including all capitalization and punctuation. Otherwise, MySecretFolder may not accept the license key or may not register your information properly. You may wish to copy and paste the name and key from our message into the form, to avoid typos.

What happens when the evaluation period expires?

This software comes with a built-in license that allows you to use it for free for the first 30 days after the installation. When this initial evaluation period expires, MySecretFolder continues to operate as usual, except that it starts to display a reminder message informing you that the evaluation period has expired.

Note that if another user is using your computer while the reminder message is displayed, the user can click on the message and that would disable the protection of your secret folder. To prevent other users from being able to access your protected files, please purchase a license for the continued use before the expiration of your evaluation period.

Can I use the same license key to install MySecretFolder on several computers?

Yes, you can use the same license key, provided that you are installing it on no more computers than included in your license. Please refer to the file License.txt (installed along with other files of MySecretFolder) for the detailed description of the terms of using this software on more than one computer. For information on our site license and quantity discounts, please visit our Online Store.

I've lost MySecretFolder password. What should I do?

If you have lost the Master Password of MySecretFolder, you can reset it by running the Emergency Recovery Utility.

If you have forgotten an unlocking password for a folder, or some other password used by Folder Guard, simply run MySecretFolder and use its appropriate command to set up a new password.

Will MySecretFolder encrypt my files?

No, MySecretFolder does NOT encrypt or otherwise modify your files in ANY WAY. MySecretFolder protects your files dynamically, that is, it intercepts requests from other programs to open files or list the contents of folders, and then rejects such requests for the files in the folder you have chosen to protect. The files and folders themselves remain undisturbed during this process, in their original condition.

As a result of such design, there is no danger of losing your documents if you lose your encryption key. On the other hand, your secret folder is protected only on your computer, where MySecretFolder is installed and configured. If you require your private files to be protected even when taken to another computer, or when Windows or MySecretFolder are not activated, then you need an encryption program.

Please visit the following web page for more information about our encryption products:

http://www.winability.com/encryption/

How do I set up MySecretFolder to protect the folder even in the "safe" mode?

"Safe mode" is a special diagnostic mode of Windows, which you can use to troubleshoot problems with your computer. (You can find more information about the safe mode and how to use it in Windows Help.) When you reboot your computer in the safe mode, only the core Windows components are loaded and activated, leaving most extra software modules (including MySecretFolder) in an inactive state. This means that when your computer is restarted in the safe mode, your computer is not protected by MySecretFolder.

However, it is possible to configure MySecretFolder to protect your computer even in the safe mode. Before you do that, though, be sure to create an emergency system floppy disk and learn how to use the troubleshooting tools it contains, to be able to restore access to your computer should a conflict between MySecretFolder and some other software or device on your computer occur. Please note that we DO NOT provide technical support regarding the use of the safe mode or the troubleshooting tools; please contact the manufacturer of your computer regarding such issues.

The instructions on how to configure MySecretFolder to perform the protection in the safe mode are provided to the licensed users of MySecretFolder only. If you have not purchased your license yet, please click here for the instructions. If you have already purchased a license, please contact us (be sure to include your order number in the message!), and we will reply with the instructions on how to set up MySecretFolder to operate in the safe mode.

NOTE: We DO NOT recommend enabling the protection in the safe mode, because if a conflict between MySecretFolder and some other software you have on your computer occurs, you may not be able to use the safe mode to troubleshoot the problem, until you disable the operation of MySecretFolder in the safe mode. Before you enable the protection in the safe mode, at the very least, you should have an emergency disk available and know how to use the troubleshooting tools it contains. We do NOT provide support regarding such issues.

Can I protect more than one folder?

No, MySecretFolder can protect only one "root" secret folder at a time. (If you select another folder, the previously protected folder will become unprotected.) However, the "root" secret folder can contain an unlimited number of subfolders and files, and all of them will be protected when you protect the "root" secret folder. If you need to protect several unrelated folders at the same time, please consider another product of ours, Folder Guard, that can protect an unlimited number of files and folders, as well as has many other capabilities not available in MySecretFolder software.

Can I protect the "virtual" folders such as My Computer?

No, MySecretFolder cannot protect such folders, only the "real" folders (that is, the folders that actually exist on your hard disk and which you can use to store arbitrary files) can be protected with it.

Can I protect a folder on a removable or network drive?

No, MySecretFolder cannot protect such folders, only the a folder located on your hard drive can be protected with it.

If you need your removable drives to be protected, you need to use an encryption program. Please visit the following web page for more information:

http://www.winability.com/encryption/

Will my anti-virus program protect files in the secret folder?

If you restrict access to (or hide) your secret folder, then virtually no program, including the anti-virus one, will see or be able to open the files in the protected folder. To allow your anti-virus program to check all your files for viruses, you need to disable the protection before scanning your hard drive for viruses.

Will my backup program back up the files located in the secret folder?

It depends on the backup program you have. If the backup is performed in the DOS mode, or some other mode when Windows is not operating, then MySecretFolder will not be protecting your files, and the backup program should be able to backup all your files, as usual. If, however, your backup program runs under Windows, when folder protection is in effect, then it will have no access to your protected files, and it will not back them up! To allow your backup program to backup your protected files, you need to disable the protection before starting the backup program. Don't forget to test your backup set of files to make sure your protected files have actually been backed up!

Can I upgrade from one edition of MySecretFolder to another?

Yes, our standard upgrade rules apply to changing the editions, as well: if your one year of free upgrades has not expired yet, then you are welcome to sidegrade to the other edition free of charge: simply use the same license key to make the other edition registered, and that's all. If your one year of free upgrades has already expired, you can upgrade (at a discount) by visiting our online Upgrade Center.

May I give a copy of MySecretFolder software to a friend?

Yes, you may give the installation files of our programs to your friends and associates. However, you may NOT share your license key, if any, with anybody else. Please remember that the license key we provide you with are for your own use only. If your friends like our programs, please let them purchase their own license keys. To avoid possible confusion, please give out the original installation files that you may download from our web site.

There are several other simple, but important conditions which we impose on further redistribution of our products. Please refer to the file License.txt in the folder where you have installed MySecretFolder for the complete description of our distribution requirements.

How can I get a printed version of this guide?

This user's guide is available online in the printed-friendly format:

http://www.winability.com/mysecretfolder/users-guide-printable.htm

Simply open the link above in your web browser and use the web browser's Print command to print it out on your printer.