[Kanden]

I have some folders that have information that I would like to protect, but the comp wont let me encrypt them. I looked onling and followed the instructions below:
Right click folder>Properties>General>Advanced>Encrypt
but for some reason the encrypt option is greyed out and I cannot click on it even when the compress folder option is not checked.
Can anyone help me? I am getting extremely frusterated.

[DoubleHelix]

Windows Encrypted File System (EFS) does not password-protect files and folders. If you managed to enable that feature and encrypt them that way, you would have to back up your encryption key otherwise you will completely lose access to them if you backed them up and restored them on another computer. EFS is a terrible thing to use for a home user. Most people lose all their encrypted files that way eventually.

Use TrueCrypt instead. Create an encrypted container, and move the files there.
http://www.truecrypt.org/

[lunarlander]

If you are using Windows Home Premium, the encryption option is greyed out because Home Premium doesnt support encryption. Only Professional and Ultimate support it.

[Kanden]

Thanks. Is truecrypt free and reliable? Would rather not have to pay but need to be able to encrypt...

[DoubleHelix]

Yes, it's free and reliable. I use it to encrypt all my drives and files.

[indianacarnie]

TrueCrypt is a very respected program and is highly recommended.

[Kanden]

Thanks for the help looks like i'll be going with truecrypt.