New corrected version of Folder Castle has been released.
What's new:
- Now we not use any sector in track 0 on your HDD.
If you use any multiboot system, do not worry about system crash.
- For improved security now we remove the possibility of password
recovering. Now only you will know the password.
- In some cases the previous version did not ask the password
at installation. Now it is corrected.

#116 Because you have received a FREE version of Folder Castle from GAOTD. And in general in the following versions of Folder Castle the opportunity of recovering password will be removed. Now only you will know the password.

#65 - Are you high on something? I tried to get a fix for this problem and got the following reply from MagneticSoft.

"Unfortunately, we cannot help you, because we cannot restore password for users with GAOTD key.
If you yet have not registered Folder Castle with GAOTD key you can simply uninstall Folder
Castle, reboot a computer, install Folder Castle again and set a new password.
Unfortunately, in some cases, installation does not ask the password.
It will be fixed in the future version."

Any bright ideas?

would NOT open and run??? what's wit dat?? I am using MCE XP SP2.

I would be very afraid install this program personally. It depends on the nature of the bulk of your data. If none of your data is super important, but you want to hide some files then this program might be great. Say you've downloaded a bunch of pornos from youporn using TubeSucker, a video dredging program, and you want to hide them from your wife. If something goes wrong and you can't get the files back no big deal.

This site is getting to be just a test ground for useless and harmfull software

I'm using it and it's great, thanks!

i've installed it.and tried to open - but it asks me for a password.
during the installation it didn't proposed to set any password.
or does it have default password?

Good Software, even it can hide itself excellent idea, but the hidden folder can easily be access on network :(

this program is deffiently not for the absent minded but personly i realy like the program i now have a program that i can keep my kids from getting into i feel a little more safe and secure knowing that if i choose to block family members and friends that use my computer from seeing what i dont want them to see i personly give this program a two thumbs up a ok.great program

I have just installed the software and it working alright. Initially I cud not register with the given key but I just changed the 'O' to '0' (zero)in the key and it accepted immediately. Remember to write down the keys for hiding, unhiding and changing folder settings before u start working with the programme or u will be lost and unable to unhide the folders later on.

Once I have installed Folder Castle. I then try to run it but it keeps asking for a password I have tryed the Registration key that was giving to me but it didn't work I also have tried typing in a password of my own but it keeps coming up with Password Incorrect, I even tryed uninstalling and reinstalling it but it still does the same thing could please help me with this thank you.

#30, JonathansToolBar&Grill, the article you linked to by a self-proclaimed computer genius is crap. Hidden System files are visible to both Windows Explorer and to command-line utilities. Explorer merely needs to be set to show both hidden and system files. The very attrib command the moron uses will list all files, including hidden system files.

For those of you who are worried about "what will I do if my hard drive crashes",allow me to tell you how to backup your installation. And so far this has worked on every GAOTD.

First, this will NOT allow you to pass the program to another pc,as it is based on YOUR registry and can seriously hose a pc if it isn't used on the original machine.Second, this will NOT allow you to get past time limited software.This will ONLY allow you to back up the important files and registry entries to a program,not time stamps.

Third,use AT YOUR OWN RISK! I take NO blame if break your machine.I simply am pointing out a way to back up a single installation,what you do with said advice is up to you. All I can say is it works for me.

Now,with that said,what you will need to do is download a freeware program called "installrite".You will need to use this to install the program you wish to back up,here are the steps-

Run installrite and choose "install new program and create an installkit"-it will scan your registry to have a base to compare the before and after installation to.Second,and this ONLY applies if it is a GAOTD that has the separate activate and setup files,when installrite pops up the box asking for the setup file run the activate yourself(not through installrite),THEN after it is through and you have closed the activation box,THEN AND ONLY THEN point installrite to your setup file by picking the browse button.After it runs the install file,installrite will ask if you are finished.Pick wait for five minutes and it will minimize to the system tray.Run your new program one time to make sure it works,and then make sure the new program is closed COMPLETELY-including any system tray icons your new program may be using.Once it is closed,bring up installrite by clicking on the tray icon.It will ask if you are finished,choose YES.Installrite will then scan the filesystem and registry for any changes.Once that is over on the finish screen there will be a button called "make an install kit"-choose that.This will make a single .exe which contains the program and the changes to your registry caused by the program.Backup this .exe to somewhere safe and in the event of a failure you will be able to restore the program to the original state by using this instead of the original program installer.

