The good:
* Quite easy to use, intuitive and simple interface
* The "portable" feature works like a charm
* Supports external hard drives
* Supports hiding encrypted files
* The US military level encryption sounds cool

The bad:
None so far

Windows Vista is good but it can hog your CPU and Memory.""-

It bothers me somewhat that the author is claiming that his software is using an unbreakable algorithm ("Nobody (especially hackers) can see what you used the internet for, penetrate your system, or find your valuable information")... No encryption method is absolutely fool-proof, as far as I am aware...

One software "Folder Guard Professional does everything and with style and guts, get it ONLY it's tried & true, da best

It's really powerfull! I like it very much.

So far I've made three installation attempts that have all appeared to go through successfully, but when attempting to launch the app I also got the DLL relocation error. Applying the MS patch and trying again.

Okay got the fix for this error here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935448

I just went to steps 3 through 5

Hope this helps someone else - Damian

This is the error:

--------------------------- SafeLock.exe - Illegal System DLL Relocation --------------------------- The system DLL user32.dll was relocated in memory. The application will not run properly. The relocation occurred because the DLL C:\WINDOWS\system32\hhctrl.ocx occupied an address range reserved for Windows system DLLs. The vendor supplying the DLL should be contacted for a new DLL. --------------------------- OK ---------------------------

Update to my last post (still in moderation) regarding the dll issue.

Wondershare got back to me and suggested I uninstall and download the program from here: http://www.wondershare.com/store/giveaway-of-the-day/10-apr-28.html and try that. Unfortunately I get the same error.

Maybe next time - Damian

To #28. Same problem. Was not able to uninstall it. Comes up with error message "cannot create file c:_tmp_file_".
Tried several times, won't help. It doesn't show up in Revo Uninstaller.
What a piece of crap.

To #28: Agree with you, it's a piece of crap. Did run into the same problem, cannot uninstall the application.

#34 cont. As SafeLock was not able to find or recover my encrypted and hided folder, I decided to uninstall the software. When running the uninstall, it gives me an error message"cannot create file c:\_tmp_file_". I don't have a "c" drive on my PC, I installed the software on drive"R".
Warning: Be sure to make a backup of your data before doing an encryption or hiding the files. If your system crashes at the time SafeLock is working on your files, you won't be able to recover them.
What a crap of software.

@24,
Hello, the program offers an option that you can encrypt a file to *.exe file and send it to your friends, then he/she can open and view it with the correct password, he/she does not need to install the program.


@44,
SafeLock can encrypt pdf files as well as photos, pictures, images and other Office documents, let alone decrypting them. :)

a good encryption tool, useful for me, thanks!

anyone know if it supports AES-NI? The new encryption instructions on new Clarkdale Core I5 processors...

To #37
I had the same problem - you need the microsoft fix :http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935448

- To 45 . . Yes it will add a "everyone" user on your:
Access this computer from the network
ByPass transponse checking

. . Nice to open your computer for a hacker

Installed correctly and after restarting and opened up the program I received a message "The password file has been damaged." Tried uninstalling it but I get the same message.

After uninstall the program left the selockdir.dll and not allow to delete it or its installation directories . . . What a shame for the developers. . o maybe they want a backdoor in your computer?

So I have to reformat my drive & re-install all my software to get rid of this pest.

Tried this on two different computers ( both XP ) On one the program just would not open - on the other I got this error :
"The system DDL user32.dll was relocated in memory. The application will not run properly. The relocation occurred because the DLL C:\WINDOWS\system32\hhctrl.ocx occupied an address range reserved for Windows system DLLs. The vendor supplying the DLL should be contacted for a new DLL"
Any ideas to help?

I've never reviewed a program without testing it but in this case I'll make an exception. Unless an encryption program is open source there is no way of knowing if it is any good or has any back doors. Therefore, I wouldn't even know if it were any good unless I tested it for many years. I use a combination of 2 encryption tools 1. Truecrypt for encrypting my personal data 2. PGP for sending encrypted files. Truecrypt is totally free and open source. PGP is free for personal use for encrypting and signing files and also produces self executing .exe files.

Very nice program. Unfortunately, it belongs to the sort which asks you if you are certain to do something (supposing you are too stupid to know what to do and what not to do), in this case exit the program. As I do not use any program who does this, as a matter of principle, I am going to deinstall and not use it. So thanks, but no.

Here is a Screenshot of the DLL some are getting (myself included).

As provided in the first comment today I have emailed support@wondershare.com and am awaiting a reply. If they suggest a fix I'll update.

Regards - Damian

Both my security softwares popped up to block the wondershare when I was loggin https. Messages includes my security has been compromised and the transmission is aborted, information was routed to wondershare.com. Anyone know how to fix this?

I am using Prevex anti spyware & avast anti spyware. Please help.

You might find this slightly easier to use than Truecrypt just for file encryption. You JUST have to remember your password! I advised a student against encrypting his work on his own network log-in area. He encrypted it on the Friday and by the Monday he'd forgotten the password, and had to completely redo the work!

