Mesmerizing!
Installs and Runs great on this AMD FX-53 with GF6800GT Audigy2
XP/SP2home

To: @18 @19 @30 @41 and others concerned about recovering files if FolderMage gets corrupted or deleted.

I have tested a restore procedure that works with my Vista-SP2 PC.

- The data that FolderMage uses is stored here: "C:\Windows\deff1.dat".
- When this file is deleted and FolderMage.exe is renamed, rebooting restores all hidden/locked files.
So, for a test to CONFIRM that this procedure works on YOUR PC:

1. Make a BACKUP COPY of "deff1.dat" (like: deff1.bkp)
2. Using FolderMage, REMOVE protection from ALL files that you've protected. This step is a SAFETY precaution!
3. CREATE a TEST FILE (like: test1.txt) and hide/lock it and confirm that it is hidden.
4. DELETE the "deff1.dat" file. KEEP the backup.
5. RENAME FolderMage.exe to FolderMage.xxx to SIMULATE the file getting corrupted or deleted. I did NOT actually delete FolderMage.exe out of concern that I would lose the "Registered" status if I had to reinstall, and strongly advise to RENAME it and NOT TO DELETE it!
6. REBOOT and confirm that your TEST FILE is now UNHIDDEN.
7. RENAME the program back to "FolderMage.exe".
8. Rename the BACKUP COPY to "deff1.dat".
9. REBOOT and all your original protection should be restored.
IMPORTANT NOTE to Step 6: If your TEST FILE is NOT unhidden, this procedure does not work on your PC. IMHO, it would be very risky to use FolderMage without restore capability.

@44
Further to my post #33:
Besides installing on my Dell Latitude, where protection rarely survives a reboot, I also installed on my Asus P4S533 (also Windows XP Pro SP3). On the Asus, protection does survive a reboot.
Both machines are 32bit.
Summary: does not work satisfactorily on all configurations.

@39
The default installation does not check the box to run at start-up. Uncheck that box and it will not ask for a password until you actually run the program.

@33
Locking and hiding does survive a reboot on my Win7 32bit system. I'm not sure why it's not working for you.

Also there is not much difference in the interface between protection on or off, just which button is selected. It will not let you turn protection off and then exit the program without prompting you to turn protection back on if you want.

I just want you to know how USEFUL this program really is! This is truly a fantastic tool. I've been looking for something like this for years and now I've found it. This IS WORTH DOWNLOADING and if you are here after the offer expires it's WORTH BUYING TOO. If your as geeky about computers as me, you'll love this.

Note to post #39: "It works fine but I do not like to enter my password every time I re-boot my computer."

I don't know of any benefit to have the program automatically start when you boot. It works fine with a manual start. So, just go into settings and unclick autostart with Windows. Then, the only time you have to enter a password is when you run the program instead of every time you reboot.

While very handy if the need is there, (and it often is), things do go wrong with software of this kind. For example FreeHideFolder (mentioned above) has a bad habit of losing track of its index, if any system config changes are made. Even if you change your config back, your FHF index is still worthless, and your data is still gone.

Files are still recoverable, as they were all along, by getting down into the nitty gritty and getting your hands dirty with hex and binary, and capable disk editors. But one hopes of course, this will never turn out to be the case.

If you use a program of this kind it is very advisable to have a pretty good idea how it works its magic, and how to recover, should everything somehow vanish. Unprotected backups somewhere, are always advisable just to make sure you still have access to your critical data.

Having said that, the methods employed are always interesting to investigate, and still worthwhile in many cases, with appropriate caution. As mentioned, FreeHideFolder files can be recovered if you know how it works, it just isn't any walk in the park to do it.

Whether this program employs similar methods is not clear at this point. But this is merely a caution advisory.

-JC

Alan thanks for your post, helped me to decide.
I agree that this is for simple hiding of folders nothing more.
so depends on who your hiding stuff from.
and for multi user computers

It works fine but I do not like to enter my password every time I re-boot my computer. How can I defeat this step ?
Thanks.