Final warning-DO NOT run this while using a P2P program or any other program that does a lot of background file changes,as installrite will back those up to. In fact,you should always look at the install log(which is accessible from the main screen when you start installrite) because the first couple of times you use it you will notice extra files backup up.Once you see what is running in the background you can exclude those files from subsequent installs by going to configure/folder exclusions from the main installrite screen and excluding those folders.I had to add the Firefox and IE temp folders to mine,yours may be different.

So there you go,how to backup your program so you can recover from a crash.I hope this helps and will get folks to try programs offered on GAOTD that they wouldn't ordinarily.

this sounds like what a rootkit does, and rootkits are bad, mmkay :P I wouldnt install it, use Truecrypt if you have anything you want hidden/encrypted. its a awesome program.

ANOTHER TOOL TO RESTORING THE MBR:

TestDisk can

Fix partition table, recover deleted partition
Recover FAT32 boot sector from its backup
Rebuild FAT12/FAT16/FAT32 boot sector
Fix FAT tables
Rebuild NTFS boot sector
Recover NTFS boot sector from its backup
Fix MFT using MFT mirror
Locate ext2/ext3 Backup SuperBlock

TestDisk has features for both novices and experts. For those who know little or nothing about data recovery techniques, TestDisk can be used to collect detailed information about a non-booting drive which can then be sent to a tech for further analysis. Those more familiar with such procedures should find TestDisk a handy tool in performing onsite recovery.

# 86... That's a really good point you raise. Whatever encryption prog one gets, be very careful what you encrypt or hide. For example, one of programs I have is Magic Folders and on the latest version if you try to hide a specific folder such as Program Files, for instance. A warning dialog box will appear, stating the following:

(PROGRAM FILES FOLDER WARNING)
"Sorry, can't let you hide this as Windows doesn't like it when it can't find critical folders. You can however hide individual folders inside Program Files if you wish."

And here was yet ANOTHER warning when I tried to hide a folder on the desktop:

(DESKTOP FOLDER WARNING)
Windows doesn't like it when it can't find files that it needs. Testing on our machines showed that Windows might not tolerate this folder being hidden. It's possible that if you hide a Documents and Settings folder that Windows won't have enough information to boot correctly and you'll need to boot into Safe Mode to get access, or worse. We suggest you do NOT hide this folder, but the choice is yours. Do you wish to continue on and hide this folder?

So again, just to support what you've already said. Do take care when "hiding" a folder. If you want to hide personal, sensitive information from prying eyes, that's cool. However, hiding valuable, critical information from your computer is not though! It may feel somewhat offended and left-out. Then you might have to buy it candy and flowers. Poor baby :(

But seriously, excellent points, 86. As were some others on the board today.

Take care, all!

rizla01 (#72): Upset? Don't flatter yourself. Why don't you just use TrueCrypt? That's what I use to hide pics of real men, as opposed to limp girly-boys like you. And you're too lame to ever find them.

signed,
The OH

Danger danger Must uninstall this useless product filled with flaws

Quite impressive!I used the folder manager tool to unhide stuff but it still didn't show!Will be testing it more

Just a note to some of the "commentators" using this site. How ignorant and rude you are to someone who asks for help. So a newbie, non-tech, person tries a program and makes a mistake hiding the program folder.....asks for help, and what do some people do.....ridicule and laugh! I don't know where the moderator is....people like this should be stopped from making such comments. I sure hope that these people are not my neighbours!

As it is with most programs that "hide" your files, you can easily pop a Linux LiveCD in and view it just fine.

I betcha this app just uses the windows funcs to hide the file/folders. You can test by going to windows explorer and selecting Tools -> Folder Options -> View and selecting "show hidden files and folders". GL

JMak

#15 Thomas Kelly - Do a 'System Restore' to the point just prior to installing the program. That should do it.

Does what it says on the tin simple but good just the way i like it. Some aps nowadays can been so flipping complicated! cheers

And yes you are my home page so never miss a free bee lol!!!!

You can hide files, folders, even shortcuts in your start menu program with FREE HIDE FOLDER, which is a freebie and if your hard disk crashes you can just download it again.

Download from http://www.cleanersoft.com

Hi Folks,

Kudos to wolfgang.

Generally do not touch any program that does any low-level disk functions without a compelling reason. (e.g. disk hardware analysis). Even more so the MBR record (amazing). I am glad Anatoliy says this will be fixed in a "future version".

So wait for that future version.

Also this should best be prominently displayed on the current version outlets, however that is less than likely to happen. Best would be to withdraw the current version.