Truecrypt is completely free, but also allows setting up encrypted partitions, which themselves can contain a further hidden and of course encrypted partition. These can also be set on USB portable/ external drives with Truecrypt.

These programs encrypt any file very securely. The longer the password, the longer it would take to crack, typically thousands of years with any decent 20 character + password. They convert the binary codes/ characters of any file to a sequence of characters that seem completely random.

If you lose/ forget the password, you lose the data or file content....

wondershare safelock,downloaded but will not install on windows 7 64 bit

This program attempted to change my Windows security policy. Anyone know anything about that?

Thanks.

Does it encrypt and decrypt pdf files?

Thanks.

Tom

Seems like a good program. I have a minor nitpick: when you register the program, the message that comes up is "The registration is over." That's confusing verbiage. My initial thought was that the registration period had expired. How about, "The registration was successful" instead?

@#1 ashraf - I think the developer choosing not to share the algorithm with a casual user cannot possibly be bad. After all, that’s why it’s a “security” program. It makes it harder to hack. Which makes today’s “Bad” item more of the same; an example of what is categorized in writing as trivial faultfinding. Right on Renegade!

You Needn’t Surf Further For This Verdict:

One can make a case for the usefulness of any program, and today’s GOTD is no exception. Seems that more and people more these days are concerned about security and this program addresses that concern. However, that doesn’t mean that everybody has the same level of concern. Anyone making use of the internet for example knows the dangers of malware and anyone who works on a PC that other people have access to might have sensitive “data”. Whether that data is sufficiently sensitive enough to warrant taking greater measures to secure that information by purchasing a security program is an individual decision. And if a user decides they have the kind of sensitive content that could have unpleasant consequences if a unauthorized person discovers it then it might be worth checking out this days GOTD.

I think the developer choosing not to share the algorithm with a layperson cannot possibly be bad. After all, that’s why it’s a “security” program. It makes it harder to hack.

Today we have on a “Bad” list an example of what is categorized in writing as trivial faultfinding in it best form. Right on!

Also receiving the “Cannot create file \_temp_file” error. The I close the program, reopen it, and it works fine.

The interface is simple with limited options, but the price is right!

I'll compare this with TrueCrypt.

I can envision some limited, but important, use for sending documents via email. Getting the password to the remote user via a separate email isn't without risk, but international calls to pass on the password could get pricey.

Just wanted to applaud #33 PhilB for a well said comment. After some considerable reviews and research, despite my reservations on certain GOTD programs, I've not felt so confident in a long time to downloading a freeware (software) on GOTD.Thanks GOTD and keep up the great job...and for you PhilB,please stay vigilant bcuz we need good sense around...also want to say a special thank you to Ashraf for his consistency.

Thanks.
Cursor

This is quite a nice & friendly little program with the ability to allow right click folders into menu action (see Tools = add items to right click). The GUI is easy to understand and if in doubt you can always view their video which shows how to use the program - simplified. Since I see from this morning's glance some people have already commented on their findings so all I can add is that this offering can come in handy for those who need some form of security - ideal for those who share files etc or share the same computer. However, the trouble with some encryption software is that usually one has to remember a number of passwords and this in itself may lead to confusion - and on occasions complete lockout. So it pays to organise passwords - preferably outside the actual PC. Perhaps keep your codes and passwords in a couple (yes have backups) of SD cards, flash sticks or your PDA (but preferably not your PIMs - as they are easy targets for the unsavory hacker) etc - or utilise that good old ancient medium - paper.
Although the program offers the standard options in a friendly fashion for some reason it threw up a few odd quirks when it tried to decrypt a folder containing a large variety of Flash, PTP, PDF, RealDraw rdw along with some mixed flash txo and Mediator 8 files - so I uninstalled it.
Since I lost faith in what appears to be a slight lack of "wide approach" ability, I will stick with the likes of TrueCrypt.
BTW, I installed it on XP Pro Serv Pk3.
For people who run a business or office and pocess valuable info and just happen to visit this page, then I would suggest you go for a full proper pay-for professional program.
XPPro users can simply encypt their folders etc via the Start, Programs, Windows Explorer then right click the Folder's Properties -then go to General tab and select Encrypt contents to secure data.
Nonetheless, thanks to GOTD & Wondershare (who's other products such as DVD and Flash Slide Show software are IMHO excellent.)

i keep geting the error
illegal system DLL relocation

@33, PhilB: Yes, I have this kind of sensitive data on my machines, I work for several doctors and have - of course - signed some pretty harsh Non-Disclosure agreements.
About your 3), if you follow my directions you will successfully lock out any Hacker, no matter how smart or well-equipped s/he might be.
About 1) You seem to think that "average users" are actually morons who do not understand implications of security and have to be saved from secure software in favor of unsafe, proprietary software, is that correct?
Encryption is enforced by creating a barrier that only authorized people may pass. Of course it has any impact on your freedom.
If you have Sailor Moon and Teletubbies movies on your computer, you shouldn't bother with encryption at all.
By the way I'm not affiliated in any way with the makers of TrueCrypt. I'm almost sure they don't know I exist. :)

@Joe: If, for any reason, a mathematican genius manages to "break" the AES encryption algorithm cascading will add a second encryption on the data. This serves two purposes: Since encrypted data looks like random (and compressed!) data it's impossible to find out whether a decryption attempt (with a random key) succeeded without decoding the result with the second algorithm (all unencrypted hard disk partitions start with bytes "55AA" for example).