How does this compare to TrueCrypt?

funny it works on one computer but not the other It does not work on the win 7 computer will not lock or hide files

does not work on my Windows 7 64 bit

#20
In stealth mode, you have to navigate to the executable. By default it installs in c:\program files\foldermage\ Click on foldermage.exe to run the program. But you can also install it on a thumb drive.

This program appears to be a clone of FileLock by TopLang software. Both work the same way and do essentially the same thing with a few different features in each.

As already pointed out, this is not encryption software. It uses the operating system to hide or lock files and folders. Unless you password protect the program, a curious user can easily run the program and see a list of all your protected or hidden files and folders and can unprotect them. The password feature will slow down anybody who wants access, but any decent file recovery program (programs than find deleted files e.g.) will be able to access all your hidden files without knowing the password.

In sum, FolderMage is adequate to keep your Mom from snooping through your pornography collection personal finances, but for serious or industrial privacy needs, you should look elsewhere.

@1 and @13
You do not realise the danger.

I have tested a product of this nature.

It successfully hid and totally protected a folder on my external USB connected hard drive - until I disconnected and reconnected the drive to a different P.C. which had total access.

When the external drive was reconnected back to the original P.C. the designated folder was again hidden.

@10
I am surprised that disconnecting then reconnecting the pen drive lost the protection. Perhaps this was due to the protection being applied to a particular drive letter (+path etc.) and when the pen was reconnected it may have been allocated a different drive letter.

Protection on the internal drive is likely to fail, as previously noted, if LINUX etc. is plugged in.
Another danger is if the drive should be plugged into another Windows system (e.g. after your P.C. is stolen.)
Far worse

You do not need geeky Linux etc - just a Windows Boot CD will see what you thought was hidden.

@21
You were lucky to see that, I clicked on their homepage several times,
and every time the "connection timed out" or "server not found".

Truecrypt is a good way to protect your stuff.
You are doomed to eventual failure and disaster if you depend upon anything which hides a folder by telling your system not to see it.

I installed on my Dell Latitude E5500, Windows XP SP3.
Standard install, with password.
I went through at least 12 iterations (each time shutting down and rebooting), testing protection of one particular folder.
Only once did the protection survive the shutdown and reboot. This is regardless of whether I did or did not let the program start automatically at boot-time.
When invoking the program, its window always shows protection to be "on", even when it is "off".
I am less than pleased. The least I expect is to have protection which survives a reboot, not protection effective only during the current session.

Nice and simple easy to use. Been looking for something like this for a while Ty

reminds me of another GAOTD, Wondershare Safelock. seems like the same general idea, but i will give it a try and check it out.

For me, working out of my home office, and only occasionally taking my notebook with me outside, I'd say this has limited utility from my point of view.

Moreover, if it doesn't REALLY protect you that much, while at the same time it can also sometimes be a problem getting files back, if something or someone (me!) screws up, I think I'd rather give it a miss.

Besides, there are obviously other, FREE, programmes that one can use, which you can get replacement copies of, if at any time in the future you lose it.

So, I think I'll skip this one -- I have nothing that is SO private I need to "protect" from prying eyes, that I could also afford to LOSE from my own, if something DID go wrong....

I was looking for some kind of application that can hide/invisible
my special folders and wmv/flv files from other users who use same computer and specially from Administrator who poking his nose remotely.
I hope this application will help me alot.

Regards,
Subbi
May 22, 2010

1 Second Folder Encrypt Free will lock folders and show them as empty though the folder name has a full-stop after it when applied.

It is of course free and very fast, and you have to browse to the folder(s) concerned so you have to know where they are stored. Very simple to use too! Great to prevent prying!

It's a small program too, so not sure why today's GAOTD would be needed unless you wish to be able to prevent some program exes from being run by someone else!