As an aside, Kaspersky anti-virus got a lot of people upset with a less invasive but more extensive finagling with file tags on a low level. Though they generally have a good reputation, a number of tech-folks have considered that as totally improper. And view it as having reeked havoc on some systems after a season. Kaspersky (without acknowledging directly that this has caused difficulties) also says this will be changed in a future version. Some who have left accept that as sufficient, others think "once burned, twice shy". I lean to the latter.

(Light home users probably have little to be concerned about, however you can read the story on forums like Wilders and DSLReports and come to your own conclusions as to whether to change programs, or even take more radical measures like reformat.)

Shalom,
Steven Avery

Fantastic, I've been relying on truecrypt untill this little baby came along. It makes the whole process of hiding files so simple. And finally an interface that gets right to the flippin point without wasting screen real estate with bogus graphics. to conclude
It does the job and does it well! finally a GAOTD thats worth keeping!!!

Oh come on, this piece of trash does nothing really. What do you expect? Many users are not stupid as to know that your files and folders will become unhidden once you boot into another operating system such as Linux or Safe mode of Windows XP.

Hey to all of you like #30 that couldn't find a freeware, I use one that is very good. It's called Virtual Vision.
Now, the reviews on it are HORRIBLE. For some reason, dumb people don't know how to use it. This program is very simple, extremely small, and offers you many types of hiding.

Unlike other software, it doesn't make the file invisible, no, in fact, it CHANGES they're type. i.e. Recycle bin, Zip folder, Control Panel, etc. I totally recommend this software as a FREE alternative to the software given today.
Here's the link:

http://www.download.com/Virtual-Vision/3000-2092_4-10485763.html

Thanks, TedM

For those looking for password protection on a Flash Drive, a great alternative to Folder Lock. Installed it on my Flash (via Vista) and it works great!

Thanx,
DanlK

Same reply as always, to #5's remarks which use no forethought.

Download the trial version of the program run it to reverse whatever you used the registered program for and you can access all of your folders.

Why do we see this same remark so often when programs are offered; so many people do not use any commonsense and think before they post?

I think Folder Castle's benefits are misrepresented. This program is sort of like Encrypted Magic Folders without the encryption part. That is why this application is not suitable if you want files absolutely secure from hackers who touch your computer.

Instead, Folder Castle is BEST used to hide PERSONAL data files & folders from unsophisticated people who have access to your computer.

There is actually a benefit from not having encryption. If your HD become unbootable or corrupt, you cannot recover encrypted data. Even if you lose your password with today's GOTD, you should still be able to retrieve your files in safe mode or connected to another computer. One item that does concern me is that there is no mention of disk utilities that are compatible. I wish this issue were addressed on their website because you do want to corrupt you drive if you find that some unknown disk utility does not work with Folder Castle.

On the other hand, you do not want to hide program files or Windows-related folders because it can cause system problems. So do not think this program is good for your battle against malware.

If you want to protect your data in a trusted way, use TrueCrypt, it is free and open source.

When data security and privacy is an issue, I don't trust proprietary software whose source code is unknown and potentially dangerous.

Password problem : FUp to # 75

Installed Folder castle on another PC;
Registered with GAOTD password; tested a directoy = ok
Changed the password; tested a directory = ok

1/ Folder Castle is ok with changing password: so, there is a great chance that I am the moron who lost his password.

2/ The GAOTD password to register the second install was the same that the one used for the first install.
I read from Magneticsoft (#65)
" The possibility to read the password set by you is not available. But the possibility to request from MagneticSoft a special Master Password related to the your registration key is available. This Master Password is UNIQUE for every registered user. You can use it to launch Folder Castle Control Center and set the new password."

Here my question (Cf. # 69): is my registraion key (entered name / GAOTD PW) or only GAOTD PW ?

3/ I duly reported the problem to FC support: till now the problem is still pending and I didn't receive any Master Password to use the soft and possibly see again the hidden files.

#5 Apart a system crash
CONSIDER that if you change the user account some Gaotd applications lose their activation:
(from the GAOTD Forum:
"...do you know if for some applications the activation is valid only in one user account?
That is correct. For some applications activate.exe will register the application only for the currently logged in account.
You can log in under each of your accounts and run activate.exe once for each account to get around this (for applications that this affects)"

I don't know if is the FolderCastle case (I'll pass this)
you have to check !

#76. You are absolutely right. We cannot provide a master password for users with GAOTD key.