TrueCrypt has a "Benchmark" function, when creating a new container (on page "Encryption Options"). Select a buffer size of 50 MB and click start. On my computer AES-Twofish is the fastest cascading algorithm but that might depend on the CPU type installed.

Remember when people claimed, the "WEP" wireless encryption was "broke" a few years ago and everybody was told to use WPA or WPA2? This was one case where an encryption algorithm was broke. (Although it's not 100% accurate for an example)

Software installed and registered properly under Windows 7.
First time I ran the program it asked me for a password, which I entered. I tried to encrypt and hide a test folder with a couple of files in it. During this process, the program ended in an error state and was not able to recover. When I re-ran the application, it didn't ask me for my password and when I tried to locate my test folder, it just wasn't any longer visible. When I checked with IE, I could see my test folder listed as a file, with the extension .ddd. When I try to open this file with SafeLock, the program started, but this file is nowhere visible.
Too dangerous for me to use this software. Steganos Safe is much more reliable and much more user friendly, never did run into a problem with it.

To Olray,

You're right! What if they break the encryption? What if they include a mind reading code in the installation package so they don't even need to see your files? What if they can just tell you're thinking about them?

Come on, we can play "what if" all day. We need to acknowledge a few things right off the bat:

1)This program is meant to be used by your average user to protect you from your average hacker. There are so many people out there using nothing at all that unless you have something they specifically want, there's not a lot of value in spending the time to implement the hack just to steal your recipe for "Never Fail Cornbread" or the old pics of you banging your ex girlfriend that you're hiding from your wife.

2) Let's none of us suppose we're THAT important. If you're at a level where you really need to protect your data from serious hackers, then you or your employer are not scouring GAOTD for free or trial programs. You've spent serious cash to protect yourself from a serious threat.

3)If your files really ARE that sensitive, you're likely not transmitting them in a method where they're likely to be intercepted, at least not easily. And the hackers that CAN pick them up aren't going to be stopped by most programs for very long anyway.

I do agree that both parties having to have this program does present an issue. But there is never a time (in software or life) that increased security doesn't come with a price tag of losing certain freedoms.

DLL error on startup, program goes nowhere - couldn't even register it. What a drag...

#10. Are you saying that simply using AES encryption (such as with TrueCrypt) is insufficient? If so, which algorithm combination do you find is the best without losing too much speed? It also complains if I use a password (key) that's shorter than 10 characters, but does that really make any difference other than it would take less time for a brute force program to try every combination possible for a shorter one?

hi, first keep up the good work GOTD - your efforts are much appreciated

unfortunately this app will not open after a "succesful" implementation. instead it reports an error as it cannot locate a required .DLL and suggests i contact the author. seems i am alone in this but thought i would report it. i will try one of the suggested free ones.

piece of crap installed ok I went through set up and now when I enter the password it tells me its incorrect and shuts down. I try to un install it and it won't let me Now what do I do

This sofrware damaged my system (Windows 7 32bit Czech), after first reboot my system will not start.

Package looks useful, but I'm not sure what advantage it has over the free TrueCrypt (apart from the fact that TrueCrypt uses some geeky language in its interface). If anyone can explain what advantage this has, I'd be grateful.

The "portable" feature works like a charm.
Some standalone programs of this kind assume you already have some instruction in your computer thus leading to useless files when trying to open then in another PC without the file generator - which by its turn should be installed again in another machine, but this time asking for (paid) registration.
So good work, Wondershare, and thanks again, Giveawayoftheday!
^^

Hi all... tried this progam and love it, but does the person you are sending the encrypted file to need this program also to decrypt the file I sent? Any feedback would be great. A giveaway for 24 hrs is good for those that download it, but for those that miss it, will the files be rendered useless to those that get them without the program?

Oop, not to mention that there are many more features in this software, not only with password protection.

You can download and register directly from:
http://www.wondershare.com/store/giveaway-of-the-day/10-apr-28.html

nice tool to protect my computer, i'm using windows 7 ultimate and nothing error occured, thanks GOTD and wondershare for providing free and helpful tools for us.

Installed easily in Vista 32-bit (admin). Excellent programme for me since we have to share the main computer in our lab. Very easy to use, just insert password and do not select any check box if you want to use your own password.

Installed also on a USB, and beautifully worked on my laptop too! Just like a portable one, but you need to reboot after opening the programme first time. Thump up for today's GAOTD.