Install Folder Password Expert and you have an easy way to password-protect any number of folders on your PC.

These folders can be local, on a network, or on external storage media.

Folders remain protected should the PC be rebooted into Windows Safe Mode or DOS.

To password-protect a folder, simply browse for the folder in question, enter your desired password and the folder immediately becomes locked.

A nice feature is the ability to include a password hint. Choose something sensible and it will prompt you to remember your password, without giving it away to anybody else.

The program includes a shell extension, so a file can also be locked/unlocked simply by right-clicking on it within Windows Explorer.