As others have said: You will never want this kind of program as a GiveAway, because when your computer crashes you have no chance to get into the hidden folder.

LOL!!

For those that "lost" their "stuff"...

In the future... when trying out new software like this it is best to "test" on unimportant data first till you get the feel for this type of programs...
Create a couple folders, text files, a few copies of pictures and so on and test on that.

One shouldn't put their data at risk by hiding their "most important I cannot live without it" data when learning a new program.
Hide some test stuff that you don't care about and then play around a bit.
Learn the program fully before going on to hide the important stuff.

Also be careful what you hide cus you can render many programs and your user profile useless pretty quick. :P
Just as an example I tried "Folder Lock" and hid my entire "c:\documents and settings\my name" folder.
This caused windows to boot to a restricted "default" profile because mine could not load.
Why?
Cus hiding this folder also hid from windows my profile's registry.
Windows think it didn't exist so -- no load.
Haha...
Course I did all this in VMWare just as a test.

I didn't install this software as I see no need for it myself and I dunno what kind of safety's are built in (does it allow a user to perform the ultimate stupidity I tested with Folder Lock?)

In short -- careful what you hide.
Windows is stupid and really easy to "break" lol.

Anyways... looks like a useful tool for those that know what they are doing and just wanna hide stuff from the casual snooper.

sure......Mr. Britannica.........sure....

TrueCrypt,TrueCrypt,Truecrypt--http://www.truecrypt.org/

spyware? I caught a nasty infection from one developer off a site freebie.I would be careful of anything that affect files or directorie. Now, I watch the reviews anything over 80% satisfied. I look but very seldom blah blah,

#69 I guess we are not exactly "registered" users, so probably they cannot provide us master password.

Did somebody change the password (GOTD one) to enter another ?
If so , please tell me how it worked.

I changed mine and FC soft seems to refuse the new one ( I wrote it "seems" because I didn'wrote the new PWd and that an error of entry is always possible).

What is also interesting is to note that the support proposed me to reinstall : I tried but it didn't work.
I suppose that they are going to send me the Master Password related to a registered user. But is this Master password avaible if I registered using GAOT code ? Have you ,GAOTD users, the same MPassword than me ?

I will post the follow-up of this problem.

If somebody want to test the password change, unlock first you hidden files, hide an empty directory and THEN only change the PW; then tell me , Thanks.

In this kind of program (file/folder hiding utilities), it is extremely important to read other users' reviews, as there are very few free folder hiding utilities that are reliable enough to be recommended. (Gizmo at Techsupportalert, makes also the same statement in one of his recent newsletters).

Customer service by the software developper, for resetting a lost password, is even more important than the software itself.

The vendor of today's Giveaway, makes an extremely important statement in this same direction:
"Lost password recovering. If you’ve forgot your password, we can help you to recover it."

The only freeware programs of this kind that I would recommend, is called "MyFolder Lockbox": http://www.fspro.net/folder-lock-box/. I recommend it, not only for the program, but most importantly, because of the great customer service provided by the company, which will help you solve any problem with a lost password.

The most important thing is the ability of recovering your data; and not, as some people claim (e.g. #63), that it be impossible for the vendor to help you unlock a lost password.

Why use a program like this at all? I hide my important docs in the Registry folder, where nobody bothers to look for them.

Well, I have from time to time wanted to keep certain files for my persomnal enjoyment, that would actually upset the OH. (Some women are VERY insecure) Nothing sinister or 'porno', just pics of certain females from the pop/film world, Etc.

Now to avoid upsetting OH I can have whatever files I like on MY computer and have complete peace of mind.

Downloaded and installed in less than a minute. Easily registered for full version. Seems to work fine for me though I haven't tried to find the file to see if it could easily be unscrambled but I would doubt it.

Thank You GAOTD for this useful offering.

Thanks (german)werwölfchen! Let you be the new reviewer. I wouldn't
touch this prog. ever cause there is no easy way to get that junk
off yer HD once written there (sector 0). Thanks again.

The freeware program "Truecrypt" seems to do a similar function. The only difference is that it creates a hidden virtual drive, which you have to mount or dismount when you want to access your files, which are stored in this drive. The advantage is that the virtual drive can be hidden as a simple file (in my PC it is a "Readme.txt" file that is 1GB in size!)and hence intruders may never detect that you have hidden files

#65: But isn't the 'registered user' the SAME for all downloaders from GOTD? So I suppose we all share the same 'UNIQUE' Master Password.