COMODO Disk Encryption is freeware and much beter to everything else
http://disk-encryption.comodo.com/

A free alternative rated Excellent - 5/5 by 12 users Easy File Locker:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Lockdown/Easy-File-Locker.shtml

I haven't tried FolderMage Pro yet so I don't know if it can hide folders from Safe Mode or Linux but I know a free alternative that can, Winmend Folder Hidden, http://www.winmend.com/?lang=english but FolderMage Pro has many interesting options the free alternatives don't have so I will try it.

I think the exclusive or choice for installing standard or stealth is too restrictive. I would like to have a standard installation on my PC and have the portable version on a thumb drive. Why not both options?

Excellent freeware alternative for encryption. Not for hiding folders.
Androsa File Protector. Androsa File Protector Lightning fast and supports AES-256 bit, 192 bit, 128 bit, TripleDES 192 bit, and DES 64 bit.

#1, thier website does state Protection is active in Safe Mode as well.

i ahve installed the program in stealth mode. now how to run the program, it is not in start menu....

i have a question

let's say that you pass protect some folders, so far so good.

the question is -> "can you access the folders without the program being in the system anymore" ??

some people may accidentally delete some files from the installation folder making the program non usable (i've seen it happen lots of times)

or in another case a virus infects the program making it again unusable.

b/c if anything from the above happens you will have to actually buy the software in order to get your files back. (in case that you cannot get into your folders without the program installed)

Be careful with this kind of software guys. What will you do if it stops working? You can not reinstall it for free. Then you have three options:

1) Buy the program
2) Loose all the data you had protected with this program
3) Try to rescue the data from an other computer, either over the network (might not work, since it's still the computer with this software that read and share out the date), or by mounting the disc as non-boot disc the other computer (will work because the software did not modify the file system, and is not running...unless you installed it on that computer as well).

Your best option is probably number 3, and that's because this program offers so weak protection that anyone can bypass it easily.
No file system structure modification means that it's just a software shell that protects your data. Accessing the disc from a computer without this shell, and they're unprotected. It's kind of like leaving the door unlocked, just putting a note "Do not enter".

Lacks the option to right click on folder and protect.
Try this fun–Protect a folder in pendrive.
Remove the pendrive and insert again. The protection is gone…….

Still, Truecrypt remains the winner

Booted into Safe Mode.
The hidden file did not show, the denied executable did not run and the locked zip file could not be opened.
I could not test booting into Linux because I recently uninstalled Ubuntu.
Maybe someone else can check.
The stealth install works fine and retains registration once registered (I moved the application to and from USB).
Once protected the files remain that way when the usb key has been removed.
As a portable app if you decide to password protect FolderMage Pro it is only password protected on the computer that it was attached to at the time of doing so. If you plug your usb drive into another PC and run it, it is not password protected (unless you do it on that one as well), so the encryption (or lack of) would appear to be settings altered in the registry (I didn't look for them or run a before and after snapshot to find them as I'm getting tired - lol).
Goodnight!

I gave this a program a try and I must say I was not impressed. a free better alternative,Protect Me. Protect Me! 2010 creates secure executable (.exe) container files to which you can add any files and directories you want to!
Your files will be stored securely inside the container file.
To ensure a maximum of security, Protect Me! 2010 uses SHA1 for password validation and AES for encryption.
The container file can either run or extract your files once you typed in the right password. http://www.wecode.biz/p/protect-me.html or http://www.snapfiles.com/get/protectme.html

There is a free program I have used for years (freehidefolder)and seems to work well and now supports win 7. I wonder if this GAOTD version is an offshoot of that?
http://www.cleanersoft.com/hidefolder/free_hide_folder.htm

"Boot into safe mode or outside of windows (like in Linux) and everything is visible and accessible. So what’s the point?"

