Folder passwords

In NT or 2000, if using NTFS, you can assign user rights to folders and files such that only certain users can access whatever you specify. So the password is not placed on the folder per se, however, in order to be able to access a given folder, auser has to be logged in as a user that you have allowed access to the folder. These security measures are also enfoced to users accessing the machine through a network.
On a 95/98 machine, you can place passwords on a share which will require network users to provide a password to access that shared folder, but anyone sitting at the local machine where the folder is has full access, unless you use a third-party solution to provide security.
I hope I answered adequately.
--Charlie

The first answer is correct. WinNT/2K are designed as multiuser OS and therefore have fine access controls that you can set. Indeed, you are REQUIRED to login to those O/S before you can do anything! Even then, the permissions mainly applies to NTFSpartitions, as the first answer mentioned. There is simply NO WAY to secure FAT volume as it wasn't designed for it.

On the other hand, WIN9X/WinME are designed as single-user systems. Neither FAT or FAT32 have a way at O/S level to check for permissions to specific objects. Indeed, you can bypass the login completely by hitting escape at the login prompt!

You CAN, however, add the capabilities to WIN9X/Me by installing additional programs. Do a search at hotfiles.com for "folder password" brought up many listings of programs, most available as demoware for you to try out. I have no idea how secure they are though.

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