Security between different computer administrators (Windows XP)

[DGR]

My computer has to go to a workshop to investigate a fault. I have added a screen name with administrator status and its own password for the use of the workshop. How sure can I be that files of other screen names (with their own different passwords) will not be reachable by anyone logged on under the added screen name?

[fo3nix]

you can't.

if you want to protect them, I suggest you encrypt the files you want kept secure (and back them up!!)

you can encrypt the files using winRAR, or any other number of free security programs.

[BillyNoMates]

As has been said - you can't. The ID you have set up with administrator rights has access to all files under all other IDs by default.

[DGR]

Many thanks each. That is what I feared. I will try encypting the sensitive files.

[fo3nix]

one secure and free tool that's easy to use:

http://www.chrislam.co.uk/sw/blowtorch10.zip

[vehelpfulguy]

You can set a folder as Hidden. The folder and files will be there but not visible.

Go into My documents, create a folder called Secret and put the files in there you want no one to see.

Right click on the folder and select Hidden. Folder will icon go "dimmed" (but only you can see that when you are logged on a you.)

Now unless anyone was REALLY looking for it they are unlikely to find it.

You can verify this by going into a "DOS" Command prompt window, navigating to the directory and typing DIR. Folder will not be seen.

Now turn the hidden option off, and now do a DIR, and folder can now be seen.

Not perfect, but fairly simple.

[stevie21]

I don't think that's one of your wiser answers, vehelpfulguy.

Even hidden files are easily found

Is someone looking to avoid doing a Gary Glitter? :o

[mattie]

As already stated, you can't, as all they would have to do is put your hard drive in another computer and take ownership of the folders stored on your drive.

If you want the data kept safe, back it up onto a dvd, for example, and delete it.