Best software to password protect .exe files?

[NathanBWF]

Currently using NecroCosm Password Protection System Lite which is alright, but am just wondering if anyone else uses something different/better to password protect .exe files?

 

[Nothinman]

Password protect from what?

 

[NathanBWF]

From executing.

My boss's computer runs Windows 98. When he goes out of town, he doesn't wan't people to open up his Outlook Express and read his email. I password protected the msimn.exe file so that anytime you try to open Outlook Express, the program pops up and prompts you for the password first before the program opens. If you don't have the password, you can't open the program...

 

[n0cmonkey]

He needs to upgrade.

Chances are the e-mail is still readable anyhow, sitting there unencrypted on his hard drive...

 

[NathanBWF]

Chances of an upgrade anytime soon is slim, as this computer does everything he needs it to do and we don't require Windows 2k/XP for anything. The chances of anyone else copying his .dbx files to another computer the importing them into outook are also slim, not saying that it couldn't happen but I can't see anyone going to that extent to read his emails.

Unless there is another/better way to stop them from opening OE that I can't think of at the moment...

 

[n0cmonkey]

The best way is to use an OS/filesystem with decent security options. The second best way is to take the computer with him.

 

[Nothinman]

Yea, those things are retarded and pretty simple to work around. Make sure he knows that his data is pretty much open for the taking and the current solution will only stop the most idiotic of intruders.

 

[EagleKeeper]

He can upgrade to W2K for about $100.
That will provide thesecurity that you require. Most other solutions will cost more in time that he would save

 

[xtknight]

Do people need to use the computer at all?
If not just password protect the BIOS while gone, or always?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Some other atlernatives to paying for better protection software:
a) Open the case and disconnect the 20-pin power plug from the motherboard
b) Unplug the HD IDE cable
c) Carry the computer to a locking closet or cubbard

But all of the above carry a small risk of damaging the computer, and if you're like many people here you probably never back it up.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Alternate is to put a key lock on the power switch

 

[dummy2001]

AxCrypt by Axon Data might be appropriate.

 

[NathanBWF]

Originally posted by: xtknight
Do people need to use the computer at all?
If not just password protect the BIOS while gone, or always?

Yeah, he likes to leave it on for other Sales Managers to use when he's gone so that they can use the internet as well as some other in house applications, it's just the email he's concerned with, so using a BIOS password wouldn't work.

I guess I could just upgrade it to 2k/XP and create an account for each individual Sales Manager, but I was just kinda hoping there was a free app out there that I could use instead. Meh, his computer is old anyway and probably overdue for an upgrade...

 

[nadirshakur]

Originally posted by: NathanBWF
From executing.

My boss's computer runs Windows 98. When he goes out of town, he doesn't wan't people to open up his Outlook Express and read his email. I password protected the msimn.exe file so that anytime you try to open Outlook Express, the program pops up and prompts you for the password first before the program opens. If you don't have the password, you can't open the program...

What if I get my ow msmin.exe file with me in my pocket?