The point is, only a tiny fraction of people who either want to protect files or might want to snoop them, wouldn't know a 'linux' or 'safety mode' if it kicked them up the ass. No, its not for the tech savvy, but that leaves the other 99% who would welcome such a quick and easy, down & dirty way to hide their personal files

Normally I don't test these types of applications, but I'll be doing a clean install of Windows 7 soon (finally, the new version of my security software is almost ready, the old version supported Win7 but via a less clean and stable method). This is curious. The executable extracts and installs a kernel-mode file system minifilter. The hiding works from within Windows, including safe mode, but you should be able to read the disk outside of Windows, so this isn't comparable to encryption. Lots of interesting features, such as portable install, not listing in add/remove programs, allowing specific programs access to protected files/folders (such as backup utilities and anti-virus, etc.), ability to remove itself and protected files/folders from recent/history/MRU lists, etc. Various protection levels, listed in the description at top right under Key Features.

The website is new and anonymous. I recommend turning off the update check. Pretty good Help, but I ran across a reference to the wrong product name, which is freeware but doesn't have most of the features of FolderMage Pro.

I'm sure this will appeal to some, but personally I'll stick with open-source encryption software for protecting sensitive information.

I have a question.
If I distribute folders containing powerpoint files, Can I make this folder read only with the help of FolderMage Pro not allowing the users to edit / modify or delete the files
Dr Nitin

Lacks the option to right click on folder and protect.
Try this fun--Protect a folder in pendrive.
Remove the pendrive and insert again. The protection is gone.......

Still, Truecrypt remains the winner

I have a question that I hope someone can help me with. I have downloaded this program and would like to try it in the Stealth Mode. I have a 500 gb external hdd that I am going to be moving my entire small 120 gb internal hdd to soon (via Paragon Drive Backup) and when doing this since it will be restoring the drive image, will I be able to keep File Manager this way if I install it to my internal hdd for now? Any help with this is appreciated. THANKS GAOTD and File Manager Pro for what sounds like a great program. I visited the program home page and they have some very useful tips.

FolderMage Pro works fast enough on my computer when I use it to hide a folder containing 5GB of files in it.
Working with the service rather than encrypt files was a simple method but very effective.
Moreover I could also install it on a removable media that I have.
Thank you GOTD and Privacy-care Labs.
I really liked this.

Besides the misspelling of 'Shredder' (spelled 'Schredder') I have to add that I miss the possibility to operate this program from the contextual menu of Windows Explorer (in other words: right-click --> 'Lock' or 'Unlock').

Or alternatively a systray icon which could (system-wide) toggle on-off the protection.

To have to access the program GUI just to see a hidden file/folder is pretty cumbersome.

Best alternative I found so far is 'Lock Folder XP' but I am very curious to read more comments and other recommendations of similar applications posted here.

great giveaway......thanks

Its great!! Worked fine on my windows 7

Downloaded and installed without a problem Win XP SP2 +hotfixes.
64 bit users note this is 32 bit only.
The registration button/link is at the bottom of the programme window - I had trouble seeing it initially due to the red colour and small size it's in.
Has a standard install mode and a stealth install (for USB/LAN or to hide on your system).
Had fun denying an executable from running and hiding a text and zip file.
Password protected the actual programme then tried to uninstall it to see what would happen while the exe and other files were protected.
If you have protected this with a password you have to enter your password to uninstall.
When you do uninstall your files will no longer be protected whether they were locked, hidden or denied execution, e.g. the hidden files re-appear, etc.

I don't know the level of protection this provides, but it is easy and fast.

Regards,
Damian

Can anyone say what the encryption standards are with this program?

What levels of encryption.

Checked the website -- seems to be light on about that level of technical information - which is important to know if you are entrusting data to it.

Also - is this also a portable version of the software?

Thanks

"No file system structure modifications are made while using FolderMage Pro."

Kinda defeats the purpose, no? Boot into safe mode or outside of windows (like in Linux) and everything is visible and accessible. So what's